"Omie Wise"

"Omie Wise"

TRADITIONAL

Omie Wise's death became the subject of a traditional American ballad. (Roud 447) (link)

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Oh listen to my story I'll tell you no lies
How John Lewis did murder poor little Omie Wise.

 He told to her meet him at Adam's Spring
 He promised her money and other fine things

 And fool like she met him at Adam's Spring
 No money did he bring her nor other fine things

 Go with me little Omie and away we will go
 We'll go and get married and nobody will know

 Well she climbed up behind him and away they did go
 But down to the river where deep waters flow.

 "John Lewis, John Lewis will you tell to me your mind
 Do you intend to marry me or leave me behind?"

 " Little Omie, little Omie I'll tell to you my mind
 My mind is to drown you and leave you behind."

 " Have mercy on my baby and spare me my life
 I'll go home as a beggar and never be your wife"

 He hugged her and kissed her and turned her around
 And pushed her in deep water where he knew that she would drown.

 Then he got up on his pony and away he did ride
 As the screams of little Omie went down by his side

 ' Twas on a Thursday morning the rain was a-pouring down
 When the people searched for Omie but she could not be found.

 Two boys went a-fishing one fine sunny day
 And saw little Omie's body go floating away.

 They threw their nets around her and drew her to the bank
 Her clothes all wet and muddy they laid her on a plank.

 Then sent for John Lewis to come to that place
 And brought her out before him that he might see her face.

 Well he made no confession but they carried him to jail
 No friends nor relations would come for his bail.

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Bert Jansch
https://youtu.be/T-9YUXYdgO0