PRETTY LITTLE BIRD



If I was a pretty little bird,

I would never build my nest on the ground;

I would build my nest in the highest oak tree*

Where the wild boys couldn't tear it down.



cho: Take me home, boys, tonight, take me home

Take me home, boys, tonight, take me home

Take me home, boys, tonight, for my head is gettin' light

Take me home, boys, tonight, take me home



If I was a little honey-bee

All out through the fields I would roam;

I would steal one kiss from my true-love's lips

To sweeten the honey in the comb.



If I was a pretty little star

A-smiling down on the world,

I would shine my light on my true-love bright

And play on her beautiful curls.



I'm as free a little bird as I can be

I'm as free a little bird as I can be

Sittin' on the roadside, mournin' all my days

For nobody cares for me.



*or, I would build my nest in my true love's breast

alternative chorus:



Take me home, little bird, take me home.

Take me home, little bird, take me home.

Take me home to my mother, she is sweeter than the other

Take me home, little bird, take me home.



From Folk Songs of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shellans

Collected from Ruby Vass, 1959



Note: There may be an Appalachian banjo picker that doesn't sing

this one, but I've never met him. RG



Recorded by Cousin Emmy

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RG

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