Collected by Merlin Mitchell
Transcribed by Mary C. Parler
Bad Companions
Come all you young companions,
And listen while I tell,
I'll tell you a sad story
Of some bad company;
I'as borned in Pennsylvania,
And the memory of my childhood
Among the beautiful hills,
It warms the mem'ry still.
I did not like my papa,
And I did not like my home,
I had in view for rambling,
So far away from home;
I had a kind old mother,
Who often would plead with me,
And the last word that she gave me
Was praying for God and me.
I had two loving sisters,
As kind and beautiful could be,
And down on their knees before me
They prayed and wept for me.
I bid adieu to loved ones,
To home I bid farewell,
I landed in Chicago,
The very depths of hell.
Then there I took to drinking,
I sinned both night and day,
And yet within my bosom
That feeble voice would say:
Oh fare thee well, my loved one,
May God protect my boy,
And blessings ever be with him
And light his world (?) with joy.
I courted a fair young maiden,
Her name I will not tell,
For it would ever disgrace her
As I am doomed for hell.
'Twas on one beautiful evening,
The stars we re shining bright,
And with a fatal dagger
I gave her spirit a flight,
-more-
Mrs. Opal Donahue
Galena, Missouri
December 10, 1950
Reel 85, Item 5
To justice court they took me,
And you can all plainly see,
My soul is due as ever,
Throughout eternity.
It's now I'm on the scaffold,
My moments are not long,
You may forget this singer,
But don't forget this song.
Bad Companions
Reel 85, Item 5
Continued