Johnny Sams *





1. There was a man named Johnny Sams

He married our Betsy Haig.

She brought to him both house and lands

Which proved a cruel xplacex.  plague





2. She proved a scornful scolding wife

A scornful naughty shrew.  xcrewx

She says I’m tired of my life

He says I’m tired of you.





3. I intend to drown myself

I can/noxtx longer stand.

Oh, yes, you silly boy, she says

I’ll help you all I can. 





4. Hand in hand they went down 

To the river side

To drown himself was his intent 

It could not be denied.





5. Tie my hands behind my back, 

Securely it was done.

Don’t break the tender thread of life

Till I get ready to run.





6. As she came running down the hill, 

Came running with all her force

To push him in, he stepped aside

And she plunged in of course.





7. Float on float on my tender bride

Away to some foreign land

And when you get to the land of rest 

Please write for Johnny Sams.





* Note experiences of Sixth King's Daughter







Collected from James York

August 20, 1939