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THE PRISONER AT THE BAR Sung by: Mrs. Alice Isringhouse Recorded in Holly Grove, AR 6/15/59 Click here to listen to the original recording And people from afar. A fair young lad of tender youth Was a prisoner at the bar. The great courtroom was crowded with People in anger strong, But many a poor heart was aching there From the lad who was accused of wrong. A maiden there with golden hair Stepped swiftly through the crowd. The people gazed and wondered, yet Not a word was spoken aloud. While stepping to the jury stand, One moment she did pause. While smiling through her tears, she said, "Judge, let me plead his cause." "Now, judge, your mind must wander back To those long years gone by, And see your sweetheart and yourself, Just like this lad and I. Now remember, judge, you once was a boy Just like this fair young lad; And if you convict him on this charge, You'll drive him to the bad. "Next Sunday was our wedding day, A pride of a woman's life, And to the altar we would go To make me his dear wife. But if you intend to blot our lives, And say that we must part, Remember, judge, your darling wife Was once your dear sweetheart." The judge rose softly from his seat, And these few words he said: "I have a little girl at home With such babyish eyes. I cannot convict him on this charge. The jury will have to decide." The jury did not leave the room, But briefly signed a note. "Not guilty," was the only words; "Not guilty," was all they did say. Your love will clasp you in his arms; Love always has its way. Also found in Randolph, Vol. IV, #828. |
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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 |