Sweet William- Mrs. Ripley (MO) 1959 Hunter A1
[From Max Hunter Collection Cat. #0424 (MFH #589). Minor editing.
Listen: http://maxhunter.missouristate.edu/songinformation.aspx?id=424
This is a version of the composed ballad dating back to around 1810 in the US.
R. Matteson 2016]
Sweet William - As sung by Mrs. George Ripley, Milford, Missouri on November 21, 1959
VERSE 1
Young folks, young folks, come pay attention
To these few lines, I'm going to write
They are as true as ever was written
Concerning a fair an' a beautiful maid
VERSE 2
A handsome young man, courted this young lady
He loved her as he loved his life
He often told an' made a vowing
She would be his lawfully wedded wife.
VERSE 3
But when his parents came to know this
They strove to part them day an' night
Saying, "Son, o Son, why be so foolish
She is too poor for to be your wife."
VERSE 4
When this young lady came to know this
She soon resolved what she would do
She wandered forth an' left the city
No more it's pleasant groves to view.
VERSE 5
She took with her a silver dagger
An' pierced it through her snow white breast
First she reeled an' then she staggered
Saying, love, o love, I'm going to rest
VERSE 6
Young William down by the roadside wandered
He thought he heard his true loves voice
He ran, he ran, like one distracted
Saying, "Love, o love, I fear you're lost."
VERSE 7
Her cold black eyes, like diamonds opened
Saying, "Love, o love, you came to late
Prepare to meet me on Mount Zion
An' there our joy will be complete."
VERSE 8
He first picked up the bleeding body
An' turned her over in his arms
Saying, neither love nor gold can save her
Now, she must die with all her charms
VERSE 9
He then picked up the bloody weapon
An' pierced it thru his own true heart
Saying, "Let this be a woeful warning
That lovers true, should never part."