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Pretty Saro

from The Last Tree by Jack Warshaw

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about

Peggy Seeger did a version in 1962. It stayed in my mind with many of her songs. Iris DeMent sings it in authentic Appalachian style in the film Song Catcher. I’ve compiled and fitted it, a little accidentally and a little consciously, with a new melody.

lyrics

I come to this country in eighteen oh nine,
I saw many a true love, but I never saw mine.
I looked all around me and found I was alone.
And me a poor stranger, and a long way from home.

Down in some lonesome valley, in some lonesome place,
Where the wild birds do whistle their notes to increase,
I think of pretty Saro whose waist is so neat,
And I want nothing better than to be with my sweet.

I wish I were a poet and could write a fine hand,
I would send my love a letter that she’d understand.
I'd send it by messenger where the deep waters flow
And think of pretty Saro wherever I go.

My love she won’t have me, as I understand,
She wants some freeholder, and I have no land.
But I work for a living my money’s my own
And if she don’t like me she can leave me alone

It's not the long journey I'm dreading to go
Nor leaving of this country for the debts that I owe;
There is but one thing that troubles my mind,
That's a-leaving pretty Saro, my true love, behind.

Oh I wish I was a little dove, had wings and could fly,
Straight to my love's bosom this night I'd draw nigh
And in her little small arms all night I would lay
And think of pretty Saro till the dawning of day.

Farewell my dear father, likewise my mother too,
I'm a-going to ramble this country all through.
And when I get tired, I'll sit down and weep
And think of pretty Saro, then take my long sleep.

credits

from The Last Tree, released February 14, 2020
Jack, vocal, guitar, autoharp

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Jack Warshaw UK

Veteran of the 1960s folk revival, he passionately believes, writes and sings with authenticity and respect for traditional American styles and song carriers. He has met, learned from or worked with such legends as Pete, Mike and Peggy Seeger, Tom Paley, Ewan MacColl, Bob Dylan, Mississippi John Hurt, Clarence Ashley, Dave Van Ronk, Stuart Burns and many others. Watch Youtube. Bio on Wikipedia ... more

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