London's Bridge- Russell (VA) Davis 1932
[From Arthur Kyle Davis, More Ballads, 1960. See the other transcription by Bronson from Russell's 1936 recording, plus an edited version: As I walked out to London Bridge- Russell (VA) 1936.
This is similar to the Pine Mountain Settlement school/Niles version.
R. Matteson 2013, 2016]
London's Bridge- Russell (VA) 1932 REC; Sung by S. F. Russell. Marion, Va.
1. As I walked over London's bridge
So early in the morning.
I overheard some fair one say
"Lord, spare me the life of Georgie."[1]
I overheard some fair one say
"Lord spare me the life of Georgie."
2. "Go bridle and saddle my milk-white steed
Go saddle and bridle him neatly.
I'll ride away to the lone castle fair,
A-pleading for the life of Georgie.
I'll ride away to the lone castle fair
A-pleading for the life of Georgie."
3. She rode all day and she rode all night
Till she came wet and weary
A-combing back her long yellow locks
A-pleading for the life of Georgie.
A-combing back her long yellow locks
A-pleading for the life of Georgie.
And out her pocket drew a purse of gold,
The like I never saw any,
Saying, "Lawyers, Lawyers come fee yourselves
And spare me the life of Georgie."
Saying, "Lawyers, Lawyers come fee yourselves
And spare me the life of Georgie."
Georgie was a-standing by,
Saying, "I never killed anybody,
But I stole sixteen of the King's white steeds
And sold them in Goannie.
But I stole sixteen of the King's white steeds
And sold them in Goannie."
The oldest lawyer at the bar,
Saying, "George, I'm sorry for you,
That your own confession has condemned you to die
May the Lord have mercy upon you.
That your own confession has condemned you to die
May the Lord have mercy upon you."
As George was walking up through the streets,
He bid farewell to many,
He bid farewell to his own true love
Which grieved him worse than any.
He bid farewell to his own true love
Which grieved him worse than any.
George was hung with a golden chain
The like I never saw any
Because he came from a royal race
And courted a virtuous lady.
Because he came from a royal race
And courted a virtuous lady.
I wish I was on yonders hill,
Where kisses I've had many,
My sword and pistol all on my side
I'd fight for the life of Georgie
[My sword and pistol all on my side
I'd fight for the life of Georgie.] [2]
1. E. C. Mead recalls that Mr. Russell sang the name "Geordie" in 1935 thought this recording of 1932 had "Georgie."
2. The last verse has no repeat of the last two lines.