source: “The Maine Woods Songster” edited by Phillips Barry, 1939
Arise arise you drowsy sleeper, arise arise it’s almost day
There’s someone at your bedroom window a-mourning there so bitterly
Oh who is at my bedroom window a-mourning there so bitterly
Tis I tis I your own true loved one, the boy you always loved the best
Oh Mary dear go ask your father if you my wedded bride shall be
If he says no, love come and tell me and I’ll no longer trouble thee
Oh Willie dear I dare not ask him for he lies in his bed at rest
And by his side a silver dagger to pierce the heart that I love best
Oh Mary dear go ask your mother if you my wedded bride shall be
If she says no, love come and tell me and I’ll no longer trouble thee
Oh Willie dear I need not ask her for she is bound to set us free
So Willie dear go court some other she whispered softly unto me
Oh I can climb the highest tree love and I can rob the eagle’s nest
And I can court the prettiest fair maid but not the one that I love best