Molly- Mrs. Charlie Noel (NC) 1950 Karpeles REC
[My title. From: Folktrax 907-60 ('Songs of the Southern Appalachians 1') also in Journal of English Folk Dance & Song Society 6:3 (1951) pp. 80-81.
R. Matteson 2016]
MOLLY- Recorded by Karpeles on Sept. 28, 1950 from the singing of Mrs. Charlie Noel [Ellen Leakey], of Hot Springs, North Carolina
1. Molly, O Molly, O Molly, said he,
'Will you agree, Molly get married to me?'
2. William O William, O William, said she,
I am too young, William, too young to marry you.
3. Molly, O Molly, dear darling, said he,
I have a good old friend, Molly, come, love, let's go and see.
4. We travelled over hills and through hollows so deep;
At last pretty little Molly so bitter-lie did weep.
5. William O darling, O William, said she,
I'm afraid my sweet William is leading me astray (bis).
6. Molly, my darling, I guess you're 'bout right;
I was digging your grave the best part of last night (bis)
7. William O William O darling, said she,
How can you kill the poor girl that loves you like me.
8. Molly, O Molly, I have no time to waste,
I've no time to tarry, no time to tarry here.
9. Then out of his pocket drew sharp knife in his hand,
Then out of his pocket drew sharp knife in his hand.
10. He opened her bosom as white as any snow,
He pierced the knife into her heart, O how the blood did flow.
11. He laid her in her grave and away he did go,
He left nothing but the small birds to hear her sad moan.
12. He laid her in her grave and away he did go
He swore by his Maker he'd sail to another shore.
13. He was sailing all on in his own heart's delight,
The ship began to sink and was fairly out of sight.
14. William, O William, O William, said she,
The death you owe the devil you'll shortly have to pay.