Digital Tradition Mirror

The Courting Case

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Pennywhistle notation and Dulcimer tab for this song is also available

The Courting Case

O Sir, I see you come again
Pray tell me why it's so;
When I left you in Gordonsville
I told you to come no more.

O madam, I have come again,
I'll tell you why it's so :
When I left you in Gordonville,
I told you I was coming once more.

O madam, I have a very fine house,
It is new erected fine;
It all can be at your command
If you will be my bride.

Kind sir, I know your very fine house,
And also very nice yard;
O who will stay with me at night
When you are at playing of cards?

O madam, I don't play cards at night,
I never thought it was right;
If you will consent and marry me
I won't stay out one night.

Kind sir, I know what that is said for,
It's just to take me in;
When you get me at your command
You'll drink and gamble again.

O madam, I have a very fine field,
It's sixty acres wide;
It all can be at your command
If you will be my bride.

O sir, I know your very fine field,
And also very nice fruit;
When I come in, I'll turn you out,
Fur you know that hog will root.

O madam, I have a very fine horse,
His pace is like the tide.
If you will consent and marry me
O you may have him to ride.

O sir, I know your very fine horse,
Thee horse that knows no harm ;
His master loves to drink and gamble,
And I'm 'feared his horse might learn.

O madam, you have red, rosy cheeks,
And I have got my land;
O madam, you have your coal-black hair.
O keep them and be damned.

O sir, I have my red rosy cheeks,
And you have got your land;
O sir, I have my coal-black hair,
And they are another man's.

From English Folk Songs in the Southern Appalachians, Sharp.
  Collected from Mrs. Lawson Gray, VA 1918
RG

Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!