Betsy From Pike

Cat. #0661 (MFH #593) - As sung by Fred Smih, Bentonville, Arkansas on July 29, 1968

VERSE 1
O, don't you remember sweet Bestsy from Pike
Cross't th big mountain with her love Ike
With two yoke of cattle an' one spotted hog
Big Shanghi rooster, an' an ole yeller dog
Sing, turra-li-urra-li-urra-li-ay

VERSE 2
That evening quite early they camped near th Platte
Close by th road in a green shady flat
There Betsy quite tired laid down to repose
While in wonder Ike gazed on his Pike County rose
Sing, turra-li-urra-li-urra-li-ay

VERSE 3
Wile crossing th desert poor Betsy gave out
Down in th sand she was rollin about
Ole Ike looked on with th greatest surprise
Saying, get up my dear you'll get sand in your eyes
Sing, turra-li-urra-li-urra-li-ay

VERSE 4
Poor Betsy got up with a great deal of pain
She swore she'd go back to Pike County again
Ole Ike heaved a sigh as they fondly embraced
An' they traveled right on with his arm 'round her waist
Sing, turra-li-urra-li-urra-li-ay

Variants