Molly Bawn- Evelyn Skaggs (AR) 1954 Parler B
[From Ozark Folk Songs Online: Reel 211, Item 5. Collected by Mary Celestia Parler; Transcribed by Neil Byer.
R. Matteson 2016]
Molly Bawn- Sung by Mrs. Evelyn Skaggs of Wayton, Ark. on October 2, 1954.
Come all you jolly fowlers
Who delights in the gun,
They were out late a-fowling
At the setting of the sun.
I were out late a-fowling,
Oh, just after dark,
And I shot my own true love
And wounded her heart.
They had been passing,
Oh, the showers coming on,
She had crept under a thornbush,
The showers for to shun.
With her apern [apron] pinned about her
I took her far a man[swan],
But woe unto my sorrow,
It was me Polly Bown.
I throwed down my gun,
Oh, straight home I run,
Said, Father, dearest Father,
What a crime I have done.
I've killed a sparrow female,
Oh, the joy of my life,
And if she had liv-ed
I'd a-made her my wife.
Stay here in your loved country,
Till your trial comes on,
And you shall be clear-ed
By the laws of your land.
On the day of his trial
To her uncle she appeared,
Said, Uncle, dearest Uncle,
Jimmy Runnels is cleared.