"Tell Old Bill"

Dave Van Ronk from 1987 Appearance on The John Hammond Show

a labour of love .. 1965. I first heard and learned to play this wonderful, song by Dave .. his energy ever increasing until he cries out in a gut wrenching finish.

Dave Van Ronk, off vinyl

Van Ronk sings Earthy Ballads and Blues (1959)

TELL OLD BILL

Tell Old Bill, when he come home this morning

Tell Old Bill, when he come home this evening

Tell Old Bill when he come home

he better leave them downtown girls alone

This morning, this evening, so soon.

Bill left here about half past eight this morning

Bill left here about half past eight this evening

Bill left here about half past eight

well he left here by the old front gate

This morning, this evening, so soon.

Sal was home she was baking bread this morning

Sal was home she was baking bread this evening

Oooh, Sal was home she was baking bread

and when she heard the news that her Bill was dead

This morning, this evening, so soon.

She said, oh no, that can't be so this evening

Well, oh no, that can't be so

My Bill left here about an hour ago

This morning, this evening, so soon.

Well they bought Bill home in a hurry-up wagon

Brought Bill home in a hurry-up wagon this evening

They brought Bill home in a hurry-up wagon

Well it's poor Old Bill how his toes were dragging

This morning, this evening, so soon.

Well, it's Tell Old Bill when he come home this morning

Tell when he come home this evening

Tell Old Bill when he come home

you better leave them downtown girls alone

This morning, this evening, so soon.

OBITUARY: Dave Van Ronk
Article from:
The Independent - London




Elizabeth Butter and David Goligorsky Performing "Tell Old Bill" ???