Cat. #0748 (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 to 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
Johnny pulled off his little shirt
Tore it from gore to gore
Try'n t' wrap up Willie's wounds
Still they bleed th more
VERSE 4
O, brother Johnny, come pick me up
Lay me out straight
Please, brother Johnny, carry me home
And bury me at th gate
VERSE 5
You see Mother when you go home
She looks un-concerned
Tell 'er, I'm gone to th ole camp-ground
My prayer books for to learn