“Mary Wore Three Links of Chain”

Description

Floating religious verses with the chorus, "All my sins been taken away, taken away." Sample verses: "Mary wore three links of chain (x3), Ev'ry link bearing Jesus's name." "I don't know but I've been told (x3) Streets of heaven are paved with gold."

Notes

This is probably a religious adaption of "Hand Me Down My Walkin' Cane." Since, however, it seems to circulate widely on its own, it gets its own listing.

I sure hope I remember that I split them.... - RBW

Cross references

Recordings

  • George Herod, "Sister Mary Wore Three Lengths (Links) of Chain" (on MuSouth07)
  • Bradley Kincaid, "Mary Wore Three Links of Chain" (Supertone 9666, 1930)
  • Dock Reed, "I'm Going Home on the Morning Train" (on NFMAla5)

References

  1. BrownIII 543, "Mary Wore Three Links of Chain" (1 text plus mention of 1 more)
  2. Sandburg, pp. 474-475, "Mary Wore Three Links of Chain" (1 text, 1 tune)
  3. Roud #5027
  4. BI, San474

About

Alternate titles: “cf. "All Night Long" (floating verses)”
Author: unknown
Earliest date: 1927 (Sandburg)
Found in: US(SE)