SEARCHING FOR DAMS
(learned from Martin Choate in the 1960s)
As I was walking one May morn, One May morning betime,
Where do you go, my fair pretty maid, Your journey to pursue?
I go to feed my father's flock, His young and tender lambs,
O stay, o stay, thou fair pretty maid, And rest a moment here,
For I am thine and thou art mine, No man shall uncomfort thee,
How gloriously the sun doth shine, How pleasant is the air!
(from miriam berg's folksong collection)
I met a maid who from home had strayed, Just as the sun did shine.
Your pretty little feet that tread so sweet, Shake off the morning dew.
That over hill and over dale Go searching for their dams.
For there is none but thee alone That I do love so dear.
We'll join our hands in wedding bands, And married we shall be.
I'd rather rest on a true love's breast Than any other where.