Barbara Allen

It was round and about last Martinmas tide
When the green leaves were swelling
That young Jimmy Grove of the West Country
Fell in love with Barbary Allen

He sent his man into the town
To the place where she was dwelling
Says, “Will you come to my master dear
If your name is Barbary Allen?”

Then slowly, slowly got she up
And slowly came she nigh him
And all she said when there she came
“Young man, I think you're dying”

“Indeed, I'm sick and very sick
And shan't get any better
Unless I gain the love of one
The love of Barbary Allen”

“But don't you remember last Saturday night
When the red wine you were spilling?
You drank a health to the ladies there
But you slighted Barbary Allen”

And Death is printed on his face
And all his heart is stealing
And again he cried as she left his side
“Hard-hoarded Barbary Allen”

As she was a-going over the fields
She heard the death-bell tolling
And every sound it seemed to sigh
“Hard-hearted Barbary Allen”

“Oh mother, mother, make my bed
Come make it soft and narrow
Since Jimmy died for me today
I shall die for him tomorrow”