My soul is very sad,

voiceCollected by Ruth Jolly Sung by Otis Williams Wesley, Arkansas December 4, 1958 and Don Stone For Mary C. Parler Transcribed by Frances Majors Reel 263, Item 6 The Drunkard's Child My soul is very sad, My brain is almost wild. It breaks my heart to think that I've Been called a drunkard's child. My playmates shun me now, father, They pass me by with scord, Because my dress is ragged, My shoes are old and tom. And if I heed them not, There goes the drunkard's child, they cry. How I wish that God Would only let me die. You used to love us once, father, And we had bread to eat. Mama and I were warmly clad, And life seemed very sweet. You never spoke unkindly then, Or dealt an angry blow. Oh, father, it is sad to think That rum could change you so. Do not be angry now, father, Because I tell you this. But rest your hand upon my brow And give me a loving kiss. Promise me you'll drink no more, With drink shall be . . . . That from my life of want and woe You'll save your weeping child.Funding for digitization provided by the Arkansas Humanities Council and the Happy Hollow Foundation