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Bretvster: Ballads and Soyigs of Indiana 243
44
GRANDMA'S ADVICE
Four texts of this well-known song have been recovered in this state. It is sometimes known in Indiana as "Little Johnny Green."
For other American texts and references, see Cox, p. 469; Gardner, Folklore from the Scoharie Hills, p. 206; Journal XXXV, 402; XXXIX, 157; Mackenzie, Ballads, p. 379; Scarborough, Song Catcher, p. 374; Cox, Traditional Ballads, p. 85.
A
"Grandma's Advice." Contributed by Mrs. A. J. Hopkins, of Boonville, Indiana. Warrick County. July 9, 1935.
1. My grandmother lived on yonder little green,
As fine an old lady as ever was seen; She ofttimes taught and instructed me with care Of all false young men to beware. Tiddy-um-dum-dum; tiddy-ay-de-air, Of all false young men to beware.
2. "And now, my dear daughter, pray don't you believe,
For men will fib and continually deceive; They will cruelly deceive you before you are aware, Then away goes poor old grandma's care!" Tiddy-um-dum-dum; tiddy-ay-de-air, Then away goes poor old grandma's care!
S. The first that came courting was honest young Green, As fine a young gentleman as ever was seen, But grandmother's words so rang in my head I could not attend to one word he said. Tiddy-um-dum-dum; tiddy-ay-de-ed, I could not attend to one word he said.
4. The next to come courting was young Farmer Grove, With whom I exchanged most bountiful love; Of such sweet truthful love one should not be afraid,
For it's better to be married than to die an old maid.
Tiddy-um-dum-dum; tiddy-ay-de-aid,
For it's better to be married than to die an old maid. |
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