Pretty Polly- Pleaz Mobley (KY) c. 1956 REC Thomas
[Folkways recording: American Folk Song Festival: Jean Thomas, The Traipsin' Woman; FW02358 / FA 2358; 1960. Recorded in the 1950s. Notes from Bulletin follow.
R. Matteson 2016]
Bulletin - Volumes 34-37 - Page 85 Tennessee Folklore Society - 1968: The picture of Pleaz Mobley on the front cover of this issue shows Mr. Mobley singing "Pretty Polly" at the 42nd annual Mountain and Folk Festival, held in Asheville July 31, August 1 and 2 [1968]. Mr. Mobley is a lawyer, a farmer, and an ex-judge Manchester, Kentucky.
Pretty Polly- sung by Pleaz Mobley with guitar c. 1956
Pretty Polly, Pretty Polly, come go along with me
Pretty Polly, Pretty Polly, come go along with me
Before we get married, some pleasures to see.
Oh where is Pretty Polly? oh yonder she stands,
Oh where is Pretty Polly? oh yonder she stands,
Rings on her fingers, her lily- white hands.
He led her o'er mountains and through valleys so deep
He led her o'er mountains and through valleys so deep
Then Pretty Polly began to cry and to weep
Pretty Polly, Pretty Polly, you're guessing just right
Pretty Polly, Pretty Polly, you're guessing just right,
I dug on your grave the biggest part of last night.
Oh Willie, oh Willie, I'm afraid of your ways
Oh Willie, oh Willie, I'm afraid of your ways
I'm afraid you will lead my poor body astray.
He pierced in the heart and the blood it did flow
He pierced in the heart and the blood it did flow
Down in that grave, Pretty Polly must go.
Oh the devil has a debt and Willie must pay,
Oh the devil has a debt and little Willie must pay,
For killing Pretty Polly and leading her astray.