Several old-time recordings have been mentioned - Kazee, Ashley, Ashley and Foster, Carter Family - but no mention so far of the fine early recording by B.F. Shelton under the title 'Oh Molly Dear'. It was recorded at the legendary 1927 Bristol Sessions. This version is related to the 'Drowsy Sleeper'/'Katie Dear'/'Who's That Knocking On My Window' family.OH MOLLY DEAR
(Traditional)
Oh once I lived in old Virginny
To North Carolina I did go
There I saw a nice young lady
Oh her name I did not know
Her hair was black and her eyes was sparkling
On her cheeks were diamonds red
And on her breast she wore a lily
To mourn (?) the tears that I have shed
Oh when I'm asleep I dream about her
When I'm awake I see no rest
Every moment seems like an hour
Oh the pains that cross my breast
Oh Molly dear, go ask your mother
If you my bride can ever be
If she says no, come back and tell me
And never more will I trouble thee
Last night as I laid on my pillow
Last night as I laid on my bed
Last night as I laid on my pillow
I dreamed that fair, young lady was dead
No, I won't go ask my mother
She's lying on her bed of rest
And in one hand she holds a dagger
To kill the man that I love best
Now, go and leave me if you want to
Then from me you will be free
For in your heart you love another
And in my grave I'd rather be
Source: transcription of B.F. Shelton 'Oh Molly Dear' recorded on 29 July 1927 in Bristol, Tennessee. Issued as Victor 4017, September 1929. Reissued on Various Artists 'The Bristol Sessions' Country Music Foundation CMF 011-D (2-CD set).
Other old-time recordings under various titles included:Karl & Harty 'Darling, Think What You've Done' 1936
Roy Acuff & His Crazy Tennesseans 'New Greenback Dollar' 1936
Blue Sky Boys 'What Have You Done' 1937
J.H. Howell's Carolina Hillbillies 'My Sweetheart's Gone and Left Me' 1938
Jack (Hilliard) & Leslie (Palmer) 'Darling Think of What You've Done' 1938
Morris Brothers 'Darling, Think of What You've Done' 1939
[Info from Meade, Spottswood, Meade biblio-discography]--Stewie.