William Hall

Cat. #0098 (MFH #680) - As sung by Mrs. Lucy "Pat" Edstorm, Eureka Springs, Arkansas on May 1, 1958

VERSE 1
There was a fair and handsome lady
Who, in London town did dwell
She courted a fair an' handsome soldier
Who had lately crossed th sea

VERSE 2
Cold drops of rain fell just as it happened
Two true lovers chanced to meet

VERSE 3
Good morning, good morning, my pretty fair maiden
And don't you think you could fancy me
O no, my love lies over the ocean
For he's lately crossed th sea

VERSE 4
O, describe him, pray describe him
O, describe him unto me
Maybe I saw him and I knew him
For I've lately come from sea

VERSE 5
He was tall and he was handsome
He was slender an' very small
He had dark hair an' he wore it curly
O, those pretty blue eyes of all

VERSE 6
O yes, I saw him and I knew him
And his name was William Hall
I saw a French cannonball shot thru him
And to death he then did fall

VERSE 7
O, th screams and th cries from this young lady
Was then heard all over th town
Saying, if Willie is dead an' not a living
O, my God, I'll surely die

VERSE 8
Cheer up, cheer up, my pretty fair lady
And don't you weep any more for me
Now to convince you of my story
Here's th ring that you gave me

VERSE 9
O, they clapsed their hands and their hearts together
And off to th preacher they did go
And soon this couple was lawfully wedded
Whe'r their parents were willing or no

Variants