Folk & Traditional Song Lyrics www.traditionalmusic.co.uk When Carnal First Came to Arkansas 
When Carnal First Came to Arkansas 
When Carnal first came to Arkansas. He came from Missouri O He sung so sweet and melodious That he charmed the heart of a lady O 
When the landlord came in at night Inquiring for his lady O. The answer was. "She is not here; Shes run away with Carnal." 
Go saddle to me my little bay mare. The black is not so speedy O. I'll ride all day I'll ride all night. Or I'll overtake my lady. 
Won't you turn around? Won't you come Won't you go with your husband O? I'll lock you up in a room so high. Where Carnal can't come nigh you. 
I won't turn around, nor I won't go back; I won't go with my husband O. I wouldn't give a kiss from Carnal's lips For all your land and your money. 
They rode east and they rode west They spent most all her money O, Likewise the gold pins off her breast The gold rings off her finger. 
I used to have a house and home And seven little babes to enthrall me O Now I've come to the want of bread And Carnal's gone and left me. 
From Southern Folk Ballads, McNeill Collected from Mrs. Zona Blak, Arkansas, 1942 Child #200 RG