Barbara Allen

Traditional

Key of G · Chords: I V

Verse 1

   G
In scarlet Town where I was born
          D7
There was a fair maid dwelling
     G
Made many a youth cry well a day
         D   G
Her name was Barbara Allen

Verse 2

   G
It was in the merry month of May
     D7
When green buds they were swelling
      G
Sweet William came from the west country
       D       G
And he courted Barbara Allen

Verse 3

   G
He sent his servant unto her
       D7
To the place where she was dwelling
     G
Said my master’s sick, bids me call for you
             D  G
If your name be Barbara Allen

Verse 4

      G
Well, slowly, slowly got she up
    D7
And slowly went she nigh him
    G
But all she said as she passed his bed
            D     G
Young man I think you’re dying

Verse 5

     G
Then lightly tripped she down the stairs
    D7
She heard those church bells tolling
    G
And each bell seemed to say as it tolled
     D       G
Hard hearted Barbara Allen

Verse 6

   G
O, mother, mother go make my bed
         D7
And make it long and narrow
      G
Sweet William died for me today
         D       G
I’ll die for him tomorrow

Verse 7

     G
They buried Barbara in the old church yard
     D7
They buried Sweet William beside her
    G
Out of his grave grew a red, red rose
           D      G
And out of hers a briar

Verse 8

     G
They grew and grew up the old church wall
          D7
Till they could grow no higher
    G
And at the top twined a lover’s knot
        D        G
The red rose and the briar