The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #84920 Message #1570170
Posted By: Roberto
25-Sep-05 - 03:42 AM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Barbary Allen #84 (Sheila Kay Adams)
Subject: Lyr Req: sheila kay adams' barbary allen #84
Please, halp with an overall check to this transcription. Thank you. R
In Scarlet town where I was born There was a fair maid dwelling Made every youth cry – Well-a-day And they called her Barb'ry Allen
It was in the month of May When all gay flowers were a-bloomin' Sweet William on his death-bed lay For the want of Barb'ry Allen
He called his servant to his bed And bad him quickly leave him To pitch (?) that fair maid to his side That fair maid Barb'ry Allen
He searched high and he searched low Till at last he drew nigh her Saying – Pretty fair maid, come far (?) with me If your name be Barb'ry Allen
Slowly, slowly she got up And slowly she drew nigh him But all she said at his bed-side Was – Young man, I think you're dyin'
Don't you recall last Saturday night When wiz (?) all at the tavern You raised a toast to the ladies all But you slighted Barb'ry Allen
Yes, I remember last Saturday night When we gathered at the tavern I gave a toast to the ladies all But my heart to Barb'ry Allen
O take it back, I'll keep it not (?) You've slighted me so sorely On Saturday night, in the tavern near I'll serve you just as poor me (?)
He turned his face all t'wards the wall A sigh did escape him That night Sweet William breathe (?) his last On the loss of Barb'ry Allen
As she was ridin' through the town She heard the death-bells tollin' And with each stroke they seemed to say: Hard-hearted Barb'ry Allen!
O mother, O mother, make up my bed Make it both long and narrow Sweet William died for me last night I'll die for him tomorrow
They found her there the very next morn As thou she sweetly sleepin' With a note that said – Farewell to all I'm finished with my grievin'
They buried William in the old graveyard And Barb'ry they laid nigh him And out'n his grave grew a blood red rose And out'n hers a briar
They grew and grew to the graveyard gate Where they could grow no higher And there they tied in a true lover's knot With the rose wrapped 'round the briar