The Sycamore Tree- Simmons (FL) 1950 Morris B
[From Folksongs of Florida by Alton C. Morris; 1950, p. 297. Bronson 16.
R. Matteson 2015]
"The Sycamore Tree" - Sung by Mrs. Ruth Simmons, Jacksonville; derived from a maternal aunt, Mrs. G. Johnson, Altha.
"Oh, hangman, hangman, slacken your rope
And wait a little while,
I think I see my father coming
A-riding from many a mile."
"Oh, have you come with silver and gold
And money to buy me free,
Or have you come to see me hung
Upon the sycamore tree?"
"No gold or silver have I here,
Not money to buy you free,
But I have come to see you hang
Upon the sycamore tree."
(Thus with "mother," "brother," "sister," until the lover appears, who is similarly addressed, but who replies:)
"Yes, gold and silver have I here,
And money to buy you free;
But I've not come to see you hang
Nor hung you shall not be."