Dicho- the Ralph Stanley lyrics I posted were from "The Bluegrass Fakebook," by Bert Casey. Ralph Stanley-"Long Journey Home." However, I had the same lyrics from the Carter Family from somewhere on the web. I wondered if Stanley got them the Carter's, maybe another version. Does anyone know? Here they are again:

1. I was born in East Virginia
North Carolina I did go
There I met a fair, young maiden
And her name, I did not know

2. Oh her hair was dark and curly
Cheeks were roses red
Oh, her breast she wore white lilies
Where I long to lay my head

3. I don't want your greenback dollar
I don't want your watch and chain
All I want is your heart, darling
Say you'll take me back again

4. The oceans deep and I can't wade in
And I have no wings to fly
I'll just get me a blue eyed boatman
Or you'll row me over the tide

5. I'll go back to East Virginia
North Carolina ain't my home
I'll go back to East Virginia
Leave them North Carolinians alone. (From Bert Casey)

Sharp has Silver Dagger (No. 165) separate from No. 167 "In Old Virginny" the B version is similar to the version I sing but the words are different. Both start setting the stage for the coming tragedy, Draw nigh young men, and pay attention, To these few lines, I'm going to write."

I haven't had time to go to the library but I'd like to find how old "Drowsy Sleeper" (Arise, Arise) is in England. I'll post Sharp- Version D of "Old Virginny" later this weekend when I get time.

Richie

HTML line breaks added. --JoeClone, 9-Apr-03.