All language subtitles for Songcatcher [2000]

(woman singing)
(music) All in the merry month of May (music)

(music) When green leaves
were a-springing (music)

(music) This young man
on his deathbed lay (music)

(music) For the love of Barbara Allen (music)

(music) He sent his man
unto her then (music)

(music) To the town
where she was dwelling (music)

(music) "You must come
to my master, dear (music)

(music) If your name
be Barbara Allen" (music)

(music) So slowly, slowly
she got up (music)

(music) And slowly
she came to him (music)

(music) And all she said
when she came there (music)

(music) "Young man,
I think you're dying" (music)

(music) He turned his face
unto the wall (music)

(music) And death came
creeping to him (music)

(music) Adieu, adieu,
and adieu to all (music)

(music) And adieu
to Barbara Allen (music)

(music) When he was dead
and laid in his grave (music)

(music) Then death came
creeping to her (music)

(music) O mother, mother,
make my bed (music)

(music) For his death
hath quite undone me (music)

(music) And so this maid
she then did die (music)

(music) And desired
to be buried by him (music)

(music) And repented she
before she died (music)

(music) That e'er she did
deny him. (music)

Now...

there you have a fine example
of an old English ballad,

a folk song, defined
as that which is created

by the common people,
the unskilled.

The melodies
are quaint and primitive,

but you must learn
to appreciate

not only
the sociological value,

but the simple purity
of emotion in the song.

(humming)

Oh.

Good afternoon,
Dean Pembroke.

I wanted to catch you today,
Dr. Penleric.

I wanted to tell you
that the appointment committee

has reviewed your application
for full professor.

And we've concluded
unanimously

that we can not
offer you the position.

However, we hope
you will continue on

as an associate professor

at your current salary level,
of course.

Dr. Penleric: Why, may I ask,
am I being passed over again?

It is not customary
to be asked

to defend our position,
Dr. Penleric.

It appears we have
an opportunity

to offer the position to
the eminent English musicologist

and ballad collector,
Cyrus Whittle,

who as you know, has almost
single-handedly created

a revival
of the English folk song.

Oh, Dean Pembroke.
Excuse me.

What is it, Professor Aldrich?

Nothing, sir, I just stopped by
for a few words with Dr. Penleric.

Well, I was just leaving.
Good day, Dr. Penleric.

(door closes)

I argued for you, Lily,

as emphatically as I dared.

I have waited longer
and published more

than anyone else
in this department.

Frankly,
I was the only man for you.

Dr. Penleric: Really?

Dean Pembroke said
the vote was unanimous.

I was afraid someone
would suspect something.

Dr. Whittle is
a brilliant man.

Of course he is,
that's not the point!

Lily,

I've arranged
the family's whole summer

so I can come into town
to see you every week.

I won't be here, Wallace.

Where are you going?

As far away as possible.

Please don't go away.

I know how disappointed
you must be, my darling, but...

Lily, wait.

Why don't I meet you
at your apartment?

My wife won't be home
until quite late.

Are you mad, Lily?
What if someone walked in?

You coward!

Backing my appointment
was the only thing

I ever asked you for.

But...

(rooster crowing)

You Miss Elna's sister?

Yes, yes, yes, I am.

I'm here to take you
to Clover.

I'm Fate Honeycutt.
What's your name?

Oh, hello,
I'm Dr. Lily Penleric.

A doctor, huh?

That's just fine.

We could sure use
another healer.

Oh, I'm not a medical doctor.

Well, what kind are you?

I'm a doctor of music,

sort of an expert.

I see.

Thank you.

Well, hop on up, Doc.

Here, just put your foot
on the wheel there.

I'll help you up.

Fate: Giddup.

Fate: Giddup.

What if we meet
another wagon

coming down the mountain?

That would be something.

Oh!

(distant banjo music plays)

Someone's playing music?

- Oh, Lily!
- Eleanor.

It's been so long.

Yes.

I thought you said it was
only five miles to Clover.

Woman: She meant
"mountain miles."

Used to take three days
to get up here.

This is my sister, Lily.

Lily, this is my colleague
and friend, Harriet Tolliver.

- How do you do?
- How do you do?

This is Deladis Slocumb.
Deladis has no family,

so we get to keep her here
full time.

How do you do, ma'am?

How do you do?

Elna's told me
so much about you.

"Elna"?

Oh, that's what
everyone here calls me.

It's caught on with me, too.

I suppose it's a lot better
than "Little Elf,"

which is what
I used to call her.

(chuckling)

You must be exhausted.

I am.
Excuse me.

Would you like to rest
before supper?

Uh...

- Could you help me, dearest?
- Yes, I'm sorry.

Thank you so much.

It's very hot.

I know.

Along with
the basic curriculum,

we also teach hygiene
and nutrition to the girls.

And music, of course.

Deladis, why don't you
serve the tea?

Deladis,
what a beautiful name.

That's a real pretty fan.

Thank you, dear.
It's from Spain.

(crow cawing)

Thank you, dear.

Aren't you frightened here?

What of?

Oh, savage mountaineers.

Reports of violence
are horrible.

(laughing)

Horribly exaggerated,
that is.

Deladis,
why don't you sing

one of your pretty songs
for my sister?

Oh, please, please do.
I would like that.

(music) 'Twas in the merry
month of May (music)

(music) When all gay flowers
were a-bloomin' (music)

(music) Sweet William
on his deathbed lay (music)

(music) For the love
of Barbry Allen (music)

(music) He sent his servant
to the town (music)

(music) He sent him
to her dwelling (music)

(music) Sayin', "Master's sick (music)

(music) and very sick (music)

(music) And for your sake
he's a-dyin'." (music)

Deladis, where did you
learn that song?

My granny gave it to me.

Was your grandmother
from England?

You mean, across the ocean?

No, no.

Granny lived and died
right here in the mountains.

Lily: Then where
did she learn it?

Granny said she got
all those love songs

from her mama.

Do you know
any more ballads?

love songs.

Oh. I know lots of them.

I know "Lord Randall,"
uh... uh...

"Jacqueline Is Sailing,"
"Two Sisters."

I know "Young Emily."

Would you sing
"Two Sisters," please?

Harriet: It's all right, dear.

(music) O sister, o sister
come go with me... (music)

Lily... I told you
never to call me here.

I'm calling
as a colleague, Wallace.

- Where are you?
- The southern mountains.

What on earth are you doing
in such a dreadful place?

Lily: Never mind that.
I'm telephoning because I made

a great discovery.
Old English ballads.

What are you talking about?

Lily: The mountain people
brought the ballads here

over 200 years ago.

The same songs
that Cyrus Whittle

has been collecting
in England,

songs which haven't been known
there for at least 100 years!

- What of it, Lily?
- Woman: Wally?

I want you to come home.

Don't you understand?

These may be the purest
versions in existence.

- That's ridiculous.
- It's true!

And I am going to be
the first to collect them

and to publish them.

Nothing I could have said
or done

would have secured
that appointment for you.

Nothing you do now
will, either.

Will you help me,
or not?

I have always
believed in you, Lily.

Lily: Good.
I need supplies.

The collecting must be done
scientifically.

Now, nice and loud.

(music) A holiday, O holy day (music)

(music) The first day of they ear (music)

(music) Little Matthy Groves
to church to goes (music)

(music) Some holy words to hear (music)

(music) Here some holy words
to hear (music)

(play back) (music) He spied some women
dressed in black (music)

(music) As they came into view (music)

(music) Lord Daniel's wife
was gaily clad (music)

(music) The flower of the few (music)

(music) Here the flower
of the few (music)

(music) She stepped up
to Little Matthy Groves (music)

(music) Her eyes cast
on the ground... (music)

Deladis: (music) Come all ye fair
and tender ladies (music)

(music) Be careful
how you court young men (music)

- (music) They're like... (music)
- Uh...

Could you sing those two lines again?
Thank you, dear.

Why don't you just make
a cylinder and copy off that?

Because the cylinders
are only for short songs

and they wear out.
Once again, thank you.

(music) Come all ye fair
and tender ladies (music)

(music) Be careful
how you court young men (music)

(Deladi's singing in distance)

Are you still working
on the child labor piece?

I'm trying,
not very successfully.

I wonder how many times your sister
needs to hear those songs?

No, don't, don't be angry.

It makes her very happy.

She's quite obsessed.

So am I.

Deladis: (music) She cried out
with a thrillin' cry (music)

(music) O Lord, O Lord, I'm ruined. (music)

(sighing)
That's it, Doc.

I'm worn out
like a cylinder.

Uh, just those last two lines
once again, please, dear.

(music) She cried out
with a thrillin' cry (music)

(music) O Lord, O Lord, I'm ruined. (music)

(sighing)
That's it.

That's the very last ballad
I know.

And what a doozy.

Mm.

(Lily chuckling)

What's this for?

That's for all your hard work.

Just for singing?

Uh-hmm.

- Here.
- (music) Come all ye fair (music)

(music) and tender ladies (music)

(music) Be careful
how you court young men (music)

(music) They're like a bright star
of a summer's evening (music)

(music) They'll first appear
and then they're gone. (music)

I'm gonna tie a lover's knot.

If it stays and grows,

all will be well.

Where did you get
that fancy thing?

Doc gave it to me
for singing.

(screaming)

(Lily humming)

Hello?

Oh, Eleanor,
this is just fascinating.

It really is.

You see, Deladis sings,
"For The Most Part"

in a Scots-Irish style,

but she employs
such unusual pitches.

And she dwells on notes.
Here.

(music) Tay-ay-ble, here's... (music)

Can you hear that?
That is so unusual.

I have never heard
anything like it before.

Tell me,
is her style of singing,

is that typical?

- Yes, I think it is.
- Is it really?

It's fascinating.

So what do you think
of my school, Lily?

Hmm?

Oh...

- Well, I'm no expert...
- I know.

- I'm sure it's fine.
- I know.

We are trying
to make a difference.

Yes, of course.

(sobbing)
It was mine!

Elna: Oh, Deladis,
what happened?

- Oh, Fate, did you do this?
- That was so cruel.

You give her
that fancy thing

and a whole dollar
just for singing.

- You ain't give me nothing.
- Fate, you work for the school

and I think we pay you
quite adequately.

Then I'll do nothing for Doc.
Just for the school.

Then I'll have to find
another boy who's more willing...

No, no, Eleanor,
Fate does have a point.

He has had to work a lot harder
since I've been here.

That's right, Doc.

So how's 50� a week,
young man?

I don't know.
I'll have to think on it.

While you're thinking, you can
help pack the phonograph machine.

We're going
to Bear Creek tomorrow.

She's going to Viney Butler's.

You can't lug that machine
all the way up a mountain.

We made it this far,
didn't we?

That was nothing compared
to getting up to Bear Creek.

So what am I paying you for?

- Whoa, whoa.
- Whew.

I don't know no ballads.

Why, Mrs. Butler,
they are the most

beautiful songs
there have ever been,

songs like
"Lord Thomas and Fair Ellinor,"

"Two Sisters,"
"Matthy Groves."

Can't say I know them.

Deladis calls them
love songs.

No, did you ever hear
any such songs, Fate?

Del knew,
but I can't say as I do.

Deladis can't be the only keeper
of the songs in the mountains.

I can't be
of any help to you, ma'am.

I would be happy
to compensate you...

to pay you, Mrs. Butler.

Good day to you.

Hello, Viney.

Well, look who's here!

- You must be Elna's sister.
- Yes, I am.

I'm so happy to meet you.
I'm Alice Kincaid.

Well, how do you do?
I'm Lily Penleric.

What are you trudging
all the way up here for, child?

I wanted to meet Dr. Penleric.
I have something for you.

Oh. Fate.
Thank you.

My family spent summers
in Asheville.

I loved hiking up
into the mountains

and reading poetry.

That's how I met Reese,
my husband.

He wooed me with ballads
and fiddle music.

I've been writing them down
since I came to live here.

You can have them
if you like.

Thank you, thank you.

they are indeed exactly
what I'm looking for, but...

I'm afraid these haven't been
scientifically collected.

Oh.

Well I can't be sure
of your notation, you see,

because of the irregular times
and unusual modes of the tunes.

Of course,
I understand perfectly.

Oh...

that is beautiful.

Come here, child.

Viney: You are weak as water.

Oh, that baby is sucking
the life out of you.

Uh-uh.
You got to eat more.

I can barely
feed the children.

Reese gone again?

- Mrs. Kincaid, thank you.
- Thank you.

Here now, you...

make a potion out of this.
Drink it twice a day,

and do not go dragging
all over the place.

Viney, the ballads
are a precious musical legacy.

Why, they're just songs.

Oh, no, Mrs. Butler,
they're not.

They're ancient ballads
from England and Scotland

and they've been sung
for hundreds of years.

they say that my great-granddaddy
come from there.

He came over that mountain
in 1743.

Really?

No one knows that these songs
are being sung

right here in the mountains
of America, no one.

What of it?

Music experts
will want to know.

So I am going to write them down
and publish them in a songbook.

Well, Lord knows I can't
read and write anyhow.

Viney,

I think she's
a very nice lady.

Viney on record:
(music) Is this young Jimmy Scot himself (music)

(music) Or Jimmy Scotland's king? (music)

(music) Or is it the father
of that bastard child (music)

(music) From Scotland
just come in? (music)

(music) Or is it the father
of that bastard child (music)

(music) From Scotland
just come in? (music)

(music) He took the brown girl
by the hand (music)

(music) And lead her
across the hall (music)

(music) He took out his sword (music)

(music) And cut off her head (music)

(music) And kicked it
against the wall (music)

(music) And he kicked it
against the wall. (music)

have you got it?

One more time, Viney.

I thought
you've done this before.

Viney.

Oh, Tom!

Is the day gone already?

Sure is.

Corn is coming up fine
in that back field.

Oh, this is Dr. Lily Penleric.

She's Miss Elna's sister.

Hm.

How do you do?

How do you do?

Viney: Lily is a doctor
of music.

She's catching
my old love songs.

She says they�re important.

Important?
Important to who?

I'm going to publish them
in a songbook.

No, you're not.

Nobody's gonna publish
my granny's songs.

This is my grandson,
Tom Bledsoe.

He's been to the other world

and he thinks he knows
a whole lot.

Mr. Bledsoe,
I am a collector.

My intention is to exalt
the fine music of these mountains.

Exalt?

Yes, it means "to lift up."

You mean exploit.
It means "to steal."

I am a musicologist,
not a thief.

My work is to preserve
musical culture.

First it was the coal and lumber
companies coming in here

now they want to take
our music, too.

These songs are
of great interest

to anyone who studies
musical heritage.

You're gonna get paid for it,
ain't you?

- Yes, I am.
- See, Granny, let me handle this.

I can assure you
it will not make me rich.

- Um-hmm.
- And frankly,

I'm the one who's going
to all the trouble

and expense
of collecting the songs

and I'm the one
who has the expertise

to write them down
and categorize them properly

and scientifically.

Oh, you do, do you?
What's in it for my granny?

Her name will appear before
each one of the songs

which I include in the book,

as the source from which
I have collected it.

"By Viney Butler,"
that's what it's gonna say, Tom.

Well, you can't collect
from my granny,

unless you pay her.

I have offered.
She refused.

You refused?

How can I take money
for singing?

My mama used to sing
those songs

rocking the young-uns to sleep
and leading the cows home.

Doctor, I'm asking
you kindly...

to leave.

Viney: Tom!

I can give my songs
to anybody that I want to.

- No, you can't.
- Yes, I can!

Besides, it's supper time
and Lily's joining us.

Uh, no, thank you,
Mrs. Butler.

Really, I should be
heading back to the school.

You're gonna take my songs
and refuse

the hospitality of my home?
Well, I never.

My man's father built this place
when he settled here.

I�ve raised nine children
in this cabin,

only two of them still living.

I'm sorry.

Oh, one's working the coal mines
up in Virginia

and one's in Missouri.

(belching)

That was good, Granny,

(tuning)

Tom's a fine musician.

Really?

Um-hmm, he plays the banjo
like nobody.

Oh, Tom!

Tom, what's that thing called?

- That thing?
- It's a guitar, Granny.

How many times
do I got to tell you?

He got it in Cuba,
Tom did,

in the Spanish War.

It's a lovely instrument.

Mmm, he is the only one
in these parts

got one of those things.
He makes up songs on it, too.

Do you play music, Doctor,

or do you just steal
other people's?

I am a pianist, Mr. Bledsoe.

A pianist?

I heard of them!

Tom, come on, play some
banjo tunes for Lily here.

Come on! Come on!

please, I would like that.

(fast picking)

(Viney clapping, laughing)

(door bangs open)

Hilliard, you almost
scared me to death!

Sorry, Viney.

You coming, Tom?!

I'll be right there.

Mr. Bledsoe, where did you
learn to play like that?

I taught him.

I would like to record you
on my phonograph sometime.

No, thank you.
I make music to please myself.

(door slamming shut)

Never mind Tom.

He's like most
of those fellows

who went to the other world
and come back...

he just never seemed
to be the same.

they just can't seem
to settle down

and be happy.

Would you show me
how to play this?

Hmm.

Well, it's all in the picking.

(up tempo tune)

Fate, did you see to Alice
and her young-uns?

Yes, ma'am, I caught them
a couple of rabbits.

- We had a fine supper.
- Good.

Oh, we have all to do
tomorrow,

these old songs
are coming back to me now.

Well, I'm looking
forward to it.

Oh, Lily...

Listen, if you hear
a strange cry,

like a woman screaming,
that's the panther cat.

And you're gonna be dead
if it gets you.

What you do is pull off
your clothes one piece at a time

and run real hard.

And then the panther cat
will stop

and tear up the clothes
that you dropped in its path

to shreds!
And that will save you!

Viney, that is ridiculous.

Lily: Oops.

(owl hooting)

- What was that?
- Just an owl.

Are you sure?

You'll know the panther cry
when you hear it.

- (rifle cocking)
- Fate!

Damn near got your fool head
blown off.

I didn't know you had
a still going here.

What about her?

What about her?

Go on, get,
both of you.

- Fate.
- Yes, sir.

Eleanor? Eleanor?

Eleanor...

I have had the most
remarkable day.

(gasping)

Oh, no.

Lily, I'd like
to talk with you.

I'm very tired.

I don't want to talk.

I think we should talk.

(sighing)

How could you, Eleanor?

You sound so like Father.

I'm not a child.

You're teachers!

What kind of an example
are you setting?

You're disgusting.

She's the finest person
I have ever known.

And I suppose...

Harriet is a lot older and...

more experienced
than you, so...

I suppose it's her fault.

It's nobody's fault.

We're in love.

Viney: (music) She drew
her little pen knife (music)

(music) And stabbed him
through his heart (music)

(music) She cried out
with a very loud cry (music)

(music) There's a dead man
in my house, house (music)

(music) There's a dead man
in my house. (music)

We came to see the machine

that sings the songs
back to you.

I'm not using it
at the moment.

See, you got to save it, Polly,
or it will wear out.

My brother's a songcatcher.

That's very nice, but I'm afraid
he's a bit too little

to be a reliable source.

Come on, Tommy Lee,
you can sing for me.

Girl: Oh, shotgun.
Man: What songs you know?

- (cocking)
- Girl: Come on.

Get the hell out of my yard,
Earl Giddens.

I've been hearing this excitement
about the songcatcher,

I came to see for myself.

Tom told you we're not selling.

He also told you
he'd shoot you on the spot

if you came round again.

Viney, it's that kind of talk
gives city folk

a terrible impression
of us hillbillies.

- Isn't that right, miss?
- Doctor Lily Penleric.

Doctor!
Well, Earl Giddens,

McFarland Coal Company.

Very pleased to make
your acquaintance, Doctor.

It's fine to see
an outsider appreciating

the charm of our local music.

For myself however,
there is nothing like

the elegant perfection
of the compositions

by Mr. Johann Sebastian Bach.

I don't think such comparisons
benefit either tradition.

they are apples and oranges.

Are you a musician?

No, ma'am.

- Oh.
- I've been down the mountain.

I had the privilege
of education.

Bachelor of Sciences,
University of North Carolina.

Really?

I guess I see your point.

Maybe you can
talk some sense

into this stubborn
old woman, Dr. Lily.

Mrs. Butler?

She has no need
of my advice.

Don't you think
she deserves

a nice new house
in Sawyerville?

Time to sing and rest?

She could even learn
to read and write,

instead of working her fingers
to the bone just to get by.

I can make a living on a rock
if I wanted to.

I was born on this mountain
and I'm gonna die on this mountain.

And so are you.
Get going, Giddens.

This place is nothing
but a burden for Tom, Viney.

You know he was made
for other things besides farming.

(painful screaming)

Alice: Oh. Oh...

(howling)

Isabel, go to my place.
Take the children to my place,

and tell Tom to bring
the milk cow.

Isabel:
Come on, y'all. Come on.

- I'll take them, Viney.
- No! I want you here.

Alice: Help me, help me, please,
I'm dying.

Oh, I can't stop the bleeding
until I get the baby out.

You gotta help me.

(moaning)

No, no, I couldn't.

She can't do it by herself.

Come here, give me your hand.
Give me your hand.

Now put them right here,
like that.

When I tell you to,
you push... hard.

- No. No. No.
- Do it, woman!

Viney: Ready?

Now!

Viney: Well, I guess
the good Lord's gonna let us

keep you a little while longer.

And you got yourself here,

another sweet, little
baby girl.

Will she live?

Well, it was a struggle
there for a bit,

but it's in the good Lord's
hands now.

(sighing)

Alice, you're gonna have to keep
Reese away from you.

Well, if you
don't want butter,

you got to pull
the dasher out in time.

(snickering)

Oh, sweet baby girl.

I hope you grow up smart
like Lily here

and stay single.

(music) When I was single (music)

(music) When I dressed
mighty fine (music)

(music) Now I am married (music)

(music) Go ragged all the time (music)

(music) I wish I was
a single girl again (music)

(music) O, Lord, (music)

(music) Don't I wish I was
a single girl again (music)

(chuckling)

(music) When I was single (music)

(music) My shoes did squeak (music)

(music) Now I am married (music)

(music) My shoes they do leak (music)

(music) I wish I was
a single girl again (music)

(music) O Lord, (music)

(music) Don't I wish I was
a single girl again (music)

(music) Three little babes (music)

(music) Are crying for bread (music)

(music) With none to give them (music)

(music) I'd rather be dead (music)

(music) I wish I was
a single girl again (music)

(music) O Lord, (music)

(music) Don't I wish I was
a single girl again (music)

(laughing)

(music) When he comes in (music)

(music) It's a curse and a row (music)

(music) knocking down the children (music)

(music) And pulling out my hair (music)

(music) I wish I was
a single girl again (music)

(music) O Lord, (music)

(music) Don't I wish I was
a single girl again (music)

(music) Dishes to wash... (music)

Reese, where in hell
have you been?

Alice.

You came home.

Lily...

please take the painting.

Tom: Did she live?

Yes.

What about the baby?

Hopefully.

Thank the Lord.

(pops cork)

(sighing)

You're having a real backwoods
experience, ain't you?

Are you drunk?

I'm not drunk,
I'm...

celebrating.

Lily: There's no cause
for celebration, Mr. Bledsoe.

they could still die.

In case it's news to you,
Doctor,

suffering is a woman's lot.

I am perfectly well aware
of that fact, Mr. Bledsoe.

God knows, I wish I weren't.

You really are an ignorant,
drunken lout.

You have absolutely no idea
what that woman

- has just been through!
- Let me tell you something.

My wife died at childbirth

when we were 16 years old.

She bled to death
after I pulled our dead baby out.

So don't you tell me
what I do and don't know!

"Dear Wallace,

Enclosed are 10
of the beautiful ballads

I have collected so far.

I am sure you will realize

what a remarkable
discovery this is.

The songs are virtually
intact,

according to the oldest
known versions,

with wonderful, idiosyncratic
local changes

in a lyric or phrase
here or there.

Best wishes,
Lily."

(banjo strumming)

Whoo! Lord.

Your playing is beautiful.

Actually, that was one of my tunes.
Dexter here just...

took it over,
and made it his own.

- Such striking rhythms.
- Thank you, ma'am.

I'm Lily Penleric.

She's a musicologist.

Mister...?

- Dexter Speaks, ma'am.
- Well, how do you do?

Would you look at Del?

(laughing)

She's all bug eyed.

Ain't you ever seen
a colored man before?

Where would I have?

(chuckling)

Tom: Where you all headed?

Rose Gentry's.

I'm gonna help Doc here

with writing down
Rose's ballads.

We're going everywhere
the sweet music is.

Rose?

Rose lives way off back
and beyond.

You'll never get there
with that load.

You can't tell
this woman nothing, Tom.

Huh.

Well, aren't you lucky?

Sitting around all day
getting drunk, playing music?

- How lovely.
- Yes, I am.

See, that's what you outlanders
don't understand.

Life is for enjoying,

not just getting and working,
and getting and working.

We do indeed have very different
notions of what enjoyment is.

Deladis: Wait...!

Lily: Fate... careful.

(grunting)

Lily: Oh...!

Stop.

(panting)

I told you,

we couldn't get there
with this thing.

Where's your...

pioneer spirit, Fate?

We can't give-up.

Come on, let's keep trying.

No, Del.

She's crazy.
I've been lugging this thing

everywhere it don't belong.

I'm not risking life and limb
for no stupid song.

I need these recordings.

I need them,
right, Deladis?

Doc...

no one's ever tried to...

haul a thing
like this up here.

Until now. Come along.

I'll show you,
Mr. Honeycutt,

what you can achieve
if you don't give-up.

- (grunting)
- No!

(panting)

You...!

I will not give-up!

Come along.

please, Fate, come with us.

I decided to take
your offer, Earl.

A dollar an acre
and jobs for me and my boys.

Why, if it ain't
the songcatcher.

Earl: Dr. Lily...

you sure do get around,
don't you?

Lily: Nice to see you again,
Mr. Giddens.

Mr. And Mrs. Gentry,

I'm Lily Penleric.

We heard you might be
coming this way.

Viney says Doc's awful nice

and you should sing for her.

Doctor, Uncle Cratis
is the one who knows

about every love song
there is.

Except Uncle Cratis got the calling.
He don't hold to singing no more.

I'm sorry, we've seem
to have come at a bad time.

No, we're about finished here.

I said I'd take
a dollar an acre.

Well, now Parley,

that was before I knew
the land was used up.

Well, I wouldn't be
selling it if it weren't.

I appreciate that,

but Mr. McFarland
would have my head

if I gave that much.

The most
I could give is say...

50 � an acre.

What's that come to?

How many acres
you got again?

About 100,
my daddy always said.

- $50?
- That's all?

That's criminal, Mr. Giddens.

Don't butt in
where you don't belong.

Now the only way these folks
are going to better themselves

is to get the hell off
this mountain

and give-up
their backward ways.

Is that what
your education taught you,

to hate your own people?

(grunting)

(Deladi's screaming)

Fate: Damn you, Giddens,
you're as mean as a copperhead.

- Deladis: No!
- And I sleep like a snake, too.

With both eyes open.

(gun cocking)
Leave the boy, Earl.

Get on out of here.
The deal's done.

You got my word.

Get.

Good day, Doctor.

Is that any way to settle
anything, you stupid boy?

That man would steal the dime
off a dead man's eye.

I'm really very sorry.

(melancholy mid tempo tune)

(music) When I first come
to this country (music)

(music) In 1849 (music)

(music) I saw many fair lovers (music)

(music) But I never saw mine (music)

(music) I viewed it all around me (music)

(music) Saw I was quite alone (music)

(music) Me a poor stranger (music)

(music) And a long way from home (music)

(music) Fare thee well
to old Mother (music)

(music) Fare thee well
to father, too (music)

(music) I'm going for to ramble (music)

(music) This wide world all through (music)

(music) And when I get weary (music)

(music) I'll sit down and cry (music)

(music) Think of my Saro (music)

(music) Pretty Saro, my bride (music)

(music) Well, I wished
I was a turtle dove (music)

(music) Had wings and could fly (music)

(music) Far away
to my lover's lodgings (music)

(music) Tonight I draw nigh (music)

(music) And there in her
lily-white arms (music)

(music) I'd lay there all night (music)

(music) And watch through them
little windows (music)

(music) For the dawning of day. (music)

Man: The missionary board
is convinced

that the schools
would take hold better

in the mountain communities
if they�re led by a man and wife,

who would integrate
more normally into the community

than two women.

Fortunately for us, Reverend,

we're not under
your jurisdiction.

(chuckling)

I'm beginning to understand
your appreciation

of the local crafts,
Mrs. McFarland.

It's a beautifully made piece.
I have several like it.

She'll bankrupt me
with her collecting.

The Clover School is a model,

but the church is better
equipped to educate.

I endorse the English idea,

we must educate by example.

If we teach these ruffians
to serve tea properly,

they would want refinement,

seek it out.

I believe we must ask
the mountain people

what they want
and what they need.

That is the enlightened
point of view.

Man #2: Educating these savages
is a waste of money.

If you want to
help these children,

get them out of their hovels
and put them to work.

There's nothing like
a day's wages

to help make
for advancement.

It's a beautiful land,
isn't it, Mr. McFarland?

It's one of the largest,
untapped coal deposits

in the southern mountains,
Miss Tolliver.

And soon,
I'm gonna own it.

And with my coal mines
will come towns,

roads, railroads,
churches,

even a few more schools.

Although I don't share
the lofty ideals of you ladies,

I would like to make
a small donation

to the Clover school,

say, $500.

Thank you, but we couldn't
possibly accept such a gift,

despite our need.

Yes, it's essential we avoid
all political affiliations

to maintain the trust
of the community.

As far as I know, water pumps
don't have political affiliations.

Mr. McFarland, I thought
you supported Christian education.

I support progress,
Rev. Merriweather.

I also appreciate what
these ladies have accomplished.

I think this school
is the loveliest,

the way Miss Tolliver
and Miss Penleric

have used the local crafts
to decorate.

Are you aware
of the folk arts movement

that is sweeping
New York and London?

I'm quite a collector.

Doc's collecting songs.

- Really?
- Mm-hmm.

Yes, I am.

Um...

(gasping)
Ah, it's beautiful.

So refined.
Was this painted by a local?

I knew you would
appreciate it.

Do you know I have sent
a dozen of these

to a gallery in New York?

The dealer is very excited.

Harriet:
Oh, look, everybody,

our musical entertainment
is here.

Hi, Will.

Deladis:
Hey, Will.

Harriet:
Everybody, this is Will.

Hello, Will.

Harriet: Why don't you play
"Sally Goodin"?

(up tempo melody)

Oh, Ambrose,
twirl me around the lawn.

Reverend: Miss Tolliver,
may I have the honor?

Harriet: I'd be delighted.

(song continues,
dancers whooping)

Whoo!

Ooh...!

Viney: Take a little bit.
Go on.

Viney: Isn't that good?

(cackling laugh)

(music tempo quickens)

Hey, Del.

Where have you been?
Miss Elna's been worried sick.

I ain't her concern no more.
Not hers or nobody's.

Man:
Go on out there, boy.

Woman:
Get on up there.

Miss Elna?

I'd be delighted.

A little space...
It's her chance, now.

Viney: Put out your hands
on your waist.

Come on, let's try it.

Lift them legs!

(laughing and cheering)

Man: Look out in there.

(scoffing)

Hello.

Would you care to...?

Maybe I was speaking a little
too proper to you before.

- Get your long legs out here.
- I don't think so.

Let me show you some
true country spirit.

- Come on.
- No, thank you.

I think perhaps you've had
a little too much to drink.

- Naw.
- No, thank you.

I'll show you right
what you need to know.

No, please, Mr. Bledsoe.

Get on out of here.

(punching and hollering)

(music continues)

(glass breaking)

(waltz tune plays softly)

It's very late.
We should get back.

I'll find my own way home.

I'll see the doctor gets home.

All right.

I'll be fine.
Good night.

Good night.

(strums softly)

Tom: Hey, Earl.

How's your head?

(chuckling)

(music) O what is this (music)

(music) I cannot see (music)

(music) Whose icy hand (music)

(music) Takes hold on me? (music)

(music) O I am Death (music)

(music) That none can excel (music)

(music) I open the door (music)

(music) To Heaven and Hell. (music)

(music) O Death, O Death (music)

(music) How can it be (music)

(music) that I must come (music)

(music) And go with thee? (music)

(music) For Death, O Death (music)

(music) How can it be? (music)

(music) I'm unprepared (music)

(music) For eternity (music)

(music) "O yes, I've come (music)

(music) For to get your soul (music)

(music) Take your body (music)

(music) And leave it cold (music)

(music) I'll drop the flesh (music)

(music) From off of your brain (music)

(music) The earth and the worms (music)

(music) Both have their claim" (music)

Woman:
(music) O Death, O Death, (music)

(music) please let me see (music)

(music) If Christ has turned (music)

(music) His back on me? (music)

(music) "When you were called (music)

(music) And asked to bow (music)

(music) You wouldn't take heed (music)

(music) And it's too late now" (music)

(music) Farewell, farewell (music)

(music) To all farewell (music)

(music) My doom is fixed (music)

(music) I'm summoned to Hell (music)

(music) As long as God (music)

(music) In Heaven shall dwell (music)

(music) My soul, my soul (music)

(music) Shall scream in Hell. (music)

We'll stay on here.

I'm not grateful for your vain
gallantry, Mr. Bledsoe.

I am perfectly capable
of looking out for myself.

Oh, don't worry.
I'd beat that snake up for fun

any day of the week.

I have never heard such...

...such singing.

I never met an outlander
who likes music as much as you do.

I have never been anywhere

where the music is as much
a part of life as it is here.

It's like the air
you all breathe.

It's beautiful.

I would like to discuss
something with you seriously.

Serious?
What is it?

It's about my work.

Actually, it's about my book.

I believe...

that you could win public
sentiment over with your music.

- Public sentiment?
- Yes.

Let me tell you something,

we're not really interested

in what you people out there
think about us.

- Well, you should be.
- Oh, yeah?

What I'm trying to say
is when my book is published,

I believe the mountain people
will be seen

in a very different light.

Oh, what is that light,
may I ask?

Well, the common view

is that there is
no culture here,

and that the people
are dirty, ignorant and savage.

You forgot illiterate
and inbred.

The only way to preserve
our way of life up here

is to keep your way
of life down there.

That is the way you kill something,
by shutting it out...

You know what?
You just don't understand,

and you never will.

We just want
to be left alone, see?

Then the mountain ways
will die.

We'll see.

I don't want to fight with you.

Me neither.

We just keep getting off
on the wrong foot, don't we?

Good night.

Can I take my wrong feet
and walk you home?

No, I can find my own way.
Thank you.

I promised... Miss Elna.

Well, in case you hadn't noticed,
I am the big sister...

not Elna.

O-ho-ho, I noticed.

I noticed.

(singing)

(piercing shriek)

(shriek)

(growling and clothes tearing)

(shriek)

(shriek)

(gasping)

Tom: Whoa! Whoa!

- Whoa.
- (Lily laughing)

Here you go.

Why won't you admit it was you?
Give me that.

- It was you.
- But it wasn't me.

It had to be the panther.

Either that or maybe you...

- maybe you imagined it.
- I did not imagine it.

It was as real
as you and me.

Ooh...

Why aren't you married?

Why aren't you?

I've been married.
Twice.

My second wife died
of lung fever.

I'm sorry.

I'm a jinx for a woman, Lily.

I'm not your average woman.

No, you're not, are you?

Deladis:
(music) O holiday, O holy day (music)

(music) The first day of they ear (music)

(music) Little Matthy Groves
to church to goes (music)

(music) Some holy words to hear (music)

(music) Hear some holy words
to hear. (music)

Come on, Doc,
you know this one.

Both: (music) He spied some women
dressed in black (music)

(music) As they came into view (music)

(music) Lord Daniel's wife
was gaily clad (music)

(music) The flower of the few (music)

(music) Few, the flower of the few (music)

(music) She stepped up
to Little Matthy Groves (music)

(music) Her eyes cast
on the ground (music)

(music) "Oh, please,
oh, please come with me (music)

(music) Stay as you pass
through this town (music)

(music) Town, as you pass
through this town." (music)

- Deladis...
- Hmm?

You are officially
my assistant now,

and it's going to say so
in my book.

(music) "O what is this?"
Said Little Matthy Groves (music)

(music) As he sat up in bed (music)

(music) "I fear it is
your husband's mad (music)

(music) And I will soon be dead (music)

(music) Dead, I will soon be dead" (music)

(music) But Little Matthy Groves
he laid back down (music)

(music) And soon fell off to sleep (music)

(music) When he woke up,
Lord Daniel (music)

(music) Was standing
at his bed feet (music)

(music) Feet, standing
at his bed feet (music)

(music) Saying, " How do you like
my snow white pillows?" (music)

(music) Saying, " How do you
like my sheets? (music)

(music) How do you like my pretty
little woman (music)

(music) That's a-lying
in your arms asleep? (music)

(music) Sleep, lying
in your arms asleep?" (music)

(music) The first swing
that Little Matthy made (music)

(music) It hurt Lord Daniel sore (music)

(music) The next swing
that Lord Daniel made (music)

(music) Little Matthy hit the floor (music)

(music) Floor, Little Matthy
hit the floor (music)

(cocking)

What do you want?

Uh...

Parley Gentry sent us.

My name is Lily Penleric.

We are looking
for Uncle Cratis.

What for?

I'm a song collector.

Parley says
Uncle Cratis knows

about every
love song there is.

We're making a book.

Cratis got religion.
He don't do no singing no more.

Well, perhaps
if I spoke with him...?

Cratis!

(music) Uncle Cratis. (music)

You gonna burn in Hell,
Josie Moore.

Mr. Kincaid?

Do I know you, woman?

I'm your wife's friend.

You all go on.
We got no songs here.

Your family needs you,
Mr. Kincaid.

Reese belongs here with me.

Go on.

Alice: How can I thank you?

Alice, you don't have to.

I've barely been able
to keep body and soul together

since Reese left again.

People have been helping out
the best they can, but...

Lily: Well, now that...

Clementine McFarland
is collecting your paintings,

others will as well.

Maybe I should take the children
down to Asheville.

I mean, if what you say
is true,

I could provide for us
in a big town.

Hello, Alice.

- Daddy?
- Reese?

Daddy.

Well, he y, big man.

Hey, little bit.

- Hey.
- Hey.

You look pretty today, Alice.

You remember, Dr. Penleric,
don't you?

Mr. Kincaid.

(grunting)

Hey, Del.

Hey.

Hey, Del.

Fate: "It is..."

"It is dep..."

What are you doing
reading other people's writing?

"It is deplorable...

that the literature
of the ballad

has attracted
so much more attention

than the music.

The two elements
should never be disassociated.

The music and text

are one and indivisible,

and to separate one
from the other

is to remove the processed gem
from its beautiful setting."

Oh, Lord.

What are you laughing at?

She's just saying our songs
are finer than frog hair.

You're going soft
in the head, Tom.

- Yeah, maybe.
- (women laughing)

Tom: Ladies.

Hello.

What are you doing here?

Uh...

I brought you something.

Come on.

- You shouldn't have.
- Well, I did.

- It's warm today, huh?
- Yes.

Elna: Tom...?

Why don't you
advise my sister

to join us at the picnic
this afternoon?

I haven't had any luck.
Perhaps you might.

What, and leave her work?

Deladis, are you ready?

Um...

I ain't going.

It's too hot and muggy
for a picnic.

All right, suit yourself.

Let me show you this here.
A noter.

A what?

Noter.
Take that in your left hand,

and you play these strings.

Let's go for a walk.

Ah, yes.

We'll leave you two
to your music lesson.

Tom: You know, it ain't
none of my business...

Miss Harriet and Miss Elna...

they�re...

What?

Sweethearts,
I guess you call it.

(women giggling)

Don't be ridiculous.

Listen, it don't bother me none.
It would rile most people,

but it don't bother me none.

I'm sure it's only because
they�re so isolated.

Who else would they be with?

Well, certainly not
a mountain man.

(giggling)

I see you two.
Now you quit that.

Fate: Hey, Johnson.

I got a letter here
for the doctor.

She ain't here right now,
but you can leave it.

No, no.
You see this here word?

That means it's important

and she got to get it
right away.

Urgent? I can read.

She's gone to Alton's Creek.
I'll take it over.

You'd do that for me,
ol' Fate?

Sure, Johnson, sure.

- I'll go with you.
- Naw, you stay here.

- Why?
- 'Cause I said.

Uh-uh,
I'm coming with you.

You deliver it
into her own hands.

Oh, I will, I will.

Thank you.

Bye.

Sure, I'll deliver
the letter, Doc.

You can't do that.
That's Doc's letter.

- Give me that.
- Come and get it.

Del, come back here!

(Deladi's laughing)

Oof, shit.

Del?

Oh, God!

Oh, God.

(sobbing)
Oh, God.

Elna, we have to get back
to the school.

Elna!

Fate!

Elna!

Deladis:
Johnson said it was urgent.

(giggling)

Wallace's voice:
"Dear Lily,

It is with great pride
that I write.

I took the liberty of showing

the ballads you sent me
to Cyrus Whittle.

He immediately confirmed
the importance of your discovery

and thinks it imperative
the ballads be collected urgently.

The dean has secured the funds.

You'll be thrilled to know
Whittle himself

intends to collect the songs

and insisted that you continue
as his assistant."

Assistant!?

"please respond immediately.

Regards, Wallace."

Uncle Cratis is preaching
the gospel tomorrow.

Yes, dear.

Deladis: Can I wear
my new green calico?

(screaming)

No!

It's afire!

Elna:
Harriet, no! Run!

Oh, no.

Come on. Come on.

Oh, my God.

(whooping and laughing)

- My glasses!
- No, no, no.

Elna: Lily!

Lily!

Goodbye, my darling girl.

Tom: Oh, good Lord.

Go away.

Elna...?

How am I going to live
without her?

Perhaps you could find her.

She swore if anyone
ever found out...

she'd disappear.

My Harriet.

I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry.

Hey, Doc, look.

Deladis: Doc?

Cratis: You all don't
have to believe me,

but you got to believe
the word of God.

I know you believe the Bible,
and the Bible says,

"For her sins
have reached unto Heaven

and God has remembered
her iniquities."

- Amen.
- "Therefore shall her plagues

come in one day.

Death, and mourning
and famine

and she shall be utterly
destroyed with fire."

Amen.

"For strong is the Lord God
that judges her."

Amen.

Where did you get to?
I was looking for you.

"Thou has polluted the land
with thy whoredoms

and with thy wickedness"!

Amen.

I'm going to bust you up,
Hilliard!

Tom!

They're the whores
of Babylon come to tempt us, Tom!

That snake right there,
and that little weasel next to him,

they�re the ones who set fire
to the school!

And all this while women
and children were still inside!

They're evil women!

Now are you going
to listen to them

or are you going
to listen to me?

I am ashamed of you boys.

I ain't seen nothing but good
come out of that school.

Them women were sent
by the devil himself.

Only wickedness comes
of book learning.

- Amen!
- Cratis...

I ain't never had a chance
to learn nothing.

And my kids ain't neither

because they is always
working too hard

keeping food on the table.

But I got grandbabies
as smart as any others!

And I want them
to have a chance.

Man: That's the devil
speaking through him.

- Amen.
- Amen.

Reese Kincaid!

You said
you'd never leave me.

Josie...

Tom: (music) A lilac comes (music)

(music) On a poisoned thorn (music)

(music) It has roots
dirty and torn (music)

(music) Young-uns a-playin' (music)

(music) As the black crow flies (music)

(music) Mama's weeping (music)

(music) Hear the mountains cry (music)

(music) There was another (music)

(music) A wild dirt flower (music)

(music) Cold was her heart (music)

(music) And as dark as dire (music)

(music) Tears on the ground (music)

(music) For her love did die (music)

(music) 'Neath the bloody moon (music)

(music) Hear the mountains cry (music)

(music) Oh, dig his grave (music)

(music) Narrow and deep (music)

(music) Set a jug of whiskey (music)

(music) By his thirsty feet (music)

(music) And lay two pennies (music)

(music) On his roving eyes (music)

(music) Two women wailing (music)

(music) As the mountains cry. (music)

Thank you, dear.

Elna...

will you be all right
if I leave?

So soon?

Why don't you come with me?

You can live as you please
in a big city.

I've thought about it.

I want to reopen the school.

I was thinking about asking you
to stay with me.

It needs another teacher.

I didn't think you would.

I shall miss you.

- (music) Oh the wind blows weary (music)
- My little elf.

(music) And the willows sigh... (music)

I'll miss you, too.

(music) Rivers of sorrow (music)

(music) And the mountains cry (music)

(music) Rivers of sorrow... (music)

(music) And the mountains cry. (music)

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, too.

I'm sorry
about that school

and I'm sorry
about your book.

You made most of us
feel real proud.

Thank you.

I'm sure someone else will come
and write down all of the songs.

- Are you giving up?
- Um-hmm.

I realize that it was
the voices singing them

that I wanted everyone to hear.

Are you going back
to your university, then?

No, no, I don't think so.

- Where are you going?
- I'm not sure.

Come with me?

How will I earn a living
down the mountain?

With your music.

I couldn't take care
of you right doing this.

Then work in a coal mine.

No, I did that once
and I guarantee you

I never ever will again.

So you're just content
to sit on a mountain

and hide your head
in a jug, is that it?

A man's meant
to provide for his wife

and his family, Lily.

You were meant
to make music.

Besides which, I don't want you
to take care of me.

- And I do have a plan.
- Oh, of course you do.

Did you ever have a day
without a plan?

It includes you, Tom.
Do you want to hear it?

Go on.

Well...

nowadays, phonographs
only cost about $10.

I think that soon everyone
is going to have one.

I was thinking
that we could...

make cylinders
of mountain music and sell them.

Who the hell would buy them?

Oh, I think everyone would.

I know they would, Tom.

The way the music
makes you feel,

of course they would.

You're just about as crazy...

Hey!

What are you doing here?

Go on before I shoot you!

I want to talk to Deladis.

Fate: Del...

I come to get you
to be my wife.

I don't want
no part of you.

If you don't take me now,

I'm marrying Polly.

I went to the woods...

and the knot didn't hold.

You're Polly's now.

I love you, child.

Tom: Hey, Del...

we're going
down the mountain.

Do you want
to come with us?

We're going to make cylinders
of mountain music

to sell to outlanders.

(laughing)

What?

Isn't that the craziest thing
you ever heard?

It's the craziest.

Viney: Of course
she'll come with you.

Granny?

Tom, I'll be fine.

I'll be right here
when you come back to visit.

Tom: Why don't you
back up aways,

until one of us
can pull over?

Perhaps I'd better get out.

Are you Cyrus Whittle?

Yes, I am.
Who are you?

I'm Lily Penleric.

Lily Penleric?
How remarkable.

I was just on my way
to meet you.

Whittle: Didn't you get
Prof. Aldrich's letter?

Lily: Yes. I did,
but I didn't realize

you were coming
immediately.

The work is urgent.
Your discovery is too great.

The collection must be
moved forward

as expeditiously as possible.

That's why I'm here in the hopes
of being able to assist you.

Assisting me?

I told Aldrich
to ask your permission.

I made myself
quite clear to the dean.

I am only here to facilitate
and cooperate

in the completion
of the collection

of this vast body of songs.

There is no collection

beyond the 10 songs
that I sent Prof. Aldrich.

What?
All this time, you mean...

- It was destroyed in a fire.
- Oh, I can't bear it.

I'm afraid so, along with
my phonograph recordings.

Oh, my Lord.

Phonograph, you say?

You know, I had no idea
it was feasible to lug

a phonograph
into the wilderness.

It isn't.

Well, then in that case
it's very fortuitous

that I'm here, isn't it?

We can start again,
you and I!

Thank you, Prof. Whittle,

but I'm afraid I have
other plans.

What on earth could be
more important

than this collection
of songs?

Lily: I bequeath the collection
of the mountain ballads to you.

- To me?
- Mm-hm.

How am I going to work
without you?

Well, when you get
to Bear Creek

ask for Viney Butler.

Tell Viney, that Tom, Lily
and Deladis said

you are a very nice man,
and she should help you.

- Who? Deladis?
- Deladis.

Lily: Viney Butler.

She knows dozens of songs.
She will help you.

Fare thee well, professor,

but I must assure you
I intend to publish these songs

under both our names...
yours first, of course.

It's Penleric.

That's one "N"
and no "K."

(music) T'was in the merry
month of May (music)

(music) When all gay flowers
were blooming (music)

(music) Sweet William (music)

(music) In his death bed lay (music)

(music) For the love
of Barbara Allen (music)

(music) He sent his servant
to the town (music)

(music) To the place
where she was dwelling (music)

(music) Said, "You must come
to my master's house (music)

(music) If your name
be Barbara Allen (music)

(music) So slowly, slowly
she gets up (music)

(music) And to his bedside going (music)

(music) She drew the curtains
to one side (music)

(music) and says, "Young man,
you're dying" (music)

(music) "I know I'm sick,
and very sick (music)

(music) And sorrow dwells
within me (music)

(music) No better, no better
I never will be (music)

(music) Till I have
Barbara Allen (music)

(music) " Don't you remember
last Saturday night (music)

(music) When I was at the tavern? (music)

(music) You gave your drinks
to the ladies all (music)

(music) But you slighted
Barbara Allen" (music)

(music) He reached up
his pale white hands (music)

(music) Intending for to touch her (music)

(music) She turned away
from his bedside (music)

(music) And says, "Young man,
I won't have you (music)

(music) He turned his cheek
unto the wall (music)

(music) And bursted out a-cryin' (music)

(music) Adieu, to thee,
adieu to all (music)

(music) And adieu
to Barbara Allen (music)

(music) She had not more
than reached the town (music)

(music) She heard the death-bells ringin' (music)

(music) And as they rung,
they seemed to say (music)

(music) "Hard-hearted Barbara Allen" (music)

(music) O mother, O mother,
go make my bed (music)

(music) Make it both long and narrow (music)

(music) Sweet William died
for me today (music)

(music) I'll die for him tomorrow (music)

(music) Sweet William was buried
in the old churchyard (music)

(music) And Barbara they laid nigh him (music)

(music) And out of his grave
grew a red, red rose (music)

(music) And out of hers, a briar (music)

(music) they grew and grew
to the old church gate (music)

(music) Where they could grow no higher (music)

(music) And there they tied
in a true love knot (music)

(music) The Rose wrapped
'round the briar. (music)

{{}}

(woman singing)
(music) All in the merry month of May (music)

(music) When green leaves
were a-springing (music)

(music) This young man
on his deathbed lay (music)

(music) For the love of Barbara Allen (music)

(music) He sent his man
unto her then (music)

(music) To the town
where she was dwelling (music)

(music) "You must come
to my master, dear (music)

(music) If your name
be Barbara Allen" (music)

(music) So slowly, slowly
she got up (music)

(music) And slowly
she came to him (music)

(music) And all she said
when she came there (music)

(music) "Young man,
I think you're dying" (music)

(music) He turned his face
unto the wall (music)

(music) And death came
creeping to him (music)

(music) Adieu, adieu,
and adieu to all (music)

(music) And adieu
to Barbara Allen (music)

(music) When he was dead
and laid in his grave (music)

(music) Then death came
creeping to her (music)

(music) O mother, mother,
make my bed (music)

(music) For his death
hath quite undone me (music)

(music) And so this maid
she then did die (music)

(music) And desired
to be buried by him (music)

(music) And repented she
before she died (music)

(music) That e'er she did
deny him. (music)

Now...

there you have a fine example
of an old English ballad,

a folk song, defined
as that which is created

by the common people,
the unskilled.

The melodies
are quaint and primitive,

but you must learn
to appreciate

not only
the sociological value,

but the simple purity
of emotion in the song.

(humming)

Oh.

Good afternoon,
Dean Pembroke.

I wanted to catch you today,
Dr. Penleric.

I wanted to tell you
that the appointment committee

has reviewed your application
for full professor.

And we've concluded
unanimously

that we can not
offer you the position.

However, we hope
you will continue on

as an associate professor

at your current salary level,
of course.

Dr. Penleric: Why, may I ask,
am I being passed over again?

It is not customary
to be asked

to defend our position,
Dr. Penleric.

It appears we have
an opportunity

to offer the position to
the eminent English musicologist

and ballad collector,
Cyrus Whittle,

who as you know, has almost
single-handedly created

a revival
of the English folk song.

Oh, Dean Pembroke.
Excuse me.

What is it, Professor Aldrich?

Nothing, sir, I just stopped by
for a few words with Dr. Penleric.

Well, I was just leaving.
Good day, Dr. Penleric.

(door closes)

I argued for you, Lily,

as emphatically as I dared.

I have waited longer
and published more

than anyone else
in this department.

Frankly,
I was the only man for you.

Dr. Penleric: Really?

Dean Pembroke said
the vote was unanimous.

I was afraid someone
would suspect something.

Dr. Whittle is
a brilliant man.

Of course he is,
that's not the point!

Lily,

I've arranged
the family's whole summer

so I can come into town
to see you every week.

I won't be here, Wallace.

Where are you going?

As far away as possible.

Please don't go away.

I know how disappointed
you must be, my darling, but...

Lily, wait.

Why don't I meet you
at your apartment?

My wife won't be home
until quite late.

Are you mad, Lily?
What if someone walked in?

You coward!

Backing my appointment
was the only thing

I ever asked you for.

But...

(rooster crowing)

You Miss Elna's sister?

Yes, yes, yes, I am.

I'm here to take you
to Clover.

I'm Fate Honeycutt.
What's your name?

Oh, hello,
I'm Dr. Lily Penleric.

A doctor, huh?

That's just fine.

We could sure use
another healer.

Oh, I'm not a medical doctor.

Well, what kind are you?

I'm a doctor of music,

sort of an expert.

I see.

Thank you.

Well, hop on up, Doc.

Here, just put your foot
on the wheel there.

I'll help you up.

Fate: Giddup.

Fate: Giddup.

What if we meet
another wagon

coming down the mountain?

That would be something.

Oh!

(distant banjo music plays)

Someone's playing music?

- Oh, Lily!
- Eleanor.

It's been so long.

Yes.

I thought you said it was
only five miles to Clover.

Woman: She meant
"mountain miles."

Used to take three days
to get up here.

This is my sister, Lily.

Lily, this is my colleague
and friend, Harriet Tolliver.

- How do you do?
- How do you do?

This is Deladis Slocumb.
Deladis has no family,

so we get to keep her here
full time.

How do you do, ma'am?

How do you do?

Elna's told me
so much about you.

"Elna"?

Oh, that's what
everyone here calls me.

It's caught on with me, too.

I suppose it's a lot better
than "Little Elf,"

which is what
I used to call her.

(chuckling)

You must be exhausted.

I am.
Excuse me.

Would you like to rest
before supper?

Uh...

- Could you help me, dearest?
- Yes, I'm sorry.

Thank you so much.

It's very hot.

I know.

Along with
the basic curriculum,

we also teach hygiene
and nutrition to the girls.

And music, of course.

Deladis, why don't you
serve the tea?

Deladis,
what a beautiful name.

That's a real pretty fan.

Thank you, dear.
It's from Spain.

(crow cawing)

Thank you, dear.

Aren't you frightened here?

What of?

Oh, savage mountaineers.

Reports of violence
are horrible.

(laughing)

Horribly exaggerated,
that is.

Deladis,
why don't you sing

one of your pretty songs
for my sister?

Oh, please, please do.
I would like that.

(music) 'Twas in the merry
month of May (music)

(music) When all gay flowers
were a-bloomin' (music)

(music) Sweet William
on his deathbed lay (music)

(music) For the love
of Barbry Allen (music)

(music) He sent his servant
to the town (music)

(music) He sent him
to her dwelling (music)

(music) Sayin', "Master's sick (music)

(music) and very sick (music)

(music) And for your sake
he's a-dyin'." (music)

Deladis, where did you
learn that song?

My granny gave it to me.

Was your grandmother
from England?

You mean, across the ocean?

No, no.

Granny lived and died
right here in the mountains.

Lily: Then where
did she learn it?

Granny said she got
all those love songs

from her mama.

Do you know
any more ballads?

love songs.

Oh. I know lots of them.

I know "Lord Randall,"
uh... uh...

"Jacqueline Is Sailing,"
"Two Sisters."

I know "Young Emily."

Would you sing
"Two Sisters," please?

Harriet: It's all right, dear.

(music) O sister, o sister
come go with me... (music)

Lily... I told you
never to call me here.

I'm calling
as a colleague, Wallace.

- Where are you?
- The southern mountains.

What on earth are you doing
in such a dreadful place?

Lily: Never mind that.
I'm telephoning because I made

a great discovery.
Old English ballads.

What are you talking about?

Lily: The mountain people
brought the ballads here

over 200 years ago.

The same songs
that Cyrus Whittle

has been collecting
in England,

songs which haven't been known
there for at least 100 years!

- What of it, Lily?
- Woman: Wally?

I want you to come home.

Don't you understand?

These may be the purest
versions in existence.

- That's ridiculous.
- It's true!

And I am going to be
the first to collect them

and to publish them.

Nothing I could have said
or done

would have secured
that appointment for you.

Nothing you do now
will, either.

Will you help me,
or not?

I have always
believed in you, Lily.

Lily: Good.
I need supplies.

The collecting must be done
scientifically.

Now, nice and loud.

(music) A holiday, O holy day (music)

(music) The first day of they ear (music)

(music) Little Matthy Groves
to church to goes (music)

(music) Some holy words to hear (music)

(music) Here some holy words
to hear (music)

(play back) (music) He spied some women
dressed in black (music)

(music) As they came into view (music)

(music) Lord Daniel's wife
was gaily clad (music)

(music) The flower of the few (music)

(music) Here the flower
of the few (music)

(music) She stepped up
to Little Matthy Groves (music)

(music) Her eyes cast
on the ground... (music)

Deladis: (music) Come all ye fair
and tender ladies (music)

(music) Be careful
how you court young men (music)

- (music) They're like... (music)
- Uh...

Could you sing those two lines again?
Thank you, dear.

Why don't you just make
a cylinder and copy off that?

Because the cylinders
are only for short songs

and they wear out.
Once again, thank you.

(music) Come all ye fair
and tender ladies (music)

(music) Be careful
how you court young men (music)

(Deladi's singing in distance)

Are you still working
on the child labor piece?

I'm trying,
not very successfully.

I wonder how many times your sister
needs to hear those songs?

No, don't, don't be angry.

It makes her very happy.

She's quite obsessed.

So am I.

Deladis: (music) She cried out
with a thrillin' cry (music)

(music) O Lord, O Lord, I'm ruined. (music)

(sighing)
That's it, Doc.

I'm worn out
like a cylinder.

Uh, just those last two lines
once again, please, dear.

(music) She cried out
with a thrillin' cry (music)

(music) O Lord, O Lord, I'm ruined. (music)

(sighing)
That's it.

That's the very last ballad
I know.

And what a doozy.

Mm.

(Lily chuckling)

What's this for?

That's for all your hard work.

Just for singing?

Uh-hmm.

- Here.
- (music) Come all ye fair (music)

(music) and tender ladies (music)

(music) Be careful
how you court young men (music)

(music) They're like a bright star
of a summer's evening (music)

(music) They'll first appear
and then they're gone. (music)

I'm gonna tie a lover's knot.

If it stays and grows,

all will be well.

Where did you get
that fancy thing?

Doc gave it to me
for singing.

(screaming)

(Lily humming)

Hello?

Oh, Eleanor,
this is just fascinating.

It really is.

You see, Deladis sings,
"For The Most Part"

in a Scots-Irish style,

but she employs
such unusual pitches.

And she dwells on notes.
Here.

(music) Tay-ay-ble, here's... (music)

Can you hear that?
That is so unusual.

I have never heard
anything like it before.

Tell me,
is her style of singing,

is that typical?

- Yes, I think it is.
- Is it really?

It's fascinating.

So what do you think
of my school, Lily?

Hmm?

Oh...

- Well, I'm no expert...
- I know.

- I'm sure it's fine.
- I know.

We are trying
to make a difference.

Yes, of course.

(sobbing)
It was mine!

Elna: Oh, Deladis,
what happened?

- Oh, Fate, did you do this?
- That was so cruel.

You give her
that fancy thing

and a whole dollar
just for singing.

- You ain't give me nothing.
- Fate, you work for the school

and I think we pay you
quite adequately.

Then I'll do nothing for Doc.
Just for the school.

Then I'll have to find
another boy who's more willing...

No, no, Eleanor,
Fate does have a point.

He has had to work a lot harder
since I've been here.

That's right, Doc.

So how's 50� a week,
young man?

I don't know.
I'll have to think on it.

While you're thinking, you can
help pack the phonograph machine.

We're going
to Bear Creek tomorrow.

She's going to Viney Butler's.

You can't lug that machine
all the way up a mountain.

We made it this far,
didn't we?

That was nothing compared
to getting up to Bear Creek.

So what am I paying you for?

- Whoa, whoa.
- Whew.

I don't know no ballads.

Why, Mrs. Butler,
they are the most

beautiful songs
there have ever been,

songs like
"Lord Thomas and Fair Ellinor,"

"Two Sisters,"
"Matthy Groves."

Can't say I know them.

Deladis calls them
love songs.

No, did you ever hear
any such songs, Fate?

Del knew,
but I can't say as I do.

Deladis can't be the only keeper
of the songs in the mountains.

I can't be
of any help to you, ma'am.

I would be happy
to compensate you...

to pay you, Mrs. Butler.

Good day to you.

Hello, Viney.

Well, look who's here!

- You must be Elna's sister.
- Yes, I am.

I'm so happy to meet you.
I'm Alice Kincaid.

Well, how do you do?
I'm Lily Penleric.

What are you trudging
all the way up here for, child?

I wanted to meet Dr. Penleric.
I have something for you.

Oh. Fate.
Thank you.

My family spent summers
in Asheville.

I loved hiking up
into the mountains

and reading poetry.

That's how I met Reese,
my husband.

He wooed me with ballads
and fiddle music.

I've been writing them down
since I came to live here.

You can have them
if you like.

Thank you, thank you.

they are indeed exactly
what I'm looking for, but...

I'm afraid these haven't been
scientifically collected.

Oh.

Well I can't be sure
of your notation, you see,

because of the irregular times
and unusual modes of the tunes.

Of course,
I understand perfectly.

Oh...

that is beautiful.

Come here, child.

Viney: You are weak as water.

Oh, that baby is sucking
the life out of you.

Uh-uh.
You got to eat more.

I can barely
feed the children.

Reese gone again?

- Mrs. Kincaid, thank you.
- Thank you.

Here now, you...

make a potion out of this.
Drink it twice a day,

and do not go dragging
all over the place.

Viney, the ballads
are a precious musical legacy.

Why, they're just songs.

Oh, no, Mrs. Butler,
they're not.

They're ancient ballads
from England and Scotland

and they've been sung
for hundreds of years.

they say that my great-granddaddy
come from there.

He came over that mountain
in 1743.

Really?

No one knows that these songs
are being sung

right here in the mountains
of America, no one.

What of it?

Music experts
will want to know.

So I am going to write them down
and publish them in a songbook.

Well, Lord knows I can't
read and write anyhow.

Viney,

I think she's
a very nice lady.

Viney on record:
(music) Is this young Jimmy Scot himself (music)

(music) Or Jimmy Scotland's king? (music)

(music) Or is it the father
of that bastard child (music)

(music) From Scotland
just come in? (music)

(music) Or is it the father
of that bastard child (music)

(music) From Scotland
just come in? (music)

(music) He took the brown girl
by the hand (music)

(music) And lead her
across the hall (music)

(music) He took out his sword (music)

(music) And cut off her head (music)

(music) And kicked it
against the wall (music)

(music) And he kicked it
against the wall. (music)

have you got it?

One more time, Viney.

I thought
you've done this before.

Viney.

Oh, Tom!

Is the day gone already?

Sure is.

Corn is coming up fine
in that back field.

Oh, this is Dr. Lily Penleric.

She's Miss Elna's sister.

Hm.

How do you do?

How do you do?

Viney: Lily is a doctor
of music.

She's catching
my old love songs.

She says they�re important.

Important?
Important to who?

I'm going to publish them
in a songbook.

No, you're not.

Nobody's gonna publish
my granny's songs.

This is my grandson,
Tom Bledsoe.

He's been to the other world

and he thinks he knows
a whole lot.

Mr. Bledsoe,
I am a collector.

My intention is to exalt
the fine music of these mountains.

Exalt?

Yes, it means "to lift up."

You mean exploit.
It means "to steal."

I am a musicologist,
not a thief.

My work is to preserve
musical culture.

First it was the coal and lumber
companies coming in here

now they want to take
our music, too.

These songs are
of great interest

to anyone who studies
musical heritage.

You're gonna get paid for it,
ain't you?

- Yes, I am.
- See, Granny, let me handle this.

I can assure you
it will not make me rich.

- Um-hmm.
- And frankly,

I'm the one who's going
to all the trouble

and expense
of collecting the songs

and I'm the one
who has the expertise

to write them down
and categorize them properly

and scientifically.

Oh, you do, do you?
What's in it for my granny?

Her name will appear before
each one of the songs

which I include in the book,

as the source from which
I have collected it.

"By Viney Butler,"
that's what it's gonna say, Tom.

Well, you can't collect
from my granny,

unless you pay her.

I have offered.
She refused.

You refused?

How can I take money
for singing?

My mama used to sing
those songs

rocking the young-uns to sleep
and leading the cows home.

Doctor, I'm asking
you kindly...

to leave.

Viney: Tom!

I can give my songs
to anybody that I want to.

- No, you can't.
- Yes, I can!

Besides, it's supper time
and Lily's joining us.

Uh, no, thank you,
Mrs. Butler.

Really, I should be
heading back to the school.

You're gonna take my songs
and refuse

the hospitality of my home?
Well, I never.

My man's father built this place
when he settled here.

I�ve raised nine children
in this cabin,

only two of them still living.

I'm sorry.

Oh, one's working the coal mines
up in Virginia

and one's in Missouri.

(belching)

That was good, Granny,

(tuning)

Tom's a fine musician.

Really?

Um-hmm, he plays the banjo
like nobody.

Oh, Tom!

Tom, what's that thing called?

- That thing?
- It's a guitar, Granny.

How many times
do I got to tell you?

He got it in Cuba,
Tom did,

in the Spanish War.

It's a lovely instrument.

Mmm, he is the only one
in these parts

got one of those things.
He makes up songs on it, too.

Do you play music, Doctor,

or do you just steal
other people's?

I am a pianist, Mr. Bledsoe.

A pianist?

I heard of them!

Tom, come on, play some
banjo tunes for Lily here.

Come on! Come on!

please, I would like that.

(fast picking)

(Viney clapping, laughing)

(door bangs open)

Hilliard, you almost
scared me to death!

Sorry, Viney.

You coming, Tom?!

I'll be right there.

Mr. Bledsoe, where did you
learn to play like that?

I taught him.

I would like to record you
on my phonograph sometime.

No, thank you.
I make music to please myself.

(door slamming shut)

Never mind Tom.

He's like most
of those fellows

who went to the other world
and come back...

he just never seemed
to be the same.

they just can't seem
to settle down

and be happy.

Would you show me
how to play this?

H mm.

Well, it's all in the picking.

(up tempo tune)

Fate, did you see to Alice
and her young-uns?

Yes, ma'am, I caught them
a couple of rabbits.

- We had a fine supper.
- Good.

Oh, we have all to do
tomorrow,

these old songs
are coming back to me now.

Well, I'm looking
forward to it.

Oh, Lily...

Listen, if you hear
a strange cry,

like a woman screaming,
that's the panther cat.

And you're gonna be dead
if it gets you.

What you do is pull off
your clothes one piece at a time

and run real hard.

And then the panther cat
will stop

and tear up the clothes
that you dropped in its path

to shreds!
And that will save you!

Viney, that is ridiculous.

Lily: Oops.

(owl hooting)

- What was that?
- Just an owl.

Are you sure?

You'll know the panther cry
when you hear it.

- (rifle cocking)
- Fate!

Damn near got your fool head
blown off.

I didn't know you had
a still going here.

What about her?

What about her?

Go on, get,
both of you.

- Fate.
- Yes, sir.

Eleanor? Eleanor?

Eleanor...

I have had the most
remarkable day.

(gasping)

Oh, no.

Lily, I'd like
to talk with you.

I'm very tired.

I don't want to talk.

I think we should talk.

(sighing)

How could you, Eleanor?

You sound so like Father.

I'm not a child.

You're teachers!

What kind of an example
are you setting?

You're disgusting.

She's the finest person
I have ever known.

And I suppose...

Harriet is a lot older and...

more experienced
than you, so...

I suppose it's her fault.

It's nobody's fault.

We're in love.

Viney: (music) She drew
her little pen knife (music)

(music) And stabbed him
through his heart (music)

(music) She cried out
with a very loud cry (music)

(music) There's a dead man
in my house, house (music)

(music) There's a dead man
in my house. (music)

We came to see the machine

that sings the songs
back to you.

I'm not using it
at the moment.

See, you got to save it, Polly,
or it will wear out.

My brother's a songcatcher.

That's very nice, but I'm afraid
he's a bit too little

to be a reliable source.

Come on, Tommy Lee,
you can sing for me.

Girl: Oh, shotgun.
Man: What songs you know?

- (cocking)
- Girl: Come on.

Get the hell out of my yard,
Earl Giddens.

I've been hearing this excitement
about the songcatcher,

I came to see for myself.

Tom told you we're not selling.

He also told you
he'd shoot you on the spot

if you came round again.

Viney, it's that kind of talk
gives city folk

a terrible impression
of us hillbillies.

- Isn't that right, miss?
- Doctor Lily Penleric.

Doctor!
Well, Earl Giddens,

McFarland Coal Company.

Very pleased to make
your acquaintance, Doctor.

It's fine to see
an outsider appreciating

the charm of our local music.

For myself however,
there is nothing like

the elegant perfection
of the compositions

by Mr. Johann Sebastian Bach.

I don't think such comparisons
benefit either tradition.

they are apples and oranges.

Are you a musician?

No, ma'am.

- Oh.
- I've been down the mountain.

I had the privilege
of education.

Bachelor of Sciences,
University of North Carolina.

Really?

I guess I see your point.

Maybe you can
talk some sense

into this stubborn
old woman, Dr. Lily.

Mrs. Butler?

She has no need
of my advice.

Don't you think
she deserves

a nice new house
in Sawyerville?

Time to sing and rest?

She could even learn
to read and write,

instead of working her fingers
to the bone just to get by.

I can make a living on a rock
if I wanted to.

I was born on this mountain
and I'm gonna die on this mountain.

And so are you.
Get going, Giddens.

This place is nothing
but a burden for Tom, Viney.

You know he was made
for other things besides farming.

(painful screaming)

Alice: Oh. Oh...

(howling)

Isabel, go to my place.
Take the children to my place,

and tell Tom to bring
the milk cow.

Isabel:
Come on, y'all. Come on.

- I'll take them, Viney.
- No! I want you here.

Alice: Help me, help me, please,
I'm dying.

Oh, I can't stop the bleeding
until I get the baby out.

You gotta help me.

(moaning)

No, no, I couldn't.

She can't do it by herself.

Come here, give me your hand.
Give me your hand.

Now put them right here,
like that.

When I tell you to,
you push... hard.

- No. No. No.
- Do it, woman!

Viney: Ready?

Now!

Viney: Well, I guess
the good Lord's gonna let us

keep you a little while longer.

And you got yourself here,

another sweet, little
baby girl.

Will she live?

Well, it was a struggle
there for a bit,

but it's in the good Lord's
hands now.

(sighing)

Alice, you're gonna have to keep
Reese away from you.

Well, if you
don't want butter,

you got to pull
the dasher out in time.

(snickering)

Oh, sweet baby girl.

I hope you grow up smart
like Lily here

and stay single.

(music) When I was single (music)

(music) When I dress ed
mighty fine (music)

(music) Now I am married (music)

(music) Go ragged all the time (music)

(music) I wish I was
a single girl again (music)

(music) O, Lord, (music)

(music) Don't I wish I was
a single girl again (music)

(chuckling)

(music) When I was single (music)

(music) My shoes did squeak (music)

(music) Now I am married (music)

(music) My shoes they do leak (music)

(music) I wish I was
a single girl again (music)

(music) O Lord, (music)

(music) Don't I wish I was
a single girl again (music)

(music) Three little babes (music)

(music) Are crying for bread (music)

(music) With none to give them (music)

(music) I'd rather be dead (music)

(music) I wish I was
a single girl again (music)

(music) O Lord, (music)

(music) Don't I wish I was
a single girl again (music)

(laughing)

(music) When he comes in (music)

(music) It's a curse and a row (music)

(music) knocking down the children (music)

(music) And pulling out my hair (music)

(music) I wish I was
a single girl again (music)

(music) O Lord, (music)

(music) Don't I wish I was
a single girl again (music)

(music) Dishes to wash... (music)

Reese, where in hell
have you been?

Alice.

You came home.

Lily...

please take the painting.

Tom: Did she live?

Yes.

What about the baby?

Hopefully.

Thank the Lord.

(pops cork)

(sighing)

You're having a real backwoods
experience, ain't you?

Are you drunk?

I'm not drunk,
I'm...

celebrating.

Lily: There's no cause
for celebration, Mr. Bledsoe.

they could still die.

In case it's news to you,
Doctor,

suffering is a woman's lot.

I am perfectly well aware
of that fact, Mr. Bledsoe.

God knows, I wish I weren't.

You really are an ignorant,
drunken lout.

You have absolutely no idea
what that woman

- has just been through!
- Let me tell you something.

My wife died at childbirth

when we were 16 years old.

She bled to death
after I pulled our dead baby out.

So don't you tell me
what I do and don't know!

"Dear Wallace,

Enclosed are 10
of the beautiful ballads

I have collected so far.

I am sure you will realize

what a remarkable
discovery this is.

The songs are virtually
intact,

according to the oldest
known versions,

with wonderful, idiosyncratic
local changes

in a lyric or phrase
here or there.

Best wishes,
Lily."

(banjo strumming)

Whoo! Lord.

Your playing is beautiful.

Actually, that was one of my tunes.
Dexter here just...

took it over,
and made it his own.

- Such striking rhythms.
- Thank you, ma'am.

I'm Lily Penleric.

She's a musicologist.

Mister...?

- Dexter Speaks, ma'am.
- Well, how do you do?

Would you look at Del?

(laughing)

She's all bug eyed.

Ain't you ever seen
a colored man before?

Where would I have?

(chuckling)

Tom: Where you all headed?

Rose Gentry's.

I'm gonna help Doc here

with writing down
Rose's ballads.

We're going everywhere
the sweet music is.

Rose?

Rose lives way off back
and beyond.

You'll never get there
with that load.

You can't tell
this woman nothing, Tom.

Huh.

Well, aren't you lucky?

Sitting around all day
getting drunk, playing music?

- How lovely.
- Yes, I am.

See, that's what you outlanders
don't understand.

Life is for enjoying,

not just getting and working,
and getting and working.

We do indeed have very different
notions of what enjoyment is.

Deladis: Wait...!

Lily: Fate... careful.

(grunting)

Lily: Oh...!

Stop.

(panting)

I told you,

we couldn't get there
with this thing.

Where's your...

pioneer spirit, Fate?

We can't give-up.

Come on, let's keep trying.

No, Del.

She's crazy.
I've been lugging this thing

everywhere it don't belong.

I'm not risking life and limb
for no stupid song.

I need these recordings.

I need them,
right, Deladis?

Doc...

no one's ever tried to...

haul a thing
like this up here.

Until now. Come along.

I'll show you,
Mr. Honeycutt,

what you can achieve
if you don't give-up.

- (grunting)
- No!

(panting)

You...!

I will not give-up!

Come along.

please, Fate, come with us.

I decided to take
your offer, Earl.

A dollar an acre
and jobs for me and my boys.

Why, if it ain't
the songcatcher.

Earl: Dr. Lily...

you sure do get around,
don't you?

Lily: Nice to see you again,
Mr. Giddens.

Mr. And Mrs. Gentry,

I'm Lily Penleric.

We heard you might be
coming this way.

Viney says Doc's awful nice

and you should sing for her.

Doctor, Uncle Cratis
is the one who knows

about every love song
there is.

Except Uncle Cratis got the calling.
He don't hold to singing no more.

I'm sorry, we've seem
to have come at a bad time.

No, we're about finished here.

I said I'd take
a dollar an acre.

Well, now Parley,

that was before I knew
the land was used up.

Well, I wouldn't be
selling it if it weren't.

I appreciate that,

but Mr. McFarland
would have my head

if I gave that much.

The most
I could give is say...

50 � an acre.

What's that come to?

How many acres
you got again?

About 100,
my daddy always said.

- $50?
- That's all?

That's criminal, Mr. Giddens.

Don't butt in
where you don't belong.

Now the only way these folks
are going to better themselves

is to get the hell off
this mountain

and give-up
their backward ways.

Is that what
your education taught you,

to hate your own people?

(grunting)

(Deladi's screaming)

Fate: Damn you, Giddens,
you're as mean as a copperhead.

- Deladis: No!
- And I sleep like a snake, too.

With both eyes open.

(gun cocking)
Leave the boy, Earl.

Get on out of here.
The deal's done.

You got my word.

Get.

Good day, Doctor.

Is that any way to settle
anything, you stupid boy?

That man would steal the dime
off a dead man's eye.

I'm really very sorry.

(melancholy mid tempo tune)

(music) When I first come
to this country (music)

(music) In 1849 (music)

(music) I saw many fair lovers (music)

(music) But I never saw mine (music)

(music) I viewed it all around me (music)

(music) Saw I was quite alone (music)

(music) Me a poor stranger (music)

(music) And a long way from home (music)

(music) Fare thee well
to old Mother (music)

(music) Fare thee well
to father, too (music)

(music) I'm going for to ramble (music)

(music) This wide world all through (music)

(music) And when I get weary (music)

(music) I'll sit down and cry (music)

(music) Think of my Saro (music)

(music) Pretty Saro, my bride (music)

(music) Well, I wished
I was a turtle dove (music)

(music) Had wings and could fly (music)

(music) Far away
to my lover's lodgings (music)

(music) Tonight I draw nigh (music)

(music) And there in her
lily-white arms (music)

(music) I'd lay there all night (music)

(music) And watch through them
little windows (music)

(music) For the dawning of day. (music)

Man: The missionary board
is convinced

that the schools
would take hold better

in the mountain communities
if they�re led by a man and wife,

who would integrate
more normally into the community

than two women.

Fortunately for us, Reverend,

we're not under
your jurisdiction.

(chuckling)

I'm beginning to understand
your appreciation

of the local crafts,
Mrs. McFarland.

It's a beautifully made piece.
I have several like it.

She'll bankrupt me
with her collecting.

The Clover School is a model,

but the church is better
equipped to educate.

I endorse the English idea,

we must educate by example.

If we teach these ruffians
to serve tea properly,

they would want refinement,

seek it out.

I believe we must ask
the mountain people

what they want
and what they need.

That is the enlightened
point of view.

Man #2: Educating these savages
is a waste of money.

If you want to
help these children,

get them out of their hovels
and put them to work.

There's nothing like
a day's wages

to help make
for advancement.

It's a beautiful land,
isn't it, Mr. McFarland?

It's one of the largest,
untapped coal deposits

in the southern mountains,
Miss Tolliver.

And soon,
I'm gonna own it.

And with my coal mines
will come towns,

roads, railroads,
churches,

even a few more schools.

Although I don't share
the lofty ideals of you ladies,

I would like to make
a small donation

to the Clover school,

say, $500.

Thank you, but we couldn't
possibly accept such a gift,

despite our need.

Yes, it's essential we avoid
all political affiliations

to maintain the trust
of the community.

As far as I know, water pumps
don't have political affiliations.

Mr. McFarland, I thought
you supported Christian education.

I support progress,
Rev. Merriweather.

I also appreciate what
these ladies have accomplished.

I think this school
is the loveliest,

the way Miss Tolliver
and Miss Penleric

have used the local crafts
to decorate.

Are you aware
of the folk arts movement

that is sweeping
New York and London?

I'm quite a collector.

Doc's collecting songs.

- Really?
- Mm-hmm.

Yes, I am.

Um...

(gasping)
Ah, it's beautiful.

So refined.
Was this painted by a local?

I knew you would
appreciate it.

Do you know I have sent
a dozen of these

to a gallery in New York?

The dealer is very excited.

Harriet:
Oh, look, everybody,

our musical entertainment
is here.

Hi, Will.

Deladis:
Hey, Will.

Harriet:
Everybody, this is Will.

Hello, Will.

Harriet: Why don't you play
"Sally Goodin"?

(up tempo melody)

Oh, Ambrose,
twirl me around the lawn.

Reverend: Miss Tolliver,
may I have the honor?

Harriet: I'd be delighted.

(song continues,
dancers whooping)

Whoo!

Ooh...!

Viney: Take a little bit.
Go on.

Viney: Isn't that good?

(cackling laugh)

(music tempo quickens)

Hey, Del.

Where have you been?
Miss Elna's been worried sick.

I ain't her concern no more.
Not hers or nobody's.

Man:
Go on out there, boy.

Woman:
Get on up there.

Miss Elna?

I'd be delighted.

A little space...
It's her chance, now.

Viney: Put out your hands
on your waist.

Come on, let's try it.

Lift them legs!

(laughing and cheering)

Man: Look out in there.

(scoffing)

Hello.

Would you care to...?

Maybe I was speaking a little
too proper to you before.

- Get your long legs out here.
- I don't think so.

Let me show you some
true country spirit.

- Come on.
- No, thank you.

I think perhaps you've had
a little too much to drink.

- Naw.
- No, thank you.

I'll show you right
what you need to know.

No, please, Mr. Bledsoe.

Get on out of here.

(punching and hollering)

(music continues)

(glass breaking)

(waltz tune plays softly)

It's very late.
We should get back.

I'll find my own way home.

I'll see the doctor gets home.

All right.

I'll be fine.
Good night.

Good night.

(strums softly)

Tom: Hey, Earl.

How's your head?

(o m chuckling)

(music) O what is this (music)

(music) I cannot see (music)

(music) Whose icy hand (music)

(music) Takes hold on me? (music)

(music) O I am Death (music)

(music) That none can excel (music)

(music) I open the door (music)

(music) To Heaven and Hell. (music)

(music) O Death, O Death (music)

(music) How can it be (music)

(music) that I must come (music)

(music) And go with thee? (music)

(music) For Death, O Death (music)

(music) How can it be? (music)

(music) I'm unprepared (music)

(music) For eternity (music)

(music) "O yes, I've come (music)

(music) For to get your soul (music)

(music) Take your body (music)

(music) And leave it cold (music)

(music) I'll drop the flesh (music)

(music) From off of your brain (music)

(music) The earth and the worms (music)

(music) Both have their claim" (music)

Woman:
(music) O Death, O Death, (music)

(music) please let me see (music)

(music) If Christ has turned (music)

(music) His back on me? (music)

(music) "When you were called (music)

(music) And asked to bow (music)

(music) You wouldn't take heed (music)

(music) And it's too late now" (music)

(music) Farewell, farewell (music)

(music) To all farewell (music)

(music) My doom is fixed (music)

(music) I'm summoned to Hell (music)

(music) As long as God (music)

(music) In Heaven shall dwell (music)

(music) My soul, my soul (music)

(music) Shall scream in Hell. (music)

We'll stay on here.

I'm not grateful for your vain
gallantry, Mr. Bledsoe.

I am perfectly capable
of looking out for myself.

Oh, don't worry.
I'd beat that snake up for fun

any day of the week.

I have never heard such...

...such singing.

I never met an outlander
who likes music as much as you do.

I have never been anywhere

where the music is as much
a part of life as it is here.

It's like the air
you all breathe.

It's beautiful.

I would like to discuss
something with you seriously.

Serious?
What is it?

It's about my work.

Actually, it's about my book.

I believe...

that you could win public
sentiment over with your music.

- Public sentiment?
- Yes.

Let me tell you something,

we're not really interested

in what you people out there
think about us.

- Well, you should be.
- Oh, yeah?

What I'm trying to say
is when my book is published,

I believe the mountain people
will be seen

in a very different light.

Oh, what is that light,
may I ask?

Well, the common view

is that there is
no culture here,

and that the people
are dirty, ignorant and savage.

You forgot illiterate
and inbred.

The only way to preserve
our way of life up here

is to keep your way
of life down there.

That is the way you kill something,
by shutting it out...

You know what?
You just don't understand,

and you never will.

We just want
to be left alone, see?

Then the mountain ways
will die.

We'll see.

I don't want to fight with you.

Me neither.

We just keep getting off
on the wrong foot, don't we?

Good night.

Can I take my wrong feet
and walk you home?

No, I can find my own way.
Thank you.

I promised... Miss Elna.

Well, in case you hadn't noticed,
I am the big sister...

not Elna.

O-ho-ho, I noticed.

I noticed.

(singing)

(piercing shriek)

(shriek)

(growling and clothes tearing)

(shriek)

(shriek)

(gasping)

Tom: Whoa! Whoa!

- Whoa.
- (Lily laughing)

Here you go.

Why won't you admit it was you?
Give me that.

- It was you.
- But it wasn't me.

It had to be the panther.

Either that or maybe you...

- maybe you imagined it.
- I did not imagine it.

It was as real
as you and me.

Ooh...

Why aren't you married?

Why aren't you?

I've been married.
Twice.

My second wife died
of lung fever.

I'm sorry.

I'm a jinx for a woman, Lily.

I'm not your average woman.

No, you're not, are you?

Deladis:
(music) O holiday, O holy day (music)

(music) The first day of they ear (music)

(music) Little Matthy Groves
to church to goes (music)

(music) Some holy words to hear (music)

(music) Hear some holy words
to hear. (music)

Come on, Doc,
you know this one.

Both: (music) He spied some women
dressed in black (music)

(music) As they came into view (music)

(music) Lord Daniel's wife
was gaily clad (music)

(music) The flower of the few (music)

(music) Few, the flower of the few (music)

(music) She stepped up
to Little Matthy Groves (music)

(music) Her eyes cast
on the ground (music)

(music) "Oh, please,
oh, please come with me (music)

(music) Stay as you pass
through this town (music)

(music) Town, as you pass
through this town." (music)

- Deladis...
- Hmm?

You are officially
my assistant now,

and it's going to say so
in my book.

(music) "O what is this?"
Said Little Matthy Groves (music)

(music) As he sat up in bed (music)

(music) "I fear it is
your husband's mad (music)

(music) And I will soon be dead (music)

(music) Dead, I will soon be dead" (music)

(music) But Little Matthy Groves
he laid back down (music)

(music) And soon fell off to sleep (music)

(music) When he woke up,
Lord Daniel (music)

(music) Was standing
at his bed feet (music)

(music) Feet, standing
at his bed feet (music)

(music) Saying, " How do you like
my snow white pillows?" (music)

(music) Saying, " How do you
like my sheets? (music)

(music) How do you like my pretty
little woman (music)

(music) That's a-lying
in your arms asleep? (music)

(music) Sleep, lying
in your arms asleep?" (music)

(music) The first swing
that Little Matthy made (music)

(music) It hurt Lord Daniel sore (music)

(music) The next swing
that Lord Daniel made (music)

(music) Little Matthy hit the floor (music)

(music) Floor, Little Matthy
hit the floor (music)

(cocking)

What do you want?

Uh...

Parley Gentry sent us.

My name is Lily Penleric.

We are looking
for Uncle Cratis.

What for?

I'm a song collector.

Parley says
Uncle Cratis knows

about every
love song there is.

We're making a book.

Cratis got religion.
He don't do no singing no more.

Well, perhaps
if I spoke with him...?

Cratis!

(music) Uncle Cratis. (music)

You gonna burn in Hell,
Josie Moore.

Mr. Kincaid?

Do I know you, woman?

I'm your wife's friend.

You all go on.
We got no songs here.

Your family needs you,
Mr. Kincaid.

Reese belongs here with me.

Go on.

Alice: How can I thank you?

Alice, you don't have to.

I've barely been able
to keep body and soul together

since Reese left again.

People have been helping out
the best they can, but...

Lily: Well, now that...

Clementine McFarland
is collecting your paintings,

others will as well.

Maybe I should take the children
down to Asheville.

I mean, if what you say
is true,

I could provide for us
in a big town.

Hello, Alice.

- Daddy?
- Reese?

Daddy.

Well, he y, big man.

Hey, little bit.

- Hey.
- Hey.

You look pretty today, Alice.

You remember, Dr. Penleric,
don't you?

Mr. Kincaid.

(grunting)

Hey, Del.

Hey.

Hey, Del.

Fate: "It is..."

"It is dep..."

What are you doing
reading other people's writing?

"It is deplorable...

that the literature
of the ballad

has attracted
so much more attention

than the music.

The two elements
should never be disassociated.

The music and text

are one and indivisible,

and to separate one
from the other

is to remove the processed gem
from its beautiful setting."

Oh, Lord.

What are you laughing at?

She's just saying our songs
are finer than frog hair.

You're going soft
in the head, Tom.

- Yeah, maybe.
- (women laughing)

Tom: Ladies.

Hello.

What are you doing here?

Uh...

I brought you something.

Come on.

- You shouldn't have.
- Well, I did.

- It's warm today, huh?
- Yes.

Elna: Tom...?

Why don't you
advise my sister

to join us at the picnic
this afternoon?

I haven't had any luck.
Perhaps you might.

What, and leave her work?

Deladis, are you ready?

Um...

I ain't going.

It's too hot and muggy
for a picnic.

All right, suit yourself.

Let me show you this here.
A noter.

A what?

Noter.
Take that in your left hand,

and you play these strings.

Let's go for a walk.

Ah, yes.

We'll leave you two
to your music lesson.

Tom: You know, it ain't
none of my business...

Miss Harriet and Miss Elna...

they�re...

What?

Sweethearts,
I guess you call it.

(women giggling)

Don't be ridiculous.

Listen, it don't bother me none.
It would rile most people,

but it don't bother me none.

I'm sure it's only because
they�re so isolated.

Who else would they be with?

Well, certainly not
a mountain man.

(giggling)

I see you two.
Now you quit that.

Fate: Hey, Johnson.

I got a letter here
for the doctor.

She ain't here right now,
but you can leave it.

No, no.
You see this here word?

That means it's important

and she got to get it
right away.

Urgent? I can read.

She's gone to Alton's Creek.
I'll take it over.

You'd do that for me,
ol' Fate?

Sure, Johnson, sure.

- I'll go with you.
- Naw, you stay here.

- Why?
- 'Cause I said.

Uh-uh,
I'm coming with you.

You deliver it
into her own hands.

Oh, I will, I will.

Thank you.

By e.

Sure, I'll deliver
the letter, Doc.

You can't do that.
That's Doc's letter.

- Give me that.
- Come and get it.

Del, come back here!

(Deladi's laughing)

Oof, shit.

Del?

Oh, God!

Oh, God.

(sobbing)
Oh, God.

Elna, we have to get back
to the school.

Elna!

Fate!

Elna!

Deladis:
Johnson said it was urgent.

(giggling)

Wallace's voice:
"Dear Lily,

It is with great pride
that I write.

I took the liberty of showing

the ballads you sent me
to Cyrus Whittle.

He immediately confirmed
the importance of your discovery

and thinks it imperative
the ballads be collected urgently.

The dean has s e cured the funds.

You'll be thrilled to know
Whittle himself

intends to collect the songs

and insisted that you continue
as his assistant."

Assistant!?

"please respond immediately.

Regards, Wallace."

Uncle Cratis is preaching
the gospel tomorrow.

Yes, dear.

Deladis: Can I wear
my new green calico?

(screaming)

No!

It's afire!

Elna:
Harriet, no! Run!

Oh, no.

Come on. Come on.

Oh, my God.

(whooping and laughing)

- My glasses!
- No, no, no.

Elna: Lily!

Lily!

Goodbye, my darling girl.

Tom: Oh, good Lord.

Go away.

Elna...?

How am I going to live
without her?

Perhaps you could find her.

She swore if anyone
ever found out...

she'd disappear.

My Harriet.

I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry.

Hey, Doc, look.

Deladis: Doc?

Cratis: You all don't
have to believe me,

but you got to believe
the word of God.

I know you believe the Bible,
and the Bible says,

"For her sins
have reached unto Heaven

and God has remembered
her iniquities."

- Amen.
- "Therefore shall her plagues

come in one day.

Death, and mourning
and famine

and she shall be utterly
destroyed with fire."

Amen.

"For strong is the Lord God
that judges her."

Amen.

Where did you get to?
I was looking for you.

"Thou has polluted the land
with thy whoredoms

and with thy wickedness"!

Amen.

I'm going to bust you up,
Hilliard!

Tom!

They're the whores
of Babylon come to tempt us, Tom!

That snake right there,
and that little weasel next to him,

they�re the ones who set fire
to the school!

And all this while women
and children were still inside!

They're evil women!

Now are you going
to listen to them

or are you going
to listen to me?

I am ashamed of you boys.

I ain't seen nothing but good
come out of that school.

Them women were sent
by the devil himself.

Only wickedness comes
of book learning.

- Amen!
- Cratis...

I ain't never had a chance
to learn nothing.

And my kids ain't neither

because they is always
working too hard

keeping food on the table.

But I got grandbabies
as smart as any others!

And I want them
to have a chance.

Man: That's the devil
speaking through him.

- Amen.
- Amen.

Reese Kincaid!

You said
you'd never leave me.

Josie...

Tom: (music) A lilac comes (music)

(music) On a poisoned thorn (music)

(music) It has roots
dirty and torn (music)

(music) Young-uns a-playin' (music)

(music) As the black crow flies (music)

(music) Mama's weeping (music)

(music) Hear the mountains cry (music)

(music) There was another (music)

(music) A wild dirt flower (music)

(music) Cold was her heart (music)

(music) And as dark as dire (music)

(music) Tears on the ground (music)

(music) For her love did die (music)

(music) 'Neath the bloody moon (music)

(music) Hear the mountains cry (music)

(music) Oh, dig his grave (music)

(music) Narrow and deep (music)

(music) Set a jug of whiskey (music)

(music) By his thirsty feet (music)

(music) And lay two pennies (music)

(music) On his roving eyes (music)

(music) Two women wailing (music)

(music) As the mountains cry. (music)

Thank you, dear.

Elna...

will you be all right
if I leave?

So soon?

Why don't you come with me?

You can live as you please
in a big city.

I've thought about it.

I want to reopen the school.

I was thinking about asking you
to stay with me.

It needs another teacher.

I didn't think you would.

I shall miss you.

- (music) Oh the wind blows weary (music)
- My littleelf.

(music) And the willows sigh... (music)

I'll miss you, too.

(music) Rivers of sorrow (music)

(music) And the mountains cry (music)

(music) Rivers of sorrow... (music)

(music) And the mountains cry. (music)

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, too.

I'm sorry
about that school

and I'm sorry
about your book.

You made most of us
feel real proud.

Thank you.

I'm sure someone else will come
and write down all of the songs.

- Are you giving up?
- Um-hmm.

I realize that it was
the voices singing them

that I wanted everyone to hear.

Are you going back
to your university, then?

No, no, I don't think so.

- Where are you going?
- I'm not sure.

Come with me?

How will I earn a living
down the mountain?

With your music.

I couldn't take care
of you right doing this.

Then work in a coal mine.

No, I did that once
and I guarantee you

I never ever will again.

So you're just content
to sit on a mountain

and hide your head
in a jug, is that it?

A man's meant
to provide for his wife

and his family, Lily.

You were meant
to make music.

Besides which, I don't want you
to take care of me.

- And I do have a plan.
- Oh, of course you do.

Did you ever have a day
without a plan?

It includes you, Tom.
Do you want to hear it?

Go on.

Well...

nowadays, phonographs
only cost about $ 10.

I think that soon everyone
is going to have one.

I was thinking
that we could...

make cylinders
of mountain music and s ell them.

Who the hell would buy them?

Oh, I think everyone would.

I know they would, Tom.

The way the music
makes you feel,

of course they would.

You're just about as crazy...

Hey!

What are you doing here?

Go on before I shoot you!

I want to talk to Deladis.

Fate: Del...

I come to get you
to be my wife.

I don't want
no part of you.

If you don't take me now,

I'm marrying Polly.

I went to the woods...

and the knot didn't hold.

You're Polly's now.

I love you, child.

Tom: Hey, Del...

we're going
down the mountain.

Do you want
to come with us?

We're going to make cylinders
of mountain music

to s ell to outlanders.

(laughing)

What?

Isn't that the craziest thing
you ever heard?

It's the craziest.

Viney: Of course
she'll come with you.

Granny?

Tom, I'll be fine.

I'll be right here
when you come back to visit.

Tom: Why don't you
back up aways,

until one of us
can pull over?

Perhaps I'd better get out.

Are you Cyrus Whittle?

Yes, I am.
Who are you?

I'm Lily Penleric.

Lily Penleric?
How remarkable.

I was just on my way
to meet you.

Whittle: Didn't you get
Prof. Aldrich's letter?

Lily: Yes. I did,
but I didn't realize

you were coming
immediately.

The work is urgent.
Your discovery is too great.

The collection must be
moved forward

as expeditiously as possible.

That's why I'm here in the hopes
of being able to assist you.

Assisting me?

I told Aldrich
to ask your permission.

I made myself
quite clear to the dean.

I am only here to facilitate
and cooperate

in the completion
of the collection

of this vast body of songs.

There is no collection

be yond the 10 songs
that I sent Prof. Aldrich.

What?
All this time, you mean...

- It was destroyed in a fire.
- Oh, I can't bear it.

I'm afraid so, along with
my phonograph recordings.

Oh, my Lord.

Phonograph, you say?

You know, I had no idea
it was feasible to lug

a phonograph
into the wilderness.

It isn't.

Well, then in that case
it's very fortuitous

that I'm here, isn't it?

We can start again,
you and I!

Thank you, Prof. Whittle,

but I'm afraid I have
other plans.

What on earth could be
more important

than this collection
of songs?

Lily: I bequeath the collection
of the mountain ballads to you.

- To me?
- Mm-hm.

How am I going to work
without you?

Well, when you get
to Bear Creek

ask for Viney Butler.

Tell Viney, that Tom, Lily
and Deladis said

you are a very nice man,
and she should help you.

- Who? Deladis?
- Deladis.

Lily: Viney Butler.

She knows dozens of songs.
She will help you.

Fare thee well, professor,

but I must assure you
I intend to publish these songs

under both our names...
yours first, of course.

It's Penleric.

That's one "N"
and no "K."

(music) T'was in the merry
month of May (music)

(music) When all gay flowers
were blooming (music)

(music) Sweet William (music)

(music) In his death bed lay (music)

(music) For the love
of Barbara Allen (music)

(music) He sent his servant
to the town (music)

(music) To the place
where she was dwelling (music)

(music) Said, "You must come
to my master's house (music)

(music) If your name
be Barbara Allen (music)

(music) So slowly, slowly
she gets up (music)

(music) And to his bedside going (music)

(music) She drew the curtains
to one side (music)

(music) and says, "Young man,
you're dying" (music)

(music) "I know I'm sick,
and very sick (music)

(music) And sorrow dwells
within me (music)

(music) No better, no better
I never will be (music)

(music) Till I have
Barbara Allen (music)

(music) " Don't you remember
last Saturday night (music)

(music) When I was at the tavern? (music)

(music) You gave your drinks
to the ladies all (music)

(music) But you slighted
Barbara Allen" (music)

(music) He reached up
his pale white hands (music)

(music) Intending for to touch her (music)

(music) She turned away
from his bedside (music)

(music) And says, "Young man,
I won't have you (music)

(music) He turned his cheek
unto the wall (music)

(music) And bursted out a-cryin' (music)

(music) Adieu, to thee,
adieu to all (music)

(music) And adieu
to Barbara Allen (music)

(music) She had not more
than reached the town (music)

(music) She heard the death-bells ringin' (music)

(music) And as they rung,
they seemed to say (music)

(music) "Hard-hearted Barbara Allen" (music)

(music) O mother, O mother,
go make my bed (music)

(music) Make it both long and narrow (music)

(music) Sweet William died
for me today (music)

(music) I'll die for him tomorrow (music)

(music) Sweet William was buried
in the old churchyard (music)

(music) And Barbara they laid nigh him (music)

(music) And out of his grave
grew a red, red rose (music)

(music) And out of hers, a briar (music)

(music) they grew and grew
to the old church gate (music)

(music) Where they could grow no higher (music)

(music) And there they tied
in a true love knot (music)

(music) The Rose wrapped
'round the briar. (music)

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