Constant Farmer's Son- Irene Sargent (AR) 1963
[From: Ozark Folk Song Collection Reel 434, Item 6, 23. Collected and transcribed by Don Callaway.
R. Matteson 2016]
CONSTANT FARMER'S SON -sung by Irene Sargent West Fork, Ark. Fall 1963.
There was a wealthy merchant in London town did dwell
Somebody fair and handsome and her parents loved her well
She was courted by lords and squires but their courting was in vain
There was but one the farmer's son could gain poor Mary's heart.
He courted her for quite awhile and named the wedding day
Her parents, they consented But her brothers, they did say
She is courted by lords and squired And they can't be denied
First we'll betray and then we'll stay the constant farmer's son.
There was a fair held down in town the brothers they did go[1]
Inviting Willy's company with them he agreed to go
And on their way back home that night they swore that his race was won
They over-powered and the life they took of the constant farmer's son.
Mary on her pillow lay she dreamed an awful dream
She dreamed she saw her true love's blood go floating down the stream
Mary arose, put on her clothes and in search of her love did go
And found her true love murdered to her parents dear did go.
Oh parents dear you shall soon hear, the deed that has been done
On yonder hill so cold and still lies the constant farmer's son.
In come the brothers saying it was not I
In come the oldest saying the deed I did not do
They cursed and swore most bitterly But their cursing was in vain
The deed you've done and you shall bleed for my constant farmer's son.
1. unclear of line division here.