Pretty Polly (trad.)
as sung by Roger McGuinn

There used to be a gambler who courted all around
There used to be a gambler who courted all around
He courted Pretty Polly, such beauty'd  never been found

Pretty Polly, Pretty Polly, come go along with me
Pretty Polly, Pretty Polly, come go along with me
before we get married some pleasures to see

She jumped up behind him and away they did go
She jumped up behind him and away they did go
down into the valley that was far below

He rode her over hills and valleys so deep
He rode her over hills and valleys so deep
Pretty Polly mistrusted and then began to weep

They went a little further and what did they spy?
They went a little further and what did they spy?
but a newly-dug grave with a spade lying by

Oh Willy, hey Willy, I'm afraid of your ways
Oh Willy, hey Willy, I'm afraid of your ways
I'm afraid you will lead my poor body astray

Pretty Polly, Pretty Polly, your guess is about  right
Pretty Polly, Pretty Polly, your guess is about right
I've dug on your grave the better part of last night

She knelt down before him pleading for her life
She knelt down before him pleading for her life
Please let me be a single girl if I can't be your wife

Then he stabbed her in the heart till her heart's blood did flow
He stabbed her in the heart till her heart's blood did flow
And into the grave Pretty Polly did go

He threw something over her and turned to go home
He threw something over her and turned to go home
Leaving nothing behind him but the girl left to mourn

He went down to the jailhouse and what did he say
He went down to the jailhouse and what did he say
I killed Pretty Polly and tried to get away

Now gentlemen and ladies, I bid you farewell
Now gentlemen and ladies I bid you farewell
For killing Pretty Polly my soul will go to hell

Now a debt to the devil that Willy must pay
A dept to the devil that Willy must pay
for killing pretty Polly and running away


Outtake From The Byrds "Sweetheart of the Rodeo" 1968
Roger McGuinn "Cardiff Rose" 1976