Arthel Lane "Doc" Watson was an American guitarist, songwriter and singer of bluegrass, folk, country, blues and gospel music. Watson's flatpicking skills and knowledge of traditional American music are highly regarded. He performed with his son Merle for over 15 years until Merle's death in 1985 in an accident on the family farm.
Eddy Merle Watson (February 8, 1949 - October 10, 1985) was an American guitarist and folk singer. Merle was widely recognized as one of the best flat-picking and slide guitarists of his generation.
Doc & Merle released a version of "Bottle of Wine" that reached #71 on the U.S. country chart.
Omie Wise
Doc & Merle Watson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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.
So, fool-like she met him at Adams's Springs.
No money he brought her nor other fine things.
We'll go and get married and no one will know."
She climbed up behind him and away they did go,
But off to the river where deep waters flow.
"John Lewis, John Lewis, will you tell me your mind?
Do you intend to marry me or leave me behind?"
"Little Omie, little Omie, I'll tell 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 kissed her and hugged her and turned her around,
Then pushed her in deep waters where he knew that she would drown.
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.
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.
Then sent for John Lewis to come to that place --
And brought her out before him so that he might see her face.
He made no confession but they carried him to jail,
No friends or relations would go on his bail.
Doc & Merle Watson's song "Omie Wise" is a tale of deceit, betrayal, and cold-blooded murder. It tells the story of John Lewis, who lured Omie Wise to meet him at Adams's Springs with a promise of money and marriage. Omie, trusting and foolish, followed him, only to realize that she had been deceived. John Lewis had no intention of honoring his promise, and instead planned to kill her. He took her to the river where he pushed her in, and watched her drown.
The song is haunting, and the tragic tale it tells is a reflection of the harsh realities faced by many women in the past who fell victim to the manipulation and violence of men. Omie Wise's story serves as a cautionary tale, reminding the listener of the dangers of trusting easily and the importance of being wary of the intentions of others.
Overall, the song is a poignant reminder of the injustices faced by many women throughout history, and the necessity of empowerment and education to combat such injustices.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, listen to my story, I'll tell you no lies,
Pay attention to the tragic tale I'm about to share, I promise to be truthful.
How John Lewis did murder poor little Omie Wise.
I'll recount the details of how John Lewis killed Omie Wise.
He told her to meet him at Adams's Springs.
He invited her to a rendezvous at Adams's Springs.
He promised her money and other fine things.
He tempted her by offering to shower her with riches.
So, fool-like she met him at Adams's Springs.
Naively, she arrived at Adams's Springs to meet him as he requested.
No money he brought her nor other fine things.
He didn't deliver on his promise to bring her gifts or money.
"Go with me, little Omie, and away we will go.
"Come along with me, Omie, we'll elope and nobody will know."
We'll go and get married and no one will know."
We'll be wed secretly and won't have to answer to anyone."
She climbed up behind him and away they did go,
She got on his horse behind him and they rode off together.
But off to the river where deep waters flow.
They went to the riverbank where the water was deep.
"John Lewis, John Lewis, will you tell me your mind?
"John, what do you plan to do with me? Will you marry me or leave me behind?"
Do you intend to marry me or leave me behind?"
Will you abandon me, or do you commit to marrying me?"
"Little Omie, little Omie, I'll tell you my mind.
"I'll be honest with you, Omie."
My mind is to drown you and leave you behind."
My intention is to end your life by drowning you in this water."
"Have mercy on my baby and spare me my life,
"Think of my child and spare my life, please."
I'll go home as a beggar and never be your wife."
"I'll return home poor, and I won't be your wife."
He kissed her and hugged her and turned her around,
He gave her a kiss and embraced her before pushing her towards the water.
Then pushed her in deep waters where he knew that she would drown.
He deliberately shoved her into the water, certain that she would drown.
He got on his pony and away he did ride,
He hopped onto his horse and galloped away from the scene.
As the screams of little Omie went down by his side.
As Omie's cries gradually subsided and she sank below the surface.
T'was on a Thursday morning, the rain was pouring down,
It was a Thursday morning, and it was raining heavily.
When the people searched for Omie but she could not be found.
Her family and friends scoured the area for Omie but couldn't locate her.
Two boys went a-fishin' one fine summer day,
Two boys went fishing on a beautiful summer day.
And saw little Omie's body go floating away.
They spotted Omie's lifeless body drifting in the water.
They threw their net around her and drew her to the bank.
They used a fishing net to retrieve her body and brought her ashore.
Her clothes all wet and muddy, they laid her on a plank.
Her clothing was drenched and caked in mud, so they placed her on a board.
Then sent for John Lewis to come to that place --
They summoned John Lewis to the scene.
And brought her out before him so that he might see her face.
They presented Omie's corpse in front of him so he could view her face.
He made no confession but they carried him to jail,
John didn't confess, but law enforcement arrested and incarcerated him.
No friends or relations would go on his bail.
None of his friends or family was willing to post bail for him.
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: DOC WATSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind