Young Emma

Cat. #0534 (MFH #144) - As sung by Mr. William Edens, Mont Ne, Arkansas on August 17, 1960

VERSE 1
It is seven long years has passed an' gone
Since Edward, he left home
He came into Miss Emmas room
His gold all for to show
That he gained upon th main
That he gained upon th main
Down in th lowlands low

VERSE 2
Young Edward set smokin'
Till time to go to bed
Not thinking of th sorrow
Not thinking of th sad road
Th things that ? his head

VERSE 3
Young Edward went to his bed room
Had scarceli fell asleep
When Emmas cruel ole parents
When Emmas cruel ole parents
Into his room did creep

VERSE 4
They stabbed him
They robbed him of his gold
That he gained upon th main
That 'e gained upon th main
Down in th lowland low

VERSE 5
Young Emma lie sleeping
She dream't a dreadful dream
She dreamed 'er love was murdered
She dreamed 'er lover was murdered
Th blood appeared in streams

VERSE 6
Young Emmi rose early
Unto his room did go
Because she loved 'im dearly
Because she loved 'im dearly
Who plowed th lowlands low

VERSE 7
O, Father O, Father
Where does th youth come here have to lie
He's dead an' gone, no tongue can tell
He's dead an' gone, no tongue can tell
Her Father did reply

VERSE 8
O, Father O, Father
You'll die a public show
For murderin' my poor Edward
For murderin' my poor Edward
Who plowed th lowlands low

VERSE 9
O, Mother, dear Mother
Where does th youth come here have t' die
He's dead an' gone, no tongue can tell
He's dead an gone, no tongue can tell
Her Mother did reply

VERSE 10
O, Mother O, Mother
You'll die a public show
For murderin' my poor Edward
For murderin' my poor Edward
Who plowed th lowland low

Variants