Pretty Polly

Cat. #0832 (MFH #429) - As sung by Sara Jo Bell, Harrison, Arkansas on August 25, 1969

VERSE 1
O Willie, dear Willie, I'm afraid of your ways
Willie, dear Willie, I'm afraid of your ways
Th way you been rambl'in
You'll lead me astray

VERSE 2
Well, he led her over mountains, dark valley so deep
He led her over mountains, dark valleys so deep
He said, pretty Polly
O why do you weep

VERSE 3
There was no time for talk'in, there's no time t' stand
There's no time for talk'in, there's no time t' stand
He held a big dagger
All in his right hand

VERSE 4
She threw 'er arms around 'im, she cried into tears
She threw 'er arms around 'im, she cried into tears
How can I be a poor girl
An' love you so dear

VERSE 5
He stabbed her thru her heart an' th blood it did flow
Stabbed her thru her heart an' th blood it did flow
While down in that big grave
Her body did go

VERSE 6
He threw a little dirt o'er her an' started on home
He threw a little dirt o'er her an' started on home
Leaving no one behind
But th wild birds to mourn

Variants