Watercrest

Cat. #0172 (MFH #686) - As sung by Mr. Fred Smith, Bentonville, Arkansas on June 23, 1958

VERSE 1
T'was on the first of April
When I arrived in town
And being quite a stranger
I wandered up and down
Till I lost myself entirely
I cannot tell you where
T'was on a very quite street
In a corner of a square
When a neatly dressed young lady
Come walking down that way
And as long as I can remember
I shall ne'r forget th day
For she promised for to marry me
T'was on th first of May
And she left me with a bunch of watercrest's

VERSE 2
I walked with her, I talked with her
Something sweet I had to say
I want to go to Connersville
Can you direct th way
O yes sir, O yes sir
She speedly replied,
Just take a turn unto th left
Go down th other side
And th voice it was th sweetest
That ever I did hear
Her hands were like lilies
So very white and clear
She had a quart of early onions
A half-a-pint of beer
Some pickles and bunch of watercrest's

VERSE 3
I walked with her, I talked with her
I laughed at her, I walked by her side
Says I, my pretty fair maid
How'd you like to be a bride
I've a farm of forty acres
Of horses, cows and geese
And besides I have a dairy filled
With butter, eggs and cheese
And if you will only go with me
And a mistress be of all
We'll love and live among th watercrest's

VERSE 4
A wedding dress I'll have to have
And some small bills to pay
So, I handed her a soverign
Her expenses to defray
And she promised for to marry me
T'was on th first of May
And she left me with a bunch of watercrest's

VERSE 5
One day a letter I received
I read it with surprise,
Kind sir, for disappointing you
I must apoligize
For I have a husband, of my own
His name is Willie Tray
And when I can afford it
That soverign I will pay
But to think that I would marry you
Upon th first of May
You must think that I'm as green as watercrest's