Lord Thomas- Shiflett (VA) 1936 Wilkinson B
[My title, from Bronson TTCB taken from Wilkinson MS p. 51 B. Winston Wilkinson collected ballads for the Virginia Folk-lore Society and in 1932-32 transcribed music for Kyle Davis Jr. MTBVa, 1960. H. B. Shiflett is part of the Bown's Cove, Va. Shiflett family described by George Foss. A better version Shiflett's text can be found in Scarborough version B by Mrs. Addie Gibson, who used Shiflett's version.
R. Matteson 2014]
7. Lord Thomas and Fair Ellen- Sung by H. B . Shiflett, April 16, 1936- see Scarborough B, better text.
1. Fair Ellen, fair Ellen is a beautiful damsel,
She's the captain of the hall.
Lord Thomas, Lord Thomas,
Lord Thomas, he loved them all.
2. O mother, O mother, which must I take,
Fair Ellen or the brown skin girl?
If I got to advise you with all my heart,
Go bring the brown girl home.
3. He mounted upon his milk-white steed,
Called for his saddle and bridle to ride.
I'm going to invite Fair Ellinor
Unto my wedding day.
4. He rode till he came to Fair Ellen's hall,
He jingled on the ring.
There's none so ready as Fair Ellen herself,
To rise and welcome him in.
5. Bad news, bad news, bad news to you,
And ain't it bad news to you;
I have come to invite you unto my wedding,
Unto my wedding day.
6. She dressed herself in scarlet red,
Called for her milk-white steed to ride.
I am going to Lord Thomas's wedding,
Unto his wedding day.