Collected by Irene Carlisle
Transcribed by Nathaniel Lucy
Sung by Fred High
High, Arkansas
May 31, 1951
Reel 127, Item 4
The Silver Dagger
Oh, who is that at my false window
A-making of such pitiful moans?
Oh, who could it be but love-lie Willy?
Just escaping from a storm
Oh, Mary dear, go ask your father
If my wedding bride that you shall be
If he says no return and tell me
And I no more will trouble thee
Oh, Willy dear I do not ask him
He sleeps, he sleeps and takes his rest
In his right hand he holds a weapon
To murder the man that I love best
Then Willy picked up the silver dagger
And pierced it through his own white breast
Adieu, adieu, adieu kind Mary
Your love Willy has gone to rest
Then Mary picked up the silver dagger
And speared it through her own white breast
Adieu, adieu, adieu kind parents
My love Willy and I have gone to rest
Fred High: Then there’s another verse after that ‘un bit I can’t say it just now.