The Lowlands Low- Davidson (MO) pre1909 Belden
From: Three Old Ballads from Missouri by H. M. Belden; The Journal of American Folklore, Vol. 23, No. 90 (Oct. - Dec., 1910), pp. 429-431
2. THE LOWLANDS LOW
This version of "The Sweet Trinity" (Child, No. 286) was written down by Owen Davidson, of the West Plains (Missouri) High School, as " learned from his father, who learned it from a hired man." It was sent to me by Miss G. M. Hamilton, teacher in the school. Secured in 1909.
1. "O captain, dear captain! what will you give to me
If I sink that vessel called the Yellow Golden Tree,
As she sails in the Lowlands low, low,
As she sails in the Lowlands low?"
2. "One thousand pounds I'll give to you and my daughter to be your bride,
If you'll sink that ship called the Yellow Golden Tree,
As she sails," etc.
3. He took with him an auger well fitted for the use,
And bored nine holes in the bottom of her sluice,
As she sailed, etc.
4. "O captain, dear captain! come and take me up,
For I have sunk that vessel called the Yellow Golden Tree,
As she sailed," etc.
5. The captain wrapped him up in an old rawhide[1],
And sunk him to the bottom with a fair wind and tide,
As they sailed, etc.
6. Nine months later his ghost did appear,
Which caused the wicked captain great dread and fear,
As he sailed in the Lowlands low, low,
As he sailed in the Lowlands low.
1. Belden says that this is taken from a nineteenth century broadside and is usually appears as "hammock."