Cat. #0242 (MFH #682) - As sung by May Kennedy McCord, Springfield, Missouri on September 23, 1958
VERSE 1
Black, black, was th color of my true loves hair
His face was like some lily fair
If ever he returns, he will bring me joy
For none can I love, but my sweet sailor boy
VERSE 2
O Father, O Father, go build me a boat
That I may on the ocean float
And I cry to th ships, as they pass me by
O say, have your seen my sweet sailor boy
VERSE 3
He build her a boat on th deep, deep main
And she spied three ships, coming out from Spain
And she cried to th captains, as they passed by
O say, have you seen my sweet sailor boy
VERSE 4
Black, black, was th color of my true loves hair
His face was like some lily fair
If ever he returns, he will bring me joy
For none can I love, but my sweet sailor boy
VERSE 5
Then th captain answered, that never can be
For your lover was drowned in th deep Gulf Sea
Near by Rock Isle, as we passed by
It was there that we lost your sweet sailor boy
VERSE 6
She stoved her vessel into th rocks
And we knew that this ladies heart was broke
She wrung her hands and tore her hair
Just like someone in deep despair
VERSE 7
Black, black, was th color of my true loves hair
His face was like some lily fair
If ever he returns, he will bring me joy
For none can I love, but my sweet sailor boy
VERSE 8
Go dig me a grave, both wide and deep
Place a marble stone at my head an' feet
And on my breast, place a snow white dove
To show to th world, that I died for love
VERSE 9
Black, black, was th color of my true loves hair
His face was like some lily fair
If ever he returns, he will bring me joy
For none can I love, but my sweet sailor boy