Barbara Allen- Boyd (NC) 1932 Lunsford F
[My designation: version F (there are 7 versions in this collection; one version by Beatrice Dorsey was obviously copied from print and will not be included). From the Southern Appalachian Archives, Liston B. Ramsey Center for Regional Studies, Mars Hill University; Bascom Lamar Lunsford Collection, Box 69, Folder B.
Probably from the School Collection taken from students at local schools from c. 1925-1935. Minor editing for spelling, capitalization and punctuation.
R. Matteson 2015]
"Barbara Allen" written by Annis Boyd 4-25-1932
1. In Scarlot town where I was born
there was a fair maid dwelling "
and every youth cried well away
and her name was Barbara Allen.
2. All in the merry months of May
when green buds were a swelling
Young Willie on his death bed lay
for the love of Barbara Allen.
3. He sent his man unto her then
to the town where she did dwell in
saying you ride to my master
if your name be Barbara Allen.
4. For death is printed on his face
and over his heart is stealing
oh! haste away and comfort him
oh! you lonly Barbara Allen
5. Slowly, Slowly she rose up
and slowly she came nigh him
and all she said when there she came,
"Young man I think your dying."
6. Recollect, Recollect, Recollect young man "
when I boarded at your Tavern
you dranked and walked with the ladies around
and you slighted Barbara Allen
7. Oh yes, oh yes, oh yes, oh yes,
when you boarded at my Tavern
I made my health to the ladies around
and my love to Barbara Allen
8. He turned his face unto her then
with deadly sorrow sighing
saying come pretty maid and pitty me
for I'm on my death bead lying
9. If your on your death bed lie
what need the tale your telling
no better will you ever be
for your bonnie Barbara Allen.
10. As she was cursing over the field
she heard the death bell kneeling
and ever stroke did seem to say
unworthy Barbara Allen.
11. she turned her body around
and then she spied the corpse a coming --
lay down boy down the man she said
and let me gaze upon him
12. With a sorrowful eye she looked down
then her cheeks with laughter swelling
while her neighbor cried all around
unworthy Barbara Allen.
13. When he was dead and in his grave
she was stricken down with sorrow
Mother, Mother, make my bed
for I shall die tomorrow.
14. Mother Mother go dig my grave
and dig it both long and narrow --
Young Willie has died for me --
today I'll die for him tomorrow
15. When she was on her death bed lay
she begged to be burried by him
sorrowfuly repented of the day
she ever did deny him
16. Farewell she said ye virgins all
and shun the fate I fell in
hence forth take warning by the fate
of cruel Barbara Allen.
17. Young Willie was burried in one church yard
and Barbara in another
and out of her grave sprung a rose
and out of his sprung a brier
18. They grew and grew unto the church top
until they could grow no higher
they locked and tied in a true love knot
the rose and the Brier