Another great Mudcat thread. Thanks.

The first version I remember hearing of this song was recorded by The Stanley Brothers. They sang it as:

     Meet me by the moonlight oh meet me
     Meet me by the moonlight alone
     I have a sad story to tell you
     All down by the moonlight alone

I have a ship on the ocean
All covered with silver and gold
And before my darling suffered
I'd have the ship anchored and sold

I've always loved you my darling
You say I've never been true
I'd do anything just to please you
I'd die any day just for you

If I had the wings like an angel
Over these prison walls I would fly
I'd fly to the arms of my darling
And there I'd be willing to die

      - Mark