Doc Watson – Omie Wise (Guitar)

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Oh, listen to my story, I'll tell you no lies,

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How John Lewis did murder poor little Omie Wise.

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He told her to meet him at Adams's Springs.

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He promised her money and other fine things.

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So, fool-like she met him at Adams's Springs.

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No money he brought her nor other fine things.

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"Go with me, little Omie, and away we will go.

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We'll go and get married and no one will know."

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She climbed up behind him and away they did go,

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But off to the river where deep waters flow.

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"John Lewis, John Lewis, will you tell me your mind?

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Do you intend to marry me or leave me behind?"

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"Little Omie, little Omie, I'll tell you my mind.

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My mind is to drown you and leave you behind."

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"Have mercy on my baby and spare me my life,

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I'll go home as a beggar and never be your wife."

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He kissed her and hugged her and turned her around,

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Then pushed her in deep waters where he knew that she would drown.

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He got on his pony and away he did ride,

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As the screams of little Omie went down by his side.

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T'was on a Thursday morning, the rain was pouring down,

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When the people searched for Omie but she could not be found.

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Two boys went a-fishin' one fine summer day,

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And saw little Omie's body go floating away.

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They threw their net around her and drew her to the bank.

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Her clothes all wet and muddy, they laid her on a plank.

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Then sent for John Lewis to come to that place --

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And brought her out before him so that he might see her face.

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He made no confession but they carried him to jail,

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No friends or relations would go on his bail.