The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #128541   Message #2879576
Posted By: Goose Gander
04-Apr-10 - 05:13 PM
Thread Name: Three Butchers: WHY the naked woman?
Subject: RE: Three Butchers: WHY the naked woman?
DIXON SAID TO JOHNSON

As sung by Nimrod Workman, Chattaroy, WV, 3-1-76, recorded by Mark Wilson and Ken Irwin.

Dixon said to Johnson upon one holiday,
"Let's ride around the mountain to pass the time away."
Old Johnson being willing as they sat down to rest
They spied a naked woman a-sitting by herself.

"Oh, woman, foolish woman, what are you doing there?"
"The robbers they have robbed me; they've left me here to die"
Old Johnson being willing, a willing man in mind
He threw his greatcoat around her and took her on behind.

They rode on a few miles further as they sat down to rest
She drew a bloody dagger; she plunged it through his chest
"Woman, foolish woman, see what that you've done done
You've killed the bravest soldier that ever fired a gun."

"I know I've killed many a man; I've killed them all my life
I know I've killed a many a one; I am that robber's wife."

Source:
Folk-Songs of the Upper South vol. 2 (Musical Traditions MTCD343-4)