Barbra Allen- Campbell (OK) 1971 Max Hunter I
[From the Max Hunter Collection; Cat. #1176 (MFH #38). I've made minor corrections in spelling and puctuation.
This has a different opening, the order of the verses are different- and Barbara kills herself.
R. Matteson 2015]
Barbra Allen - As sung by O.B. Campbell, Vinita, Oklahoma on August 9, 1971
http://maxhunter.missouristate.edu/songinformation.aspx?ID=1176
VERSE 1
Dark and gloomy was the town
Where three maidens made their dwelling
There was but one, I called my own
And her name was Barbra Allen.
VERSE 2
I sent my servant to her home
I sent him to her dwelling
"My Master's sick and sends for you
If your name be Barbra Allen."
VERSE 3
Slowly, slowly she got up,
And slowly went unto him
And slowly passed the curtains by
Young man, I think you're dying."
VERSE 4
"O yes, O yes, I'm very sick
An' death is near my dwelling
I never shall see my time again
Hard hearted, Barbra Allen."
VERSE 5
He turned his face unto the wall
And bursted out in tears[1]
"I never shall see my time again
O cruel, O Barbra Allen."
VERSE 6
Twas in the merry month of May
The birds were sweetly singing
Sweet William on his death bed lay
For the love of Barbra Allen.
VERSE 7
She scarce had got one mile from town
Till she heard the bells a-toning
And every sound they seemed to say
"O cruel, Barbra Allen."
VERSE 8
She turned to east, she turned to west
She saw the corpse a coming
"Lay down, lay down, this lifeless clay
An' let me gaze upon him."
VERSE 9
"O Mother, Mother make my bed
O, make it long a narrow[2]
Sweet William died for me today
And I'll die for him tomorrow[3]."
VERSE 10
Sweet William died on Saturday,
And Barbra died on Sunday;
Sweet William was buried on the Sabbath day
And Barbra was buried on Monday.
VERSE 11
Sweet William was buried in one churchyard
And Barbra was buried in another;
She killed herself, for William's grief
And it caused the death of her Mother.
1 "tearin'" would be better here.
2. sings, "narra"
3. sings, "tomorra"