Boatman, Boatman

Cat. #1183 (MFH #682) - As sung by O.B. Campbell, Vinita, Oklahoma on August 9, 1971

VERSE 1
Boatman, boatman, tell me ture
Does my dear William sail with you
Tell me quick and give me joy
So, I can find my darling boy

VERSE 2
The honorable Miss, he is not here
Drown in th sea, I fear-r
That long rocky island, that we passed by
O, there's where we lost your darling boy

VERSE 3
Dark was th color of my true loves hair
Rosy cheeks an' lily fair
Now being out a hand, among you all
I'll have a boatman 'er none at all

VERSE 4
Go dig my grave, both long an' deep
Place a marble stone at my head an' feet
An' on my breast a turtle dove
T' show to th world that I died for love

(O.B. tells about some old time remedies.)

VARIANTS:
0107 Willie Boy
0138 Black Is the Color of My True Loves Hair
0180 Sailor Boy
0242 Black, Black Was the Color of My True Loves Hair
0363 Sailor Boy

OTHER COLLECTIONS:
Randolph: I-68 The Sailors Sweetheart
Belden: p. 186 The Sailor Boy
Brown: II-104 The Sailor Boy


Previous | Next

Browse by title | Browse by singer | Browse by catalog number

Home