Barbry Allen

Cat. #0833 (MFH #38) - As sung by Sara Jo Bell, Harrison, Arkansas on August 25, 1969

VERSE 1
T'was in th merry month o' May
When greenbuds all were swell'in
Sweet William, on his death bed lay
For love of Barbry Allen

VERSE 2
He sent his servant to th town
To th place where she was a dwell'in
Sayin, my master's sick and he sends for you
If your name be Barbry Allen

VERSE 3
Slowly, slowly, she got up
An' slowly she drew nigh him
And the only words to him did say,
Young man I think you're dying

VERSE 4
He turned his face unto th wall
An' death was in him well'in
Goodbye, goodbye, to my friends all
Be good to Barbry Allen

VERSE 5
Mother, O Mother go dig my grave
Make it both long an' narrow
Sweet William, died for love of me
And I shall die tomorrow

Variants