Digital Tradition Mirror

The Lily of Arkansas

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Pennywhistle notation and Dulcimer tab for this song is also available

The Lily of Arkansas

My father built the bow, the ship that sailed the sea,
With four-and-twenty brave seamen to bear his com-pa-ny,
     The waves an' winds are beatin', while sailin' on the sea
     Lie low, the Lily of Arkansas has parted you and me.

I fear my love's been drownded, I fear my love's been slain
I fear my love's been drownded on his way to France and Spain,
     The waves an' winds are beatin', while sailin' on the sea
     Lie low, the Lily of Arkansas has parted you and me.

There's gils enough in Texas, I know there's one for me
But my dear an' lonely lovin' one is far away from me
     The waves an' winds are beatin', while sailin' on the sea
     Lie low, the Lily of Arkansas has parted you and me.

Note: A stepchild of Lowlands of Holland.
From Ozark Folksongs, Randolph
Collected from Mrs. Lee Stephens, MO, 1928
RG

Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!