Funding from the Institute for Museum and Library Services supported the electronic publication of this title.
Text transcribed by
Monique Prince
Text encoded by
Elizabeth S. Wright
First edition, 2003
ca. 7K
Academic Affairs Library, UNC-CH
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,
2003.
Source Description:
(song title) Can I Sleep in Your Barn Tonight Mister
Performed by Charlie Poole
1 p.
Call number FC-344 General Collection/Sound Recordings (#30001), (Southern Folklife Collection, Manuscripts Department, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
Languages Used:
LC Subject Headings:
Revision History:
May I sleep in your barn tonight, Mister?
It's cold lying out on the ground
And the cold north wind is whistling
And I have no place to lie down
I have no 'bacco nor matches
I'm sure that I'll do you no harm
I will tell you my story, kind mister
Though it rests in my heart like a thorn
It was three year ago last summer
I never will forget that sad day
When a stranger came out from a city
And he wanted to stop for his health
Now the stranger was fair, tall and handsome
And he looked like a man who had wealth
Said he wanted to stop in a country
Said he wanted to stop for his health
Now my wife said she'd like to be earning
Something to add to our home
And she talked 'til I finally decided
That the stranger could enter our home
Last night as I came from my workshop
Whistling and singing with joy
I was expecting a kind-hearted welcome
At the gate from my wife and my boy
Nothing did I spy but a letter
Placed in the room on a stand
And the moment my eyes lay upon it
I picked it right up in my hand
Now the note said Stella and the stranger
Had run away and taken my child
And I'm sure that a God up in heaven
And will do as the stranger deserves
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