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."