“The House-Burning in Carter County”

Description

A mother sets out from home to get some mullen oil, but -- despite her child's encouragement to hurry -- stays to talk. Before she returns, her house catches fire and her children die in each other's arms. The mother is told they are at rest

Supplemental text

House-Burning in Carter County, The
  Partial text(s)

          *** A ***

From Jean Thomas, Ballad Makin', p. 108-109.

Come all you tender hearded,
Your attention I docall.
I will tell you how it started
Come listen one and all.

But when she started home again,
Her house was in a flame,
She cried, "Alas, my babes are gone
And I'm the one to blame."

(Stanzas 1, 5 of 8)

References

1. Thomas-Makin', pp. 108-109, (no title) (1 text)
2. ST ThBa108 (Partial)
3. Roud #13945
4. BI, ThBa108