Two Brothers- Jimmy Driftwood (Ark.) c.1950s
Jimmy Driftwood (June 20, 1907- July 12, 1998), famous for his lyric rendition of Battle of New Orleans and other folk material made several recordings of ballads and songs for Wolfe Folklore in the 1950s. This one is with banjo accompaniment.
TWO BROTHERS- Sung by: Jimmy Driftwood; Recorded by John Quincy Wolf, Jr.
[Click here to listen to Jimmy Driftwood]
I once did know two pretty little boys;
Good little boys were they.
Often I would go with them,
Their playmate for to be.
On a Monday morning we'd go to school;
On a Saturday they'd return.
Then they'd shake their long yellow locks
And dance all around the churn.
Said Willie, "Can you toss a ball?
Or can you cast a stone?"
Said Johnny, "You know I am too young.
Dear brother, leave me alone."
Oh, oh-h-h.
Then Willie took out his big long knife;
Its edge was keen and sharp.
Between the long ribs and the short
He pierced little Johnny's heart.
Oh, oh-h-h.
"Johnny, oh Johnny, what have I done?
You know I love you true.
I did not mean to strike so hard.
Oh, Lord, what shall I do?"
"Raise me up," said Johnny boy,
"Raise me up tall and straight.
Now turn me loose and let me go;
They're opening the golden gate."
Oh, oh-h-h.
"Tell my mother when she calls,
'Johnny had a mind to roam.'
Just tell her I'm a-leaving the old campgrounds.
Tell her I'm a-going home.
Tell her I'm a-leaving the old campground;
Tell her I'm a-going home."