The White River Shore

Cat. #0296 (MFH #539) - As sung by Mr. C. W. Ingenthron, Walnut Shade, Missouri on November 19, 1958

VERSE 1
At th foot of yondos mountain, where fountain do flow
Th valley was covered all over with snow
I courted a fair damsel fer six months or more
And I gained her affections on th White River shore

VERSE 2
And when her cruel ole Father came this for to know
He swore he would send me to th regions below
He gathered up an army of twenty men or more
For to fight for his daughter, on th White River shore

VERSE 3
Let's retreat, says th lady, for fear we be slain
O no, says the bold soldier, I see it's all in vain
He drew his sword and pistol and hung them by his side
He swore he would get married, at what might be tried

VERSE 4
Th first one he came to, he pierced him thru the main
Th next one he came to, he pierced him just th same
Out'a twenty, he killed seven and wounded six more
And he gained his dear darling on th White River shore

VERSE 5
Let's retreat, says the ole man, for fear we be slain
To fight a gallant soldier boy, I see it's all in vain
Come hold your hand, bold soldier, th portion is to small
Come hold your hand, bold soldier, and you may have it all

Variants