Oh, Johnny, my jewel, Would you think it unkind,

voiceCollected by: Mary C. Parler Transcribed by: Anne Connaughton Sung by: W. H. Burnett Location: Fayetteville, Ark. Date recorded: April 16, 1960 Reel 396, Item 2 Johnny, My Jewel Oh, Johnny, my jewel, Would you think it unkind, For me to sit by you, And tell you my mind? My mind is to marry, And never to part, For the first time I saw you, You wounded my heart. You were standing on picket, One cold, snowy day, Your red, rosy cheeks, Had all faded away. Your red, rosy cheeks, They're what grieve my heart so; Won't you let me go with you? Oh, Johnny said, "No." Your waist it is too slender, Your fingers are too small, Your cheeks to red and rosy, To face the cannon ball. I know my waist is slender, I know my fingers small, But it would not make me quiver, To see ten thousand fall. I will roach back my hair, And men's clothing I'll put on, I will pass as your comrade, As we march along. I will pass as your comrade, Your troubles I will bless, Won't you let me go with you? Oh, Johnny, he said, "Yes."Funding for digitization provided by the Arkansas Humanities Council and the Happy Hollow Foundation