Collected by Raymond W. Whittier
For M.C. Parler
Transcribed by Linda Humphrey
Sung by: Irene Sargent West Fork, Ark. December 3, 1960 Reel 303 Item 13
Early in the Spring
It was early, early in the spring.
I went on sea to serve my king.
To leave the only girl behind,
Who had often told me her heart was mine.
For seven long years I sailed on sea,
Improving every opportunity,
In writing letters to my dear,
But nothing from her could I hear.
I rode up to her father’s hall,
And for my love, I loudly called.
Her father came out and made this reply,
My daughter is married, I don’t deny.
It must be true, it must be true.
I feel ay sorrow made anew.
I’ll go to sea, sail till I die;
I'll spend my days where the bullets fly.
Oh Willie, oh Willie, don't go to sea.
There are more pretty girls around than me. There is gold and silver, both bright and fair. So go no more where the bullets fly.Early in the Spring continued
'Tis curse the gold and silver too And all pretty girls that won't prove true, And let your own dear promise break,
And wed another for a richer stake.
It's now I've lost my golden crown,
I'll go to sea, sail round and round.
I'll go to sea, sail till I die,
And sweep the waves where the bullets fly.
