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THE PRISONER AT THE BAR Sung by: Roberta and Bob Blair Recorded in Pleasant Grove, AR, 7/19/52 Click here to listen to the original recording And people from afar. A fair young lad with tender youth Was prisoner at the bar. A maiden fair with golden hair Walked swiftly through the crowd. The people gazed in wonder But spoke not one word aloud. Then, turning to the judge's stand, One moment did she pause. Then, smiling through her tears, she said, "Judge, let me plead the cause. "If you have children of your own, Have mercy, I do pray. Remember, Judge, it'll break my heart If you send this boy away." Then, turning to the jury box To make her simple plea, "This prisoner here is innocent. I know you'll set him free. "Remember you were once a boy Just like this fair young lad. If you convict him of this, Judge, You'll drive him to the bad. "Next Sunday was our wedding day-- The dreams of wondrous life-- When at the altar he would make Of me his loving wife. "Unless you aim to blight our lives, Don't say that we must part, And don't forget your loving wife Was once your dear sweetheart." The jury did not leave the room, For they had quick agreed. The foreman briefly signed the note And gave it to the clerk to read. "Not guilty," were the only words The maiden heard them say. Her lover clasped her in his arms; Love always has its way. Also found in Randolph, Vol. IV, #828, "The Prisoner at the Bar." |
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All Songs Recorded by John Quincy Wolf, Jr., unless otherwise noted The John Quincy Wolf Folklore Collection Lyon College, Batesville, Arkansas Back to the Song Index Back to the Wolf Collection Homepage ©Copyright 2002 Lyon College |