Dink’s Song
Folklorist John Lomax recorded a woman known only as Dink, singing her version of this song while washing clothes near the Brazos River in Texas in the early 20th century. Old Town School cofounder Win Stracke loved the song and the anonymity of its creator. Performed here by Win, accompanied by Richard Pick. From the 1961 LP “Americana.”
Click here or on the image to listen.
If I had wings like Norah’s dove
I’d fly up the river to the one I love
fare thee well oh honey, fare thee well
One of these days and it won’t be long
you’ll call my name and I’ll be gone
I’d fly up the river to the one I love
fare thee well oh honey, fare thee well
Remember one night it was drizzling rain
around my heart I felt a pain
I’d fly up the river to the one I love
fare thee well oh honey, fare thee well
If I had listened to what mama said
I’d still be home in her feather bed
I’d fly up the river to the one I love
fare thee well oh honey, fare thee well
Old Town School handout lyrics
Old Town School handout melodic study
Old Town School handout harmonic study