Lost Willie- Florence McKee (OH) 1939 Eddy F
[From ballads and Songs from Ohio by Mary Eddy, 1939. Most of these versions were collected in the 1920s or earlier. The A version, for example, was published in 1922.
This version has the somewhat rare opening of the Pitts' c.1819 broadside "Sailor Boy," which begins, "Down by a crystal river side,"
R. Matteson 2017]
F. LOST WILLIE- From the manuscript of Mrs. Florence Landis McKee, through the kindness of Mrs. Wm. Stork, Canton, Ohio.
1. As I walked down by the river side,
Down where the waters gently glide,
I heard a lovely lady mourn
Crying, "What shall I do! My true love's gone."
2. She built herself a little boat
And on the ocean she did float,
And every boat that she drew near
She inquired for her Willie dear.
3. She had not sailed far on the deep
Than another boat she chanced to meet,
Saying, "Captain, captain, tell me true,
Does my sweet Willie sail with you?"
4. "Oh, no, kind maid, he is not here,
I fear he lies in yonder deep;
In yon green isle as we passed by
I chanced to lose a sailor boy."
5. She wrung her hands, she tore her hair
Just like a maiden in despair,
And against the waves her boat she run;
'If I don't get Willie I won't have none.
6. "Go dig my grave both deep and wide
And on it place some roses sweet,
And on my breast place a turtle dove
To certify that I died of love."