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This Scottish folk song is a sad tale of broken hearts, jealousy, and regret. No one knows who wrote it or exactly when it was written, but it has been traced back to at least New Year's day 1666. This version includes just six of many verses that tell the whole story.

lyrics

'Twas in the merry month of May
When all the green buds were swellin'
Sweet William on his deathbed lay
For the love of Barbara Allen

He sent his servant to the town
To the place where she was dwellin'
Sayin' you must come to my master dear
If your name be Barbara Allen

So slowly slowly she got up
And slowly she drew nigh him
And the only words to him did say
Young man I think you're dyin'

He turned his face unto the wall
And death was in him wellin'
Goodbye goodbye to my friends all
Be good to Barbara Allen

When he was dead and laid in the grave
She heard the death bells knellin'
And every stroke to her did say
Hard-hearted Barbara Allen

Oh father father go dig my grave
Make it both long and narrow
Sweet William died on yesterday
And I will die tomorrow

Barbara Allen was buried in the old church yard
Sweet William was buried beside her
Out of Sweet William's heart there grew a rose
From Barbara Allen's a briar

They grew and grew in the old churchyard
Til they could grow no higher
At the end they formed a true lover's knot
And the rose grew 'round the briar

credits

from Greetings from the Public Domain, released January 1, 2020
All instruments and vocals by Gary L. Rebholz. Public Domain. Arrangement and recording © 2019, Gary L. Rebholz

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Gary L. Rebholz Madison, Wisconsin

Songwriter, singer, and musician, Gary writes and records in a number of different genres. His music is influenced by early country, rockabilly, rock and roll, and acoustic blues styles, resulting in a roots rock/Americana sound with shades of Johnny Cash, Elvis, The Beatles, Paul Simon, and Springsteen. Acoustic and electric instruments combine for a wide range of styles, sounds, and emotions. ... more

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