Pretty Polly- W. H. Burnett (AR) 1960 Parler E
[From: Ozark Collection; Reel 396, Item 4. Collected by M.C. Parler. Transcribed by Anne Connaughton
R. Matteson 2016]
Pretty Polly- Sung by W. H. Burnett of Fayetteville, Ark. April 16, 1960.
Oh, Polly, pretty Polly, come and go along with me,
Oh, Polly, pretty Polly, come and go along with me,
Before we get married, a strange country to see.
He led her over hills and valleys so deep,
He led her over hills and valleys so deep,
Until this fair damsel began for to weep.
Oh, Millie, sweet Willie, I fear from your ways,
Oh, Millie, sweet Millie, I fear from your ways,
I fear that you're leading my body astray.
Oh, Polly, pretty Polly, you're guessing just right,
Oh, Polly, pretty Polly, you're guessing just right,
I dug on your grave the best part of last night.
Go on a little farther, see what you can find,
Go on a little farther, see what you can find,
She spied her grave dug and the spade lying by.
She threw her arms around him, not suffering no fear,
She threw her arms around him, not suffering no fear,
How can you kill a poor girl that loves you so dear?
Oh, Polly, pretty Polly, there's no time to stand,
Oh, Polly, pretty Polly, there's no time to stand,
He drew a sharp knife all in his right hand.
He pierced it through her heart, the blood it did flow,
He pierced it through her heart, the blood it did flow,
And into the tomb her poor body did go.
He threw a little dint over and turned to go home,
He threw a little dirt over and turned to go home,
Left nothing behind him but the binds for to mourn.
Come, Gentlemen and Ladies, I'll bid you adieu,
Come, Gentlemen and ladies, I'll bid you adieu,
My song is now ended although it is true.