The Black-Haired Lass- Beers (NY-PA) 1963 REC
[From: Friday evening performances at the 1963 Florida Folk Festival on 05-03-1963; Item ID: T77-137. Also on "Dumbarton's Drums," Columbia LP C59472. Bob Beer's said it was "a family version" which implies that it came from his grandfather, George Sullivan. Sullivan moved to Wisconsin from PA about time of the Civil War. This version is much different than any of the other version of this Bramble Briar and probably should appear as an Appendix.
According to Michael E. Bush, Beers learned this in Montana. Listen: https://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/239440 about 7:20 on top audio clip.
The Beers Family was a traditional folk group active between 1958 and 1972, led by Bob Beers (b. 1920 -- d. May 26, 1972) and featuring his wife Evelyne and their daughter Martha (who joined in 1964). They played traditional Scots-Irish music on traditional instruments like the psaltery. (online bio excerpt)
R. Matteson 2016]
The Black-Haired Lass- starts with a fiddle tune in minor; arranged by Robert H. Beers, performed 1963. Performed by Evelyne and Bob Beers.
VERSE 1: Down in the lowland there did dwell
A comely maid I knew fair well
And for her favor many did go
To tip a cup of kindness with her brothers-O
In the lowland low.
CHORUS- She's as wan[1] with a delicate air
She was a flower beyond compare.
Many's the lad did tipple his glass
All for the love of the black haired lass.
VERSE 2: Now there was a lad I knew him well,
All up on the mountain he did dwell,
And for her favor many did go
To tip a cup of kindness with her brothers-O
In the lowland low. (Chorus)
VERSE 3: Now she did mark his comely eye
And in her bower she did cry,
Not for his favor she did go
To tip a cup of kindness with her brothers-O
In the lowland low. (Chorus)
VERSE 4: Then on his [their] way her brothers did fly
By their wicked blade this youth did die
And for their favor he did go
To tip a cup of kindness with her brothers-O
In the lowland low. (Chorus)
VERSE 5: And in the twilight of the year
His ghostly form it did appear.
And for her favor he did go
To tip a cup of kindness with her brothers-O
In the lowland low. (Chorus)
VERSE 6: Oh maiden, maiden hear me well,
False-hearted kindred here doth dwell
Take heed my flight to all who go
To tip a cup of kindness with her brothers-O
In the lowland low. (Chorus)
1. She the swan?