Barbara Allen
(Traditional)
First release by: Vernon Dalhart - 1927
Covered by multiple other artists



In scarlet Town where I was born 
There was a fair maid dwelling 
Made many a youth cry well a day 
Her name was Barbara Allen 

It was in the merry month of May 
When green buds they were swelling 
Sweet William came from the west country 
And he courted Barbara Allen 

He sent his servant unto her 
To the place where she was dwelling 
Said my master's sick, bids me call for you 
If your name be Barbara Allen 

Well, slowly, slowly got she up 
And slowly went she nigh him 
But all she said as she passed his bed 
Young man I think you're dying 

Then lightly tripped she down the stairs 
She heard those church bells tolling 
And each bell seemed to say as it tolled 
Hard hearted Barbara Allen 

O, mother, mother go make my bed 
And make it long and narrow 
Sweet William died for me today 
I'll die for him tomorrow 

They buried Barbara in the old church yard 
They buried Sweet William beside her 
Out of his grave grew a red, red rose 
And out of hers a briar 

They grew and grew up the old church wall 
Till they could grow no higher 
And at the top twined a lover's knot 
The red rose and the briar