Devilish Mary

Cat. #0267 (MFH #142) - As sung by Mrs. Roxie Phillips, Berryville, Arkansas on November 4, 1958

VERSE 1
As I went down to New Orleans
I did'nt have long to tarry
But I fell in love with a pretty little girl
They called her, devilish Mary

CHORUS:
All th boys in that old town
Called her, devilish Mary
All th boys in that old town
Called her, devilish Mary

VERSE 2
She an' I jest went to courtin'
And we courted while I tarried
In th course of two or three weeks
She and I were married

VERSE 3
Then one day, I said to her,
That she'd better wash th dishes
She jumped in th yard and popped her fist
And swore, she'd wear th britches

VERSE 4
Then one day, I said to her,
Better if we were parted
N' by the time I spoke th words
She got her duds and started

VERSE 5
If ever I marry again in this world
Won't be for love or riches
I'll marry some little duck-legged girl
That cain't wear my britches

Variants