Pretty Polly- Sara Jo Bell (AR) 1969 Max Hunter D
[From: Max Hunter Folk Song Collection; Cat. Cat. #0832 (MFH #429), my designation D.
R. Matteson 2016]
Pretty Polly - As sung by Sara Jo Bell, Harrison, Arkansas on August 25, 1969
Listen: https://maxhunter.missouristate.edu/songinformation.aspx?ID=0832
VERSE 1
O Willie, dear Willie, I'm afraid of your ways
Willie, dear Willie, I'm afraid of your ways
Th way you been ramblin' you'll lead me astray
VERSE 2
Well, he led her over mountains, dark valley so deep
He led her over mountains, dark valleys so deep
He said, pretty Polly O why do you weep?
VERSE 3
There was no time for talkin', there's no time to stand
There's no time for talkin', there's no time to stand
He held a big dagger, all in his right hand
VERSE 4
She threw 'er arms around 'im, she cried into tears
She threw 'er arms around 'im, she cried into tears
How can I be a poor girl an' love you so dear
VERSE 5
He stabbed her thru her heart an' the blood it did flow
Stabbed her thru her heart an' the blood it did flow
While down in that big grave her body did go.
VERSE 6
He threw a little dirt o'er her an' started on home
He threw a little dirt o'er her an' started on home
Leaving no one behind but the wild birds to mourn