Collected by Max Hunter (H-12)
For Mary C. Parler
Transcribed by Frances Majors
Sung by May Kennedy McCord
Springfield, Missouri
September 23, 1958
Reel 257-58, Item 6
Edward
Introduction:
This is an Ozark version of the old ballad "Edward,"
one of the old Child ballads; and it is one of the
oldest ballads in existence. And it is sung in different
versions, in different forms. And it's one of them that
I often say has "gone to college." The big singers
sing it.
What is that blood on the point of your knife?
Oh, son, come telling to me.
It is the bloody of my old guinea sow,
Who ate the corn for me.
Oh, what is that blood on the point of your knife?
Oh, son, come telling to me.
It is the blood of my old gray hound
That ran around the merry tree.
No blood is so red from an old gray hound;
Oh, son, come telling to me.
What is that blood on the point of your knife?
Oh, son, come telling to me.
What is that blood on the point of your knife?
Oh, son, come telling to me.
It is the blood of my brother dear;
Oh, mother, pity me.
What did you boys quarrel about?
Oh, son, come telling to me.
We fought about a merry bush
That might have been a tree.
What will you do when your father comes home?
Oh, son, come telling to me.
I'll set my foot in a bunken boat
And sail far over the sea.
What will you do with your two little babes?
Oh, son, come telling to me.
I'll leave my two little babes with you
To dandle on your knee.
What will you do with your pretty little wife?
Oh, son, come telling to me.
I'll leave my wife with you, mother dear,
Oh, I'm going far over the sea.