Edward- George Dunn (Staffordshire) no date c. 1930
[George Dunn's version was covered by Chris Coe, A Wiser Fool, Backshift Music, BASH CD51, 2001. I'm not sure of the date and until I get more information I've listed it as c. 1930. George Dunn (1887-1975) was born in the Black Country village of Quarry Bank, then in Staffordshire, some eight miles west of Birmingham, and spent most of his long life there. Both his grandfather, Benjamin, and his father, Sampson (1858-1932) worked in the iron trade, as did George himself, who retired at the age of 72 after 59 years, mainly as a chainmaker.]
Edward- George Dunn (Staffordshire) no date c. 1930 (lyrics from Digital Tradition) George Dunn's recording is on Musical Traditions MTCD 317-8.
What did you kill your own dear brother for?
My boy, come tell it unto me
For killing three little *pretty birds
That flew from tree to tree
What will you do with your houses and your land?
My boy, come tell it unto me
I'll leave them all to my sister dear
For they're no more use to me
What will you leave your dear little brother now?
My boy, come tell it unto me
I'll leave him a rope to hang himself
From yonder high high tree
What will you do when your father comes home?
My boy, come tell it unto me
I'll place my foot on board a ship
And sail to Amerikee
When shall I see your dear dear face again?
My boy, come tell it unto me
Never till the sun sets on yonder high tree
And that will never never be
*I've changed the transcription found in the Mudcat DT here. The line is also found in Sheffield balladier George White's 'What is that Blood?':
'Because he's killed those three pretty birds
That fly from tree to tree,.