The Highwayman- Johnson (NC) 1941 Abrams
[My title. Fragment from a recording in the Abrams Collection titled, "Mrs. Avery Johnson performs 'Maid Freed from the Gallows.' "
This version was recorded by Charlie Poole in 1926.
R. Matteson 2015]
The Highwayman- Mrs. Avery Johnson, NC 1941
http://omeka.library.appstate.edu/files/original/85582b9f90bbfc367c0f45a884772162.mp3
[recording fades in . . . ]
'Dear girl[1], have you brought me silver?
Dear girl, have you brought me gold?
Have you walked these long, long miles
To [see me] hanged from a hangman's pole?'
'Dear boy, I've brought you silver,
Dear boy, I've brought you gold;
I have not walked these long, long miles
To [see you] hang from a hangman's pole.'
She took me from the scaffold;
And she untied my hands;
The tears ran down the poor girl's cheeks:
'I love the highway man.'
1. she sings "boy" here, I've kept the original