Pretty Polly

Traditional

Minnesota Party tape 1961, Minneapolis MN - May 1961  
First Gaslight tape, Gaslight Café, NYC - September 1961  

I used to be a rambler, I rambled all around.
I used to be a rambler, I rambled all around.
Till I courted Pretty Polly her body ....

Pretty Polly, Pretty Polly, come and go along with me.
Polly oh Polly, come and go along with me.
Before we get married some pleasure we'll see.

She jumped up behind him and away they did ride.
She jumped up behind him and away they did ride
To the wild running river, to the wild country side.

They rode a little further and what did they spy?
They rode a little further and what did they spy?
A newly dig... a newly dug grave and a spade lying by.

Oh Willie, oh Willie, I'm scared of your ways.
Oh Willie, oh Willie, I'm scared of your ways.
I'm scared you will lead my poor body astray.

Pretty Polly, Pretty Polly, you guessed just about right.
Pretty Polly, oh Polly, you guessed just about right.
Oh I dug on your grave just about last night.

He stabbed her in the breast, her heart blood did flow.
He stabbed her in the breast and her heart blood did flow.
And into her grave Pretty Polly did go.

He covered her up and he left her alone.
He covered her up and he left her alone.
With nobody there but the wild birds to moan.

A debt to the devil Willie must pay.
A debt to the devil Willie must pay
For killing Pretty Polly and running away.

Oh where is Pretty Polly? Yonder she stands.
Oh where is Pretty Polly? Yonder she stands.
The rings on the vingers of her lilywhite hand.

Oh remember Pretty Polly, remember her well.
Remember her name, boys, remember it well.
Remember her name, boys, remember it well.