As I Went Out One Morning

Bob Dylan © 1968 Dwarf Music

(Official lyrics @ www.bobdylan.com)

John Wesley Harding recording session 2, Nashville TN - 6.nov.1967, take 1  
John Wesley Harding recording session 2, Nashville TN - 6.nov.1967, album version  

As i went out one morning
To breathe the air around Tom Paine's
I spied the fairest damsel
That ever did walk in chains
I offered her my hand
She took me by the arm
I knew that very [instant/moment]
She meant to do me harm.

"Depart from me this [moment/instant]"
I told her with my voice
Said she, "but i don't wish to"
Said i, "but you have no choice"
"I beg you sir", she pleaded
From the [corners/center] of her mouth
"I will secretly accept you
And together we'll fly south."

Just then Tom Paine himself
Came running from across the field
Shouting at this lovely girl
An' commanding her to yield
An' as she was letting go her grip
Up Tom Paine did run
"I'm sorry sir", he said to me
"I'm sorry for what she's done."