Cat. #0689 (MFH #180) - As sung by Fred Smith, Bentonville, Arkansas on February 24, 1969
VERSE 1
Th wedding bells were ringing
On a dark an' stormy night
Th church was decorated
All inside was warm an' bright
A Mother an' her baby came
An' saw the lights aglow
She thought of how those same bells chimed
Fer her three years ago
VERSE 2
I'd like t' be admitted, sir
She asked th sexton o'er
Just for th sake of baby
To protect him from th cold
He answered, that th wedding feast
Was for th rich an' grand
An' with an eager watching crown
Out-side she'd have to stand
VERSE 3
Again she asked th sexton o'er
If she might step inside
For babies sake you may come in
Th gray haired man replied
If anyone has reason why
This couple should not wed
Speak now or hold your peace for 'ere,
Just when th preacher said
VERSE 4
I must object, th lady said
With voice so meek an' mild
Th bridegrooom is my husband
And this our little child
What proof have you, th preacher said,
My infant, she replied
She took th babe an' knelt t' pray
But th little one had died
VERSE 5
Th parents of th bride then took
The outcast by the arm
Saying, we'll care for you thru life
You've saved our child from harm
Th parents, bride an' outcast wife
Then quickly rode away
Th bridegroom died by his own hand
Before th break of day
VERSE 6
No wedding feast was held that night
Two graves were dug next day
One for th little baby
An' the other th Father lay
This story has been oft' times tole
By fireside warm an' bright
Of th bride an' groom, an' outcast wife
On that fatal wedding night
VERSE 7
While th wedding bells were ringing
While th bride and groom were there
Marching down th aisle together
While the organ peeled an air
Telling tales of fond affection
Vowing never more t' part
Just another fatal wedding
Just another broken heart