No Sir- Bessie Atchley (AR) 1960 Parler D
[Ozark Folksong Collection Reel 388, Item 3 . Collected by M.C. Parler. Transcribed by Bessie Atchley. This is Wakefield's 1881 text.
R. Matteson 2017]
"No, Sir." Sung by Bessie Atchley of Green Forest, on Arkansas July 7, 1960.
Boy sings: Tell me one thing, tell me truly,
Tell me why you scorn me so,
Tell me why when asked a question,
You will always answer, "No."
Chorus: No, sir. No, Sir, No, sir. N O- o-o-o-o, Sir.
No, sir. No, Sir, No, sir. No.
Girl Sings: My father was a Spanish merchant
And before he went to sea
He told me to be sure and answer
"No," to all you said to me.
Chorus:
Boy sings: If while walking in the garden
Plucking flowers all wet with dew
Tell as would you be offended,
If I walk and talk with you?
Girl sings: Chorus:
Boy sings: If while walking in the garden
I should ask you to be mine
And should tell you that I love you
Would you then my heart decline?
Girl sings: Chorus: