KING WILLIAM WAS KING JAMES’S SON
Sung by: Mrs. W.B. Apple
Recorded in Huff, AR 1/1/62

 Click here to listen to the original recording
(Mrs. Apple: “This song is called ‘King William was King James’s Son.’ It’s an old singing game. You would hold hands and form a ring. A girl would stand in the center of the ring. We would sing; then we’d choose a partner, and they would choose the opposite sex. And then after the song, one would step back and the other one would choose until all had been chosen. And this is the song.”)

King William was King James’s son;
Upon the royal race he run.
He wore a star upon his breast,
Pointing to the one that he loved best.
Choose your partner.

Now that you’re married, you must be good.
Make your husband split your wood,
Split it fine and carry it in;
Then you may have a kiss again.

(Mrs. Apple: “And then the girl steps out into the ring, and the boy chooses a partner.”)

Also found in Randolph, Vol. III, #543.

All Songs Recorded by John Quincy Wolf, Jr., unless otherwise noted

The John Quincy Wolf Folklore Collection
Lyon College, Batesville, Arkansas
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