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138 McAFEE'S CONFESSION
The texts of this song do not differ materially except in length. For references and texts see Cox, pp 192-196. See also Eddy, No. 115; Finger, pp. 40-43; Randolph, pp. 199--201, Sharp, II, 15-16, and Stout, pp. 107-109.
The present version was sung in 1934 by Mr. A T. Heikes, Kalkaska; he learned the song from Mrs. Fannie Wallace, for whom he worked near Windsor, Indiana. Mr. Heikes said that Mrs. Wallace's father had helped arrest McAfee.
1 Draw near, young men, and learn o£ me My sad and mournful history,
That you may never forget this day Of all this day I telled to thee.
2 When I was in the bloom of life, My father and my mother dear Were both laid in their silent graves By Him who their beings gave.
3 No more was I a father's joy; I was a poor little orphan boy. My uncle would ofttimes chide; I'd go away dissatisfied.
4 In wickedness I took delight
And ofttimes did that which was not right. When I was in the bloom of life, I took unto myself a wife.
5 She was as good and kind to me As any woman need to be; And yet alive, I have no doubt, Had I not saw Miss Hettie Shout.
6 My wife was lying on her bed When I approached and to her said, "Dear wife, here's medicine for you; 'Twill cure you, O pray take it, do."" |
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7 She gave to me one tender look And in her mouth the poison took: |
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