“Little Sally Walker”
Description
"Little Sally Walker, sitting in (a saucer), Cryin' (for the old man to come for the dollar), (Ride, Sally, Ride). (Fly) to the east, (fly) to the west, (Fly) to the one that you love best."
Notes
In England, if the collections in Gomme are to be believed, this is about equally known as "Poor Mary Sits A-Weeping" and "Little Sally Walker/Waters." The latter name seems to dominate in the U. S., and so has been used on the basis of plurality.
Baring-Gould-MotherGoose #644, p. 256, begins "Sally, Sally Waters, sprinkle in the pan" and ends "Choose for the prettiest that you like best." This certainly sounds related, but on its face it doesn't appear the same song. - RBW
Cross references
- cf. "What's Poor Mary Weepin' For (Poor Jenny Sits A-Weeping)" (lyrics)
Recordings
- Mattie Gardner, Ida Mae Towns & Jessie Lee Pratcher, "Little Sally Walker" (on LomaxCD1703)
- Vera Hall, "Little Sally Walker" (AFS 1323 B1, 1937)
- Children of Lilly's Chapel School, "Little Sally Walker" (on NFMAla1)
- Pete Seeger, "Little Sally Walker" (on PeteSeeger21)
References
- SHenry H48g, p. 11, "Old Sally Walker" (1 text, 1 tune)
- Hudson 143, pp. 209-291, "Little Sally Walker" (1 text)
- Courlander-NFM, p. 157, "(Little Sally Walker)" (1 text); p. 278, "Little Sally Walker" (1 text, 1 tune)
- Silber-FSWB, p. 392, "Little Sally Walker" (1 text)
- DT, LTLSALLY; also SALWALKER (a collection of several songs with this title, some of which belong here)
- Roud #4509
- BI, CNFM157