Cat. #0640 (MFH #635) - As sung by Reba Dearmore, Mountain Home, Arkansas on January 7, 1969
VERSE 1
Two little boys were going to school
Two fine little boys were they
I've oft times wish't I could go with them
Their playmate for to be
VERSE 2
On Monday morning, they would leave home
On Saturday to return
An take with them their golden locks
Their parents for to see
VERSE 3
O, Johnny can you toss th ball
Or can you fling a stone
I'am too little, I'am too young
Please brother, leave me alone
VERSE 4
Willie got out his pocket knife
He had it keen an' sharp
Among th long ribs an' th short
He pierced poor John to th heart
VERSE 5
O, Willie take off you trailing gown
An tear it from gore to gore
N' wrap it 'round my bleeding wounds
So they won't bleed any more
VERSE 6
Willie took off his trailing gown
An' tore it from gore to gore
N' wrapped it 'round John's bleeding wounds
But still they bled th more
VERSE 7
O, pick me up dear Brother, said John
N' lay me out so straight
O, pick me up dear Brother, said John
An' bury me by th gate
VERSE 8
An' when you see my Mother, dear
An' she both weep an' mourn
Tell her I've gone to a better world
Her prayer books for to learn