Rory Block was born in Princeton, New Jersey and grew up in Manhattan. Her father, Allan Block, ran a sandal shop in Greenwich Village in the 1960s, and the constant presence of members of the Greenwich Village folk music scene made an impression on the young girl, who studied classical guitar. Around age 14, she began to be fascinated by old Mississippi Delta blues, listening to old albums, transcribing them, and learning to play the songs. At age 15, she left home to seek out the remaining blues giants, such as Mississippi John Hurt, Reverend Gary Davis and Son House, and hone her craft in the traditional manner of blues musicians; then she moved to California where she played in clubs and coffeehouses.
After retiring temporarily to raise a family, Block returned to the music business in the 1970s with middling success until signing with Rounder Records in 1981, who encouraged her to return to her love for the classical blues form. Since then she has carved out her own niche, releasing numerous critically acclaimed albums of original and traditional songs, including many Robert Johnson covers. Block has won four W. C. Handy Awards, two for "Traditional Blues Female Artist" (1997, 1998), and two for "Acoustic Blues Album of the Year" (1996, 1999).
Pretty Polly
Rory Block Lyrics
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I used to be a rambler, staying around in town
I courted Pretty Polly, such a beauty never found
Pretty Polly, pretty Polly, oh yonder she stands
Pretty Polly, pretty Polly, oh yonder she stands
Gold rings on her finger and lily white hands
Pretty Polly, pretty Polly, go along with me
Before we get married, some pleasure for to see
He led her over mountains and valleys so deep
He led her over mountains and valleys so deep
At last, Pretty Polly, she began to weep
Oh Willy, oh Willy, I'm afraid of your ways
Oh Willy, oh Willy, I'm afraid of your ways
Afraid you will lead my poor body astray
Polly, you're guessing about right
Polly, you're guessing about right
I dug on your grave, almost all last night
She walked two steps further and what did she spy
She walked to steps further and what did she spy
A new-dug grave and a spade lying by
Let me go, let me go, I'm afraid of you Willy
Let me go, let me go, I'm afraid of you Willy
I can't go back, I can't be your wife
Polly, oh Polly that never be
Polly, oh Polly that never be
Your reputation bring trouble to me
He stabbed her through her breast and blood did flow
He stabbed her through her breast and blood did flow
And down into the ground Polly did go
Oh Willy, oh Willy you're gonna have to pay
Oh Willy, oh Willy you're gonna have to pay
For killing pretty Polly and running away
Rory Block's song "Pretty Polly" tells the story of a young woman named Polly who is courted by a man named Willy. At the beginning of the song, Willy entices Polly to come away with him and see the wonders of the world. However, as they journey deeper into the mountains, she grows increasingly worried about his intentions. Willy's response is that Polly is guessing correctly, as he dug her grave almost all night long. Polly tries to flee but ultimately meets her untimely end at the hands of Willy. The song concludes with Willy fleeing from justice and lamenting the consequences of his actions.
The story of "Pretty Polly" is often categorized as a murder ballad, a traditional form of ballad that recounts stories of violence, tragedy, and revenge. This genre was popular in England and the United States in the 18th and 19th centuries and typically featured a repeating melody and a simple structure. Appalachian folk songs are often steeped in the tradition of murder ballads, and "Pretty Polly" is no exception. The song's message is clear: beware of the dangers of lust and be cautious of those who seek to lure in the innocent.
Line by Line Meaning
I used to be a rambler, staying around in town
I used to wander around the town aimlessly
I courted Pretty Polly, such a beauty never found
I fell in love with a woman named Pretty Polly, who was the most beautiful woman I had ever met
Gold rings on her finger and lily white hands
She wore gold rings on her finger, and her hands were as white as lilies
Before we get married, some pleasure for to see
Let's have some fun before we tie the knot
At last, Pretty Polly, she began to weep
Finally, Pretty Polly started to cry
Afraid you will lead my poor body astray
I'm scared that you'll take advantage of me
I dug on your grave, almost all last night
I was busy digging your grave almost all last night
A new-dug grave and a spade lying by
As she moved forward, she saw a freshly dug grave and a spade lying nearby
I can't go back, I can't be your wife
I don't want to go back with you and I don't want to marry you anymore
Your reputation bring trouble to me
Your bad reputation will cause problems for me
And down into the ground Polly did go
He killed Pretty Polly and buried her in the ground
For killing pretty Polly and running away
You will be punished for murdering Pretty Polly and trying to escape
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: JUDY COLLINS, MICHAEL SAHL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind