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THE DRUNKARD'S DREAM Sung by: W.P. Detherow Recorded in Batesville, AR, 6/25/52 Click here to listen to the first part of the original recording Click here to listen to the second part of the original recording Your dress is neat and clean. I never sees you drunk about. Pray tell me, how came this happy change? Your wife and children all are well; You used to treat them strange. Oh, you are kinder to them now; How came this happy change?" "It was a dream, a warning voice, That Heaven sent to me, That snatched me from a drunkard's curse, Grim want and misery. My wages was all spent in drink-- Oh, what a wretched view. I almost broke my Mary's heart And starved my children, too. "I dreamed once more I staggered home; There seemed a solemn gloom. I miss my wife; where could she be? And strangers in the room? I heard them say, 'Poor thing, she's dead! She's lived a wretched life. Grief and want has broken her heart; She's been a drunkard's wife.' "My children, too, were crying 'round. I scarcely drew my breath. I called her and kissed her once sweet lips, Forever still in death. Oh, Mary, speak one word to me, I'll never give you pain. I'll never grieve your loving heart, Nor never drink again." "Oh, speak to me, it's Demond's call. 'Why, so I do,' she cried. I woke and true my Mary dear Was kneeling by my side. I pressed her to my loving heart, While joyful tears did stream. And ever since I've Heaven blessed For sending me that dream." Also found in Randolph, Vol. II, #307; Brown, Vol. III, #22; Belden, p. 469. |
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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 |