The Ballad of the Waterfall Come, all you that have been in love, And sympathize with me, For I have loved the fairest girl That ever you did see. Her age, it was but seventeen; She was a figure fair and tall; She was a handsome creature; She wore a waterfall. The first time I saw her, I never will forget; I went into a dry goods store, Some handkerchiefs to get. She stood behind the counter. A glance did on me fall. I never saw a fairer face Nor such a waterfall. It was at a picnic party, I met her after that; I quickly introduced myself; We had a pleasant chat. There were many other girls along, But none of them at all Could dance with me like the girl Who wore the waterfall. I saw her home -- we walked along; I swore we'd never part, Until she asked me to come in; I found she'd won my heart. While sitting there I thought I heard A foot-step in the hall; All sorts of colors turned this girl That wore the waterfall. A great, big fellow six feet tall Came walking in the room And when he saw me sitting there At once began to fume. His air so free, it pierced my frost; My heart it did appall; "This is my husband," said the girl That wore the waterfall. Before I had time to say a word This fellow at me flew And while they made and held me down They beat me black and blue. When up I got and found I'd lost Watch, money, chain and all, I've never since went near a girl That wore a waterfall. Henry Folksongs From the Southern Highlands Obtained from Miss Mabel Hall, Guerrant, Breathitt Countv, Kentucky, 1932. SOF oct97
Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!