Margaret and John- Smith (NS) pre1943 Creighton A
[From: Traditional Songs from Nova Scotia; Creighton and Senior, 1950.
Both Creighton A and B were named by the singers, 'Margaret and John" although Creighton calls this A version, The Grey Cock. Both versions are very similar textually.
Nina Bartley Finn sang Dennis Smith's version which was recorded (AFS 07183 B) in 1943.
R. Matteson 2013]
Margaret and John- Sung by Mr. Dennis Smith, Chezzetcook, NS; pre1943 Creighton A
1. As I rode out one evening, the moon it shone clearly,
And I heard a fair damsel complain,
She was crying for her mammy and lamenting for her daddy,
And complaining for her true lover John.
2. Oh Johnny he came when, he was not expected
A"a he knocked at the bedroom so loud,
And it's up this fair one rose and it's to the door she goes
It's all to let her true lover in.
3. "Oh Johnny, dear Johnny, you told me that you'd meet me,
You have stayed full an hour too long,
What has delayed you? for there's something has detained you
For I'm weary wandering alone. "
4. He took her in his arms and he gave her many kisses
And those words unto her he did say,
"Oh if I had my wishes my dearest dearest dear
This long night would never come day."
5. "Where is your down bed dear Margaret?" he cries,
"And where is your white holland sheet?
And where are those waiting maids that used to wait upon you
Every night when you lie down to sleep? "
6. "The grave is my down bed, oh Johnny," she cries,
"And The linen is my white holland sheet,
And the night larks and worms they are my waiting servants
For to feed on me whilst I'm asleep."
7. "Oh pretty little cockerel, you very handsome cockerel
Don't you crow before day,
For your comb shall be gilded with the very best of gold
And your wings of the silver so gay."
8. The cock he proved false, so very, very false oh
And he crowed full an hour too soon,
And she sent her love away before it was day
And it proved to be the light of the moon.
9. "Oh Margaret, dear Margaret, oh Margaret," he cries oh,
"When shall we ever meet again?"
"When the salt seas run dry and the little fishes fly,
And these hard rocks shall melt with the sun."