Song Search

Pretty Polly

by The Dillards

on Live!!! Almost!!! (1964)

Traditional

I courted Pretty Polly the live-long night
I courted Pretty Polly the live-long night
Then left her next morning before it was light.

Polly, pretty Polly, come go away with me
Polly, pretty Polly, come go away with me
Before we get married some pleasure to see.

He led her over the fields and the valleys so wide
He led her over the fields and the valleys so wide
Until pretty Polly, she fell by his side.

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

Pretty Polly, pretty Polly, your guess is that right
Pretty Polly, pretty Polly, your guess is that right
I dug on your grave the best part of last night.

He stabbed her to the heart and her heart's blood did flow
He stabbed her to the heart and her heart's blood did flow
And into the grave pretty Polly did go.

He threw a little dirt over her and started for home
He threw a little dirt over her and started for home
Leaving no one behind but the wild birds to mourn.

She threw her arms around him and trembled with fear
How can you kill the poor girl that loves you so dear?
There's no time to talk and there's no time to stand
Then he drew his knife all in his right hand.