Lyrics: Traditional
Music: Traditional
This is only listed as having been played once by the Dead, in 1966, but was probably played on other occasions then. Robert Hunter drew on it for his lyrics Dupree's Diamond Blues.
Betty told Dupree, honey I will be your wifeIt was also recorded by Pigpen with Jorma in 1964 (Jorma on vocals and guitar, Pig on harp).
Betty told Dupree, honey I will be your wife
Well we will be married, be happy all of our life
Wake up Betty, see what tomorrow brings
Wake up Betty, see what tomorrow brings
Well it might bring sunshine, and then it might bring rain
Betty told Dupree, honey I want a diamond ring
Betty told Dupree, honey I want a diamond ring
Dupree said Betty, honey I'll buy you anything
Betty told Dupree, honey I will be your wife
Betty told Dupree, honey I will be your wife
Well we will be so happy for the rest of our lives
Wake up Betty, see what tomorrow brings
Wake up Betty, see what tomorrow brings
Well it might bring sunshine, and then it might bring rain
Jorma/Pigpen versionFor completeness, here is another, fuller, traditional version (see below for the origins of this song).
Oh Betty told Dupree, I want a diamond ring
Now Betty told Dupree, I want a diamond ring
Dupree told Betty, Lord I'll get you most anything
He got himself a pistol, it was a forty-four
He got himself a pistol, it was a forty-four
Now to get that diamond ring, Lord he had to rob that jewellery store
Now the police caught him, carried him back to that county jail
Oh yes the police caught him, carried him back to that county jail
And they said go call your sweetheart, tell her to come and go your bail
Now Betty came to see him, but his face she could not see
Now Betty came to see him, but his face she could not see
And she said, mister jailer, give him this note from me
Oh babe I came to see you, but I could not see your face
Now babe I came to see you, but I could not see your face
You know I love you baby, just can't take your place
Traditional version
Betty told Dupree, "I want a diamond ring"
Betty told Dupree, "I want a diamond ring"
Dupree told Betty, "l'Il give you most anything"
He said, "Lie down, little Betty, see what tomorrow brings"
He said, "Lie down, little Betty, see what tomorrow brings"
It may bring sunshine, may bring you that diamond ring
Then he got his pistol, went to the jewelry store
Then he got his pistol, went to the jewelry store
Killed a policeman and he wounded four or five more
Then he went to the post office to get the evening mail
Then he went to the post office to get the evening mail
Sheriff caught poor Dupree and put him in that old Atlanta jail
Dupree's mother said to Betty, "Look here what you done done"
Dupree's mother said to Betty, "Look here what you done done"
Made my boy rob and steal, now he is gonna be hung
Betty went to the jailhouse, she could not see Dupree
Betty went to the jailhouse, she could not see Dupree
She told the jailer, "Tell him these words for me"
I come to see you, baby, I could not see your face
I come to see you, baby, I could not see your face
You know I love you, but I cannot take your place
Sail on, sail on, sail on, Dupree, sail on
Sail on, sail on, sail on, Dupree, sail on
You don't mind sailing, you'll be gone so doggone long
Grateful Dead and Related Recordings | ||||
Date | Album | |||
studio, 2 Mar 1966 | Rare Cuts And Oddities |