Little Betty Ann- Dellie Norton (NC) 1980 Yates
[From Yates: Musical Traditions MTCD 324 ('Far in the Mountains 4'). This is the first of two versions. His notes follow.
R. Matteson 2018]
Cecil Sharp collected one set of Little Betty Ann from Ellie Johnson of Hot Springs, Madison County, NC, in 1916. As Inez explained to me, the song really comprises a collection of 'floating' verses which are often used as mnemonics for fiddle-tunes. Inez Chandler's final verse is more often associated with the song Liza Jane.
7. Little Betty Ann (Roud 5720). Sung by Dellie Norton at her home in Sodom Laurel, Madison County, NC, 29.8.80.
It's fly around my pretty little miss,
Fly around I say.
Fly around my little Betty Ann,
Girl I'm a-going away.
You slighted me all last Saturday night
And all the night before.
If I live 'til next Saturday night
You'll slight me no more.
Sixteen hundred miles away from home,
The chickens are crowing for day.
Me in the bed with another man's wife,
I'd better be a-getting away.
There's an old train a-coming, love,
She's a-giving the station blow.
Said, 'Give me a hand, my little Betty Ann,
Girl I'm bound to go.'
You slighted me all last Saturday night
And all the night before.
If I live 'til next Saturday night
You'll slight me no more.