Boatman, Boatman- O.B. Campbell (OK) 1971 Hunter F
[From Max Hunter Folk Song Collection, version F; Cat. #1183 (MFH #682) . Minor corrections for spelling and punctuation plus stanza reorganization made.
Listen: https://maxhunter.missouristate.edu/songinformation.aspx?ID=1183
R. Matteson 2017]
Boatman, Boatman- As sung by O.B. Campbell, Vinita, Oklahoma on August 9, 1971
VERSE 1
Boatman, boatman, tell me true
Does my dear William sail with you
Tell me quick and give me joy
So, I can find my darling boy
VERSE 2
The honorable Miss, he is not here
Drown in the sea, I fear,
That long rocky island, that we passed by
O, there's where we lost your darling boy
VERSE 3
Dark was the color of my true loves hair
Rosy cheeks an' lily fair
Now being out a hand, among you all
I'll have a boatman or none at all
VERSE 4
Go dig my grave, both long an' deep
Place a marble stone at my head an' feet
An' on my breast a turtle dove
To show to the world that I died for love
(O.B. tells about some old time remedies.)