Barbara Allan- (MA) c.1860 Sheet Music- Macfarren
[Source: Lester S. Levy Sheet Music Collection] http://levysheetmusic.mse.jhu.edu/levy-cgi/display.cgi?id=118.011.001;pages=4;range=0-3
R. Matteson 2012]
Barbara Allen- Arranged by G. A. Macfarren (circa 1860s)
1. In Scarlett towne, where I was borne,
There was a faire maid dwellin',
Made ev'ry youth crye Well-a-waye,
Her name was Barb'ra Allen.
2. All in the merrye month of May,
When greenbuds they were swellin',
Young Jemmye Grove on his death bed lay,
For love of Barb'ra Allen.
3. He sent his man unto her then,
To the town where shee was dwellin';
You must come to my master deare,
Giff your name be Barb'ra Allen.
4. For death is printed on his face,
And ore his his harte is stealin';
Then haste away to comfort him
O lovely Barb'ra Allen.
5. Tho' death be printed on his face,
And ore his harte is stealing,
Yet little better shall he bee
For a bonny Barb'ra Allen.
6. So slowly, slowly, she came up,
And slowly she came nye him;
And all she say'd when there she came,
Young man, I think y'are dying.
7. He turn'd his face unto her strait,
With deadly sorrow sighing;
O lovely maid, come pity mee,
I'me on my deathbed lying.
8. If on your deathbed you doe lye,
What mreds the tale you're telling;
I cannot keep you from your death;
Farewell said Barb'ra Allen.
9. He turned his face unto the wall
As deadlye pangs he fell in;
Adieu, adieu, adieu to all,
Adiew to Barbara Allen.
10. As she was walking oer the fields
She heard the bell a knellin';
And every stroke did seem to saye,
Unworthy Barbara Allen.
11. She turned her bodye round about
And spied the corps a coming;
Laye down, laye down the corps she sayd,
That I may look upon him.
12. With scornful eye she looked downe
Her cheeks with laughter swelling;
Whilst all her friends cried out amaine,
Unworthy Barbary Allen.
13. When he was dead, and laid in grave,
Her harte was struck with sorrow,
O mother, mother, make my bed,
For I shall dye tomorrowe.
14. Hard-harted creature him to slight,
Who loved me so dearlye;
O that I had been more kind to him
When he was alive and neare me.
15. She, on her death bed as she laye,
Beg'd to be buried by him;
And sore repented of the daye,
That she did ore denye him!
16. Farewell, she sayd, ye virgins all,
And sheu that fault I fell in;
Henceforth take warning by the fall
Of cruel Barbara Allen.