Billy Boy- Franklin (NC) 1931 Henry
[From Folk Songs from the Southern Highlands by Mellinger Henry 1938; version A, p. 383-84, with music. Bronson No. 11.
R. Matteson 2014]
Billy Boy- Sung by Mrs. C. L. Franklin; Crossnore, NC 1931
1. Oh, where have you been, Billy Boy, Billy Boy?
Oh; where have you been, charming Billy?
I've been to see my wife; she's the joy of my life;
But the young thing can't leave her mammy.
2. How old is she, Billy Boy, Billy Boy?
How old is she, charming Billy?
Six, seven, twice forty-five-eleven;
But the young thing can't leave her mammy.
3. Does she bid you come in, Billy Boy, Billy Boy?
Does she bid you come in, charming Billy?
She bids me come in with a dimple in her chin;
But the young thing can't leave her mammy.
4. Can she bake a cherry pie, Billy Boy, Billy Boy?
Can she bake a cherry pie, charming Billy?
She can bake a cherry pie in the twinkle of her eye;
But the young thing can't leave her mammy.
5. Can she hoe? Can she plow, Billy Boy, Billy Boy?
Can she hoe? Can she plow, charming Billy?
She can hoe; she can plow; she can milk a muley cow;
But the young thing can't leave her mammy.
6. Can she whistle? Can she sing, Billy Boy, Billy Boy?
Can she whistle? Can she sing, charming Billy?
She can whistle; she can sing; she can do most anything;
But the young thing can't leave her mammy.