Locks and Bolts

Cat. #0541 (MFH #369) - As sung by Harrison Burnett, Fayetteville, Arkansas on August 18, 1960

VERSE 1
I had a dream the other night
I dreamed I was with my darling
An' when I woke, I found it not so
An' I started looking for her

VERSE 2
Saying, O, that girl, that pretty little girl
She rode on th railroad, with me
Saying, O, that girl, that pretty little girl
Somebodies stole her from me

VERSE 3
An' it's every man at every hour
Are you sure she's growing lonely
Her yellow hair, like strands of gold
Hang a dingling 'round her shoulder

VERSE 4
I rode till I came to her brothers house
An' there I inquired for her
He answered me, there's none such here
An' he'd sit my heart on fire

VERSE 5
I rode till I came to her Fathers hall
An' there I inquired for her
He answered me, there's none such here
And I have a room here, for her

VERSE 6
I stood awhile all in a maze
A viewing th lonely window
Said, at length, to be in your sweet company
But there's locks and bolts to hinder

VERSE 7
I stood awhile all in a maze
A viewin' th loneli temper
My passion flew, my sword I drew
An' I swore her room I would enter

VERSE 8
Her Father sent for some other men
So swiftly they did follow
They swore before I should enter that door
In my own hearts blood they would wallow

VERSE 9
Th locks an th bolts were knocked away
An' I caused th locks for t' shatter
No sooner than I had entered that door
So swiftly I made at her

VERSE 10
Th blood was shed on every side
Till I got my love from among them
Come all young men who have sweethearts
You must fight till you've over come them

Variants