Barbra Allen- Smith (AR) 1960 Parler M
[From Ozark Collection (No. 13); Collected by Chester Lowe, Tom Harper, and Ron R. Smith. For M.C. Parler. Transcribed by Tom Harper; Reel 340, Item 10.
R. Matteson 2015]
BARBRA ALLEN - Sung by Mr. Clarence Smith of Booneville, Ark., on January 9, 1960. "I heard my father sing it a long, long time ago."
Listen: http://digitalcollections.uark.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/OzarkFolkSong/id/248/rec/14
In Scarlet Town where I was born,
There was a fair maid dwelling.
And every lad cried, "Well-a-day,"
Her name was Barbra Allen.
Twas on a morn in early May,
The green buds all were swelling.
Young William on his death-bed lay,
For the love of Barbra Allen.
He sent his servant into town
To call at Barbara's dwelling.
Said he,"My master sends for you,
If your name be Barbra Allen."
Then slowly, slowly up she rose,
And slowly she came nigh him;
And said by his form as she stood,
"My lad, I think you're dying."
He turned his face unto the wall,
For death was in his dwelling;
And said,"no better can I be,
Till I wed my Barbra Allen."
When he was gone and in his grave,
Her heart was sick with sorrow.
She cried, "Oh mother make my bed,
For I will die tomorrow."
They placed her in the old churchyard;
Young William's grave was nigh her,
And from his mound a red rose grew,
From hers a cruel briar.
The vines grew up in the old church wall,
Till they could climb no higher;
All wrapped and turned in lover's knots—
The rose around the briar.