Omie Wise - Doc Watson

Oh, listen to my story, I’ll tell you no lies

How John Lewis did murder poor little Omie Wise

He told her to meet him at Adams’s Springs

He promised her money and other fine things

And, fool-like she met him at Adams’s Springs

But no money he brought her nor other fine things

«Go with me, little Omie, and away we will go

We’ll go and get married and no one will know.»

She jumped up behind him and away they did go

But down to the river where deep waters flow

«John Lewis, John Lewis, want you tell to me your mind?

Do you intend to marry me or leave me behind?»

«Little Omie, little Omie, I’ll tell to you my mind

My mind is to drown you and leave you behind.»

«Have mercy on my baby and spare me my life

I’ll go home as a beggar and never be your wife.»

He hugged her and kissed her and turned her around

Then pushed her in deep waters where he knew that she would drown

Then he got on his pony and away he did ride

As the screams of little Omie went down by his side

T’was on a Thursday morning, the rain was pouring down

When the people searched for Omie but she could not be found

Then two boys went a-fishin' one fine summer day

And saw little Omie’s body go floating away

They threw their net around her and drew her to the bank

Her clothes all wet and muddy, they laid her on a plank

And they call for John Lewis to come to that place --

And brought her out before him so that he can see her face

He made no confession but they carried him to jail

No friends or relations would go on his bail