“Dark and Dreary Weather”

Description

"It's dark and dreary weather, Almost inclined to rain, My heart is almost broken, My lover has gone on the train!" The singer wonders why she loves him so much, and he loves her not at all. "Some say that love is a pleasure; What pleasure do I see?"

Notes

Many of Randolph's versions consist of more floating lyrics than anything else (including even the "jump into the river and drown" stanza best known from "Goodnight Irene"). The net result reminds me strongly of "Farewell He" -- but there seems to be no actual dependence, though the form of the verses is the same. Roud apparently agrees, since he splits the songs. - RBW

Cross references

• cf. "Farewell He" (stanza form, floating lyrics)
• cf. "Goodnight Irene" (floating lyrics)
• cf. "Farewell Ballymoney (Loving Hannah; Lovely Molly)" (floating lyrics)
• cf. "The Boys Won't Do to Trust" (floating lyrics)

Recordings

• Carter Family, "Dark and Stormy Weather" (Bluebird B-8868, 1941)
• New Lost City Ramblers, "Dark and Stormy Weather" (NLCR14)

References

1. Randolph 750, "Dark and Dreary Weather" (4 texts, 1 tune)
2. BrownII 168, "Dreary Weather" (1 text)
3. Roud #6527
4. BI, R750