Courting Song- Grace Hicks (AL) 1947 Arnold
[From Arnold, reprinted by Halli, "An Alabama Songbook" (2004) pp.130. Halli's notes follow,
R. Matteson 2017]
In this short version of the song often called "The Quaker's Courtship," the man who perceives wooing as a duty rather than a delight is flatly rejected by the woman who wants more spirit than sobriety in her beau. In longer versions the man and woman
usually alternate stanzas.
Courting Song-- Sung by Mrs. Grace Hicks of Ezell, Birmingham June 26, 1947.
He: My father sent me here a-courtin'
Oh, oh, oh,
Oh when I come it's not for sporting.
Oh, oh, oh.
You are tall and you are slender,
Oh, oh, oh
And I know your heart is tender,
Oh, oh, oh.
I've got a ring cost twenty shillings,
Oh, oh, oh
And you may have it if you are willing,
Oh, oh, oh.
She: I don't want your rings or your money
I don't want your house and land.
I want a man that will call me honey
And I'll get him if I can."