Pretty Peggy-O

Pretty Peggy-O

Songs

This is a hand-transcribed text of one version of the song, "Pretty Peggy-O."

Bobby McMillon

Bobby McMillon Collection, Southern Appalachian Archives, Mars Hill University

Southern Appalachian Archives, Liston B. Ramsey Center for Appalachian Studies, Mars Hill University

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English

Pretty Peggy-O

As we were marching down to Vanar-i-o,
as we were marching down to Vanar-i-o,
Our captain fell in love with a maiden like a dove,
and they called her by name Pretty Peggy-O,
and they called her by name pretty Peggy-O.

In a carriage you shall ride, Pretty Peggy-O
in a carriage you shall ride
with your true love by your side.
Just as grand as any ladye in the ar-i-o.

Oh, will you marry me, pretty Peggy-O?
oh, will you marry me? Such a soldier I will be,
just as fine as any other in the country-o.

What would your mammy think, pretty Peggy-O?
what would your mammy think
when she hears the guineas clink
Sees the soldiers all a marching out afore ye-o?

Come a-tripping down the stairs, pretty Peggy-o
come a tripping down the stairs,
combing back your yellow hair,
Bid a last farewell to your lovyer-o.

Our captain he is dead, pretty Peggy-O
our captain he is dead and he died for a maid,
And we buried him in the ar-i-o.

If ever I return, pretty Peggy-O
if ever I return, your city I will burn,
And kill all the ladyes in the ar-i-o.

Hand-written text on page 17 of Blue Book One titled, "Ballads, Love Songs, Meeting House Songs, Verses and Others."