Uploaded April 2021 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
I learned this folk song/ballad from the singing of Lee Monroe Presnell (1876-1963), an excellent singer who lived much of his life on Beech Mountain, North Carolina, straddling the border of Watauga and Avery Counties. Lee was recorded by Frank and Anne Warner, as well as Sandy Paton and Lee B. Haggerty of Folk Legacy. You can hear more of Lee's singing by searching his name on YouTube. Lee's ornamented style of singing, and the way that he pauses between phrases (which I'm told was from a breathing issue) creates a kind of poetry and beauty that moves me deeply.
Lyrics:
I went to see my Molly all in her bloom of youth.
I went to see my Molly that she might understand
I’m going to join an army to fight a Yankee band.
Don’t say so, dear Johnny, those words will break my heart
Come let’s once get married and that before we part.
Said don’t go back there Johnny, be kind and marry me.
These long yellow locks I’ll cut off and man clothing put on
I’ll follow you dear Johnny wherever you may be
I’ll fear no death no danger, though great the danger be
Said don’t go back there Johnny, be kind and marry me.
THANK YOU to my Patrons
patreon.com/sarolynch
BECOME A PATRON with monthly donations!
patreon.com/sarolynch
*WHERE ELSE YOU CAN FIND ME*
Website: sarosings.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/sarosings
Instagram: instagram.com/song_speak_saro
I learned this folk song/ballad from the singing of Lee Monroe Presnell (1876-1963), an excellent singer who lived much of his life on Beech Mountain, North Carolina, straddling the border of Watauga and Avery Counties. Lee was recorded by Frank and Anne Warner, as well as Sandy Paton and Lee B. Haggerty of Folk Legacy. You can hear more of Lee's singing by searching his name on YouTube. Lee's ornamented style of singing, and the way that he pauses between phrases (which I'm told was from a breathing issue) creates a kind of poetry and beauty that moves me deeply.
Lyrics:
I went to see my Molly all in her bloom of youth.
I went to see my Molly that she might understand
I’m going to join an army to fight a Yankee band.
Don’t say so, dear Johnny, those words will break my heart
Come let’s once get married and that before we part.
Said don’t go back there Johnny, be kind and marry me.
These long yellow locks I’ll cut off and man clothing put on
I’ll follow you dear Johnny wherever you may be
I’ll fear no death no danger, though great the danger be
Said don’t go back there Johnny, be kind and marry me.
THANK YOU to my Patrons
patreon.com/sarolynch
BECOME A PATRON with monthly donations!
patreon.com/sarolynch
*WHERE ELSE YOU CAN FIND ME*
Website: sarosings.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/sarosings
Instagram: instagram.com/song_speak_saro
