The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

I NEVER WILL MARRY

ONE MORNING I RAMBLED
DOWN BY THE SEASHORE,
THE WIND IT DID WHISTLE
AND THE WATERS DID ROAR.
I HEARD A FAIR MAIDEN
GIVE A PITIFUL CRY,
AND IT SOUNDED SO LONELY
IN THE WATERS NEAR BY.
CHORUS
I NEVER WILL MARRY
I'LL BE NO MAN'S WIFE.
I INTEND TO LIVE SINGLE
ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE.
END CHORUS
THE SHELLS IN THE OCEAN
SHALL BE MY DEATH BED,
WHILE THE FISH IN DEEP WATER
SWIM OVER MY HEAD.
CHORUS
SHE CAST HER FAIR BODY
IN THE WATER SO DEEP,
SHE CLOSED HER PRETTY BLUE EYES,
FOREVER TO SLEEP.
REPEAT CHORUS TWO TIMES

Submitter comment: BALLAD PERFORMED ON APPALACHIAN DULCIMER

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WATERFORD

James Callow Keyword(s): SUICIDE

Date learned: 00-00-1984