Lyrics: Traditional
Music: Traditional
Played by an unnamed bluegrass band with Jerry Garcia on banjo in Burlingame in January 1962. Thanks to Matt Schofield for the lyrics.
When first I came to town
They brought me bottles plenty
And now they've changed their tune
They bring me the bottles empty
Diddle-ay, oh diddle-i o-day
Oh that I was what I would be
That what I be that I am not
Here am I where I must be
Go where would I cannot
I know who I love
And I know who loves me
I know where I'm going
And I know who'll go with me
Diddle-ay, oh diddle-i o-day
Through the woods I'll go
Through the bog and mire
Ride on down the road
And to my hearts desire
Diddle-ay, oh diddle-i o-day
Oh that I was what I would be
That what I be that I am not
Here am I where I must be
Go where would I cannot
Eyes as bright as coals
Lips like a bright red cherry
And 'tis her delight
To make the young folks marry
Diddle-ay, oh diddle-i o-day
When first I came to town
They called me the roving jewel
Now they've changed their tune
They call me Katie Cruel
Diddle-ay, oh diddle-i o-day
Oh that I was what I would be
That what I be that I am not
Here am I where I must be
Go where would I cannot
Jerry Garcia Recordings | |||||
Date | Album | Recorded By | |||
Summer or Fall 1961 | Before The Dead | Garcia with unknown bluegrass band |