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Four Marys
Child Ballad # 173
Also called "Mary Hamilton". We have heard many versions of this tragedy in New England, Prince Edward Island, Kentucky, and Ireland. Older versions are much longer, perhaps 100 verses!
Recorded live at The Blackstone River Theatre, September 30, 2000.

lyrics

Last night there were four Marys
Tonight there'll be but three
There was Mary Beaton and Mary Seaton
And Mary Carmichael and me

Oh, word has gone to the kitchen
And word has gone to the hall
That Mary Hamilton is with child
To the highest stewart of all

He courted her in the kitchen
He courted her in the hall
He courted her down in the low cellar
And that was the worst of all

Instrumental

She's taken her wee little baby
And cast it out into the sea
"Sink ye or swim ye my bonnie wee child
"But be no more with me"

They've taken her down to the sheriff's court
Where she did laugh and sigh
Before she had come back again
She was condemned to die

Last night there were four Marys
Tonight there'll be but three
There was Mary Beaton and Mary Seaton
And Mary Carmichael and me

"Oh often I have dressed my queen
And put on her fine silk gown
And all I've gotten for my reward
Is to be hanged in Edinburgh town"

credits

from And Then I'm Going Home 2001, released May 9, 2001
Aubrey Atwater: vocals, mountain dulcimer
Elwood Donnelly: vocals, guitar

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Atwater-Donnelly Warren, Rhode Island

Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly, present delightful programs of traditional American and Celtic folk songs, a capella pieces, old-time gospel songs, dance tunes, and original works, blending gorgeous harmonies with guitar, Appalachian mountain dulcimer, mandolin, tin whistle, harmonica, banjo, bones, spoons, limberjacks, and Appalachian clog dancing and French Canadian footwork. ... more

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