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I once did know two pretty little boys; Good little boys were they. Often I would go with them, Their playmate for to be. On a Monday morning we'd go to school; On a Saturday they'd return. Then they'd shake their long yellow locks And dance all around the churn. Said Willie, "Can you toss a ball? Or can you cast a stone?" Said Johnny, "You know I am too young. Dear brother, leave me alone." Oh, oh-h-h. Then Willie took out his big long knife; Its edge was keen and sharp. Between the long ribs and the short He pierced little Johnny's heart. Oh, oh-h-h. "Johnny, oh Johnny, what have I done? You know I love you true. I did not mean to strike so hard. Oh, Lord, what shall I do?" "Raise me up," said Johnny boy, "Raise me up tall and straight. Now turn me loose and let me go; They're opening the golden gate." Oh, oh-h-h. "Tell my mother when she calls, 'Johnny had a mind to roam.' Just tell her I'm a-leaving the old campgrounds. Tell her I'm a-going home. Tell her I'm a-leaving the old campground; Tell her I'm a-going home." Also found in Child, #49; Randolph, Vol. I, #10; Brown, Vol. II, #13; Belden, p. 33. |
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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 |