Hangsman- Lam (VA) 1935 Wilkinson A
[From: Wilkinson MSS., 1935-36, p. 76. Bronson 43. Wilkinson collected at least two versions. He worked with Kyle Davis, Jr. creating music transcriptions for the Virginia Folklore Society.
R. Matteson 2015]
A. [Hangsman] The Maid Freed from the Gallows - Sung by Z. B.Lam, Standardsville, Va., November 3, 1935.
a l/Ly (VII in variant b)
1. Hangsman, hangsman, hold your rope,
And hold it for a while
I think I hear my father a-coming,
A-many and a-many a mile.
2. Father, father, have you gold?
Gold will set me free.
Or have you come to see me hung,
Beneath this willow tree?
3. I have no gold, I have no gold,
If gold will set you free.
But I have come to see you hung,
Bencath this willow tree.
4. Mother, mother, have you gold,
Gold will set me free.
Or have you come to see me hung,
Beneath this willow tree?
5. I have no gold, I have no gold,
If gold will set you free.
But I have come to see you hung,
Beneath this willow tree.
6. Brother, brother, have you gold?
Gold will set me free.
Or have you come to see me hung,
Beneath this willow tree?
7. I have no gold, I have no gold,
If gold will set you free.
But I have come to see you hung,
Beneath this willow tree.
8. Sister, sister, have you gold?
Gold will set me free.
Or have you come to see me hung,
Beneath this willow tree?
9. I have no gold, I have no gold,
If gold will set you free.
But I have come to see you hung,
Beneath this willow tree.
10. True love, true love, have you gold?
Gold will set me free.
Or have you come to see me hung,
Beneath this willow tree?
11. I have the gold, I have the gold,
If gold will set you free.
And I've not come to see you hung,
Beneath this willow tree.