Horton Barker Version
WILLIAM HALL
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I'll tell you of a brisk, young farmer
Who is a credit to any man
He courted a fair and handsome lady
Who did dwell in Shelby town.
When her old parents came to know this
They grew angry and did say
We'll send him over and over the ocean
Where his face you'll see no more.
He sailed and sailed all over the ocean
Till he came back to his own seaside
Says, if Molly's alive and I can find her
I'll make her my lawful bride.
As he was a-walking, as he was a-talking
As he was a-walking down the street
Cold drops of rain fell just as it happened
He and his true love did meet.
How do you do, my pretty fine lady
Oh, do you think you could fancy me?
Kind, Sir, I have a lover
Who is across the deep blue sea.
Oh, describe your own true lover
Oh, describe him unto to me.
Perhaps I've seen some ball run through him
For I have just returned from sea.
Yes, I can describe my own true lover
He is handsome, neat and tall
He has black hair and he wore it curly
Pretty fair blue eyes with all.
Oh, yes, I saw a sword run through him
Oh, he's dead; I saw him fall,
He had black hair and he wore it curly
And his name was William Hall.
Love is great and love is charming
When we have it in our view,
But now we are forever parted
Oh, Good Lord, what shall I do.
Cheer up, cheer up, my pretty fine lady
Cheer up, cheer up, for I am he,
And to convince you of this matter
Here's the ring which you gave me.
They joined their lovely hands together
Down to the church house they did go
And were married to each other
Whether their parents were willing or no.
