Cat. #0745 (MFH #635) - As sung by Ollie Gilbert, Mountain View, Arkansas on May 26, 1969
VERSE 1
O say, brother Willie can ya catch a ball
Can you throw a stone
No, brother Johnny, I am too little
An' please, brother, leave me alone
VERSE 2
Johnny, pulled out his little knife
It was keen an' sharp
Drew it at little Wille's short ribs
An' pierced 'im thru th heart
VERSE 3
Say, brother Johnny, come pick me up
Come an' lay me straight
Say, brother Johnny, please carry me home
And bury me at th gate
VERSE 4
You see Mother, when you go home
She looks un-concerned
Tell 'er I'm gone to th old camp-ground
My prayer books for to learn