“I Love My Sweetheart the Best”

Description

"The sun was sinking slowly, Sinking in the west; I love all those pretty boys, But I love my sweetheart the best." The girl regrets ignoring mother's advice; boys have led her astray. She points out that mother is wise and a friend; men are deceivers

Supplemental text

I Love My Sweetheart the Best
  Complete text(s)

          *** A ***

As recorded by Kelly Harrell, Victor 20867, March 22, 1927.

  Chorus:
    The sun was sinking slowly,
    Sinking in the west;
    I love all those pretty boys,
    But I love my sweetheart the best.

If I had listened to mother,
I would not have been here today,
But I was young and foolish, girls,
They stole my heart away.

Girls, when you left your mother,
You've left your best friend,
Yes, listen to your mother, girls,
Don't listen to the men.

They'll tell you that they love you;
Don't believe them what they say.
They'll leave you broken-hearted,
They'll steal your life away.

  Final Chorus:
    The sun was sinking slowly,
    Sinking in the west;
    I love all those pretty boys,
    But I love little Johnny the best.

Notes

I don't know Harrell's source for this -- but so much of his material is traditional that I have to think this is another traditional song. - RBW

Recordings

• Kelly Harrell, "I Love My Sweetheart the Best" (Victor 20867, 1927; on KHarrell02)

References

1. ST RcILMSTB (Full)
2. Roud #13150
3. BI, RcILMSTB