Folk Song Arrangements: The Shooting of His Dear

Oh, come all you young fellows that carry a gun

I'd have you get home by the light of the sun

For young Jimmy was a-fowling and a-fowling alone

When he shot his own true love in the room of a swan

Then home went young Jimmy with his dog at his gun

Saying, "Uncle, dear Uncle, have you heard what I've done?

Cursed be that old gunsmith that made my old gun

For I've shot my own true love in the room of a swan"

Then out came bold Uncle with his locks hanging grey

Saying, "Jimmy, dear Jimmy, don't you go away

Don't you leave your own country till the trial come on

For you never will be hanged for the shooting the swan"

So the trial came on, then pretty Polly did appear

Saying, "Uncle, dear Uncle, let Jimmy go clear

For my apron was bound 'round me and he took me for a swan"

And his poor heart lay bleeding for Polly, his own