Hi,

I'll post a couple versions from the US first. Sharp A is from Jane Hicks Gentry who learned this from her mother, Emoline (Emily) Harmon, who was Council Harmon's daughter. When his father Andrew was killed by a tree, the eight-year-old Council (born early 1800s) lived briefly with Big Sammy Hicks and his son in Watauga County, NC. I believe that Big Sammy was one of Council's main sources. Big Sammy's daughter Sabra was Council's mother.

[Polly Bam] Sharp A (No. 50, Shooting of His Dear) Sung by Mrs. JANE GENTRY at Hot Springs, N. C, Aug. 25, 1916.

1. Jimmy Dannels[1] went a hunting
Between sun set and dark.
Her white apron over her shoulder,
He took her for a swan.

2 He throwed down his gun
And to her he run.
He hugged her, he kissed her
Till he found she was dead.

3 Then dropping her down
To his uncle he run.
Good woe and good lasses[2],
I've killed poor Polly Bam.

4 O uncle, O uncle, what shall I do?
For woe and good lasses,
I've killed poor Polly Bam.
Her white apron over her shoulder.
But woe and good lasses[2],
It was poor Polly Bam.

5 Stay in your own country
And don't run away.

6 The day before trial
The ladies all appeared in a row.
Polly Bam 'peared among them
Like a fountain of snow[3].

7 Don't hang Jimmy Dannels,
For he's not to blame.
My white apron over my shoulder
He took me for a swan;
But woe and good lasses[2],
It was me, poor Polly Bam.

1. for "Daniels"
2. derived from "But oh and alas"
3. she is a ghost at this point- see also "snow" reference in Sam Henry's Songs of the People: "Molly Bawn Lowry." The snow reference is to: her ghost; her in swan form; or simply that she shines (is more beautiful) among them like a "fountain of snow."