Black Jack Davey- W. Jones (AR) 1958 Hunter A
[My letter designation, Hunter A. From the Max Hunter Folk Song Collection; Cat. #0136 (MFH #39). Minor editing has been done to the transcription- the recording may be heard online.
Listen: http://maxhunter.missouristate.edu/songinformation.aspx?ID=0136
R. Matteson 2015]
Black Jack Davey - As sung by Mr. Wise Jones, Fayettville, Arkansas on June 21, 1958. Jones was a student at the University of Arkansas.
VERSE 1
Black Jack Davey came a ridin' through the woods
Singing his song so gaily,
Sang so loud he made the wildwood ring
He charmed the heart of lady,
He charmed the heart of lady
VERSE 2
Well, he said, pretty miss will you marry me
Will you be my baby
Swear by the sword that hangs by my side
You'll never want for money,
Never want for money.
VERSE 3
Well, the old man came home late that night
Inquirin' of his lady;
Servant spoke before he thought
She's gone with Black Jack Davey
Gone with Black Jack Davey
VERSE 4
Then go saddle me up my milk white horse
Saddle him slow and easy
I'll ride all night to the broad daylight
And overtake my lady
Overtake my lady
VERSE 5
Well, he rode all night to the broad daylight
Till he reached the water
There he looked upon the other side
And there he spied his darlin'
There he spied his darlin'.
VERSE 6
Will you forsake your house an home
Will you forsake your baby?
Will you forsake the one you love
To go with Black Jack Davey
To go with Black Jack Davey?
VERSE 7
O, yes I'll forsake my house and home
Yes I'll forsake my baby
Yes I'll forsake the one I love
To go with Black Jack Davey
To go with Black Jack Davey