Now, this is the first version we have in the Digital Tradition - and I cannot vouch for the accuracy of this one. The notation (and the "Black, black, black" lyrics) are the version sung by Niles (click), but I can't figure out where the printed "Clyde" lyrics come from. The only Niles songbook I know of, is his Ballad Book, which does not contain this song.,

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BLACK IS THE COLOR OF MY TRUE LOVE'S HAIR (1)

Black is the color of my true love's hair
Her lips are like some rosy fair
The purest eyes and the neatest hands
I love the ground whereon she stands

I go to the Clyde for to mourn and weep
But satisfied I never can sleep
I'll write to you in a few short lines
I'll suffer death ten thousand times

I know my love and well she knows
I love the grass whereon she goes
If she on earth no more I see
My life will quickly fade away

A winter's past and the leaves are green
The time has past that we have seen
But still I hope the time will come
When you and I will be as one

Black is the color of my true love's hair
Her lips are like some rosy fair
The purest eyes and the neatest hands
I love the ground whereon she stands

____________
Well known arrangement by John Jacob Niles. This version is from
Cecil Sharp. Recorded by Jean Ritchie
@love

filename[ BLACKCOL
TUNE FILE: BLACKCOL
CLICK TO PLAY
DC



Note that while this notation is a reasonable transcription of the Niles melody, the lyrics are not the ones sung by Niles.