OK, here's my attempt at a transcription from Almeda Riddle's recording on Southern Journey Volume 7 (I don't have the CD booklet). -Joe Offer-
RAINBOW MID LIFE'S WILLOWS
Last night I dreamed of my true love All in my arms I held her But I awoke, she was not there Now I must live without her
Her yellow hair, like strands of gold Was streaming over my pillow Oh, she's the only one I love My rainbow mid the willow
I searched for (far?) high and I searched for low And I made some low inquiries But they all said, "No, we've seen no such We would have no such in our keeping"
But when she heard from me those words She whispered low at her window "Oh darling I'd be in your company But locks and chains doth hinder"
Now when I heard those words of hers I swore that room I would enter Or I would (prayer???) know the reason why She was locked and chained within there
Up stepped her father, stern and wise Likewise two stalwart brothers "Before you enter that locked room In your life's blood you'll wallow"
They've taken away my own true love And tears now wet my pillow Oh, she's the only one I love My rainbow mid life's willow
(from the singing of Almeda Riddle)
I transcribed what I heard, and I think I have it down quite well - Riddle sings quite clearly. I have no idea what that word is in "I would ... know the reason why." sounds like "prayer," but that doesn't make sense. as for searching, it sounds like "I searched far high and I searched far low" to me. It's a great song. -Joe Offer-