The album was re-released on Smithsonian Folkways on CD in 1990 with additional tracks from the 1970s.
Omie Wise
The Doc Watson Family Lyrics
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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.
The Doc Watson Family's song "Omie Wise" tells the tragic story of a young woman named Omie Wise who is murdered by her lover, John Lewis. Despite the promise of money and marriage, John Lewis has no intention of following through on his commitments and instead leads Omie to a river where he drowns her. The song vividly depicts the moments leading up to Omie's demise, including her desperate pleas for mercy and the sound of her screams fading away as John Lewis rides off on his pony.
The song is not only a haunting tale of love and betrayal but also a reflection of the harsh realities of life in the Appalachian region during the 19th century. The portrayal of Omie as a trusting and naive young woman highlights the vulnerability of women during that time, while John Lewis is portrayed as a callous and deceitful man who takes advantage of her.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, listen to my story, I'll tell you no lies,
Listen to my story, for it is true and pure.
How John Lewis did murder poor little Omie Wise.
John Lewis killed Omie Wise in cold blood.
He told her to meet him at Adams's Springs.
He promised to meet her at Adams's Springs.
He promised her money and other fine things.
John Lewis offered her money and gifts.
So, fool-like she met him at Adams's Springs.
Omie Wise was gullible, and went to meet John Lewis.
No money he brought her nor other fine things.
John Lewis did not keep his promises.
"Go with me, little Omie, and away we will go.
John Lewis asked Omie Wise to go away with him.
We'll go and get married and no one will know."
John Lewis promised to marry Omie Wise and keep it a secret.
She climbed up behind him and away they did go,
Omie Wise followed John Lewis on a horse.
But off to the river where deep waters flow.
John Lewis took Omie Wise to the river.
"John Lewis, John Lewis, will you tell me your mind?
Omie Wise asked John Lewis what he planned to do.
Do you intend to marry me or leave me behind?"
Omie Wise asked John Lewis if he would keep his promise.
"Little Omie, little Omie, I'll tell you my mind.
John Lewis revealed his intention to Omie Wise.
My mind is to drown you and leave you behind."
John Lewis wanted to kill Omie Wise.
"Have mercy on my baby and spare me my life,
Omie Wise pleaded with John Lewis to save her and her unborn child.
I'll go home as a beggar and never be your wife."
Omie Wise offered to go away and forget about John Lewis.
He kissed her and hugged her and turned her around,
John Lewis acted kindly towards Omie Wise.
Then pushed her in deep waters where he knew that she would drown.
John Lewis threw Omie Wise into the river to kill her.
He got on his pony and away he did ride,
John Lewis ran away from the scene of the crime.
As the screams of little Omie went down by his side.
Omie Wise screamed in agony as she drowned.
T'was on a Thursday morning, the rain was pouring down,
It was a rainy Thursday morning.
When the people searched for Omie but she could not be found.
People looked for Omie Wise, but she was missing.
Two boys went a-fishin' one fine summer day,
Two boys were fishing on a summer day.
And saw little Omie's body go floating away.
The boys found Omie Wise's dead body in the river.
They threw their net around her and drew her to the bank.
The boys retrieved Omie Wise's body from the river.
Her clothes all wet and muddy, they laid her on a plank.
Omie Wise's clothes were wet and dirty when the boys found her body.
Then sent for John Lewis to come to that place --
The authorities contacted John Lewis.
And brought her out before him so that he might see her face.
They showed Omie Wise's body to John Lewis.
He made no confession but they carried him to jail,
John Lewis did not admit to killing Omie Wise, but was arrested.
No friends or relations would go on his bail.
No one bailed out John Lewis.
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: DOC WATSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind