“Gambling on the Sabbath Day”

Description

A young man murders his comrade and is condemned to die. His family's pleas for him are in vain; despite repenting, he is hanged. His downfall is blamed on his habit of gambling on the sabbath day

Notes

Ozark lore attributes this song to one Bill Walker, executed May 10, 1889. Since some people believe they learned the song before this time, the attribution is doubtful. - RBW

Recordings

  • William Hanson, "Gambling on the Sabbath Day" (OKeh 45529, 1931; rec. 1930)
  • George Reneau, "Gambling on the Sabbath Day" (Vocalion 15149, 1925)

References

  1. Laws E14, "Gambling on the Sabbath Day"
  2. MHenry-Appalachians, pp. 105-106, "Gambling on the Sabbath Day" (1 text)
  3. Randolph 137, "Gambling on the Sabbath Day" (3 texts plus 2 excerpts, 2 tunes)
  4. Randolph/Cohen, pp. 170-173, "Gambling on the Sabbath Day" (1 text, 1 tune -- Randolph's 137A)
  5. DT 624, CMBLSBTH (?! -- if this doesn't work, try GMBLSBTH)
  6. Roud #3544
  7. BI, LE14

About

Author: unknown
Earliest date: 1925 (recording, George Reneau)
Found in: US(Ap,So)