Omie Wise

(album: Remembering Merle - 1992)

Oh, listen to my story, I'll tell you no lies
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

"Go with me, little Omie, and away we will go
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-fishing 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