The liner notes for this album [PDF] identify it as Van Ronk's composition.


IF YOU LEAVE ME PRETTY MOMMA
As recorded by Dave Van Ronk on "Dave Van Ronk Sings Ballads, Blues and a Spiritual" (1959)

Well, if you leave me, pretty mama, better not treat me right.
Well, I'll just have to forget you after tomorrow night.

Well, if you leave me, pretty mama, well, better take your picture, too.
Well, I don't want to remember what a good-lookin' gal can do.

Well, don't write me no letter; well, don't send me no post card.
Well, readin' 'bout you, baby, gonna make it twice as hard.

If you leave me, pretty mama, better not treat me right.
Well, I'll just have to forget you after tomorrow night.

Well, I'm sittin' on the Southern watchin' the trees go by.
[If] my baby ain't at the depot, I'm gonna lay down and cry.

If you leave me, pretty mama, well, you better not treat me right.
Well, I'll just have to forget you after tomorrow night.