I Wish, I Wish- Dillard Chandler (NC) 1965 REC
[From: Dark Holler: Old Love Songs and Ballads; SFW40159_126; field recording made in 1965 by John Cohen. Also on High Atmosphere (Rounder CD 0028)- their notes follow.
This is a rare version of "I Wish, I Wish,"
R. Matteson 2017]
An English version of this short, fragmentary song can be found in The Penguin Book of English Folksongs, edited by Ralph Vaughn Williams and A.L. Lloyd. It appears to be related to the Sharp (EFSA 199) version of "Every Night When the Sun Goes In" which was made popular by the Weavers. Dillard always brings an empty sense of sadness to his singing, revealing more of himself than most ballad singers usually do. Dillard has released several records on Folkways.
I WISH MY BABY WAS BORN- Sung by Dillard Chandler at Andy Cove, N.C., 1965
1. I wish, I wish, my baby was born
And setting on his papa's knee,
And me poor girl were dead and gone
And the green grass growing over my grave,
2. That ain't not hit, ner never shall be
Till the sweet apple grows on the sour apple tree
But still I hope the time will come,
When you and I shall be as one.
1. (Translation) That ain't it, nor ever shall be,