Katie Cruel

Lyrics: Traditional
Music: Traditional

Played by an unnamed bluegrass band with Jerry Garcia on banjo in Burlingame in January 1962. Thanks to Matt Schofield for the lyrics.

When first I came to town
They brought me bottles plenty
And now they've changed their tune
They bring me the bottles empty

Diddle-ay, oh diddle-i o-day

Oh that I was what I would be
That what I be that I am not
Here am I where I must be
Go where would I cannot

I know who I love
And I know who loves me
I know where I'm going
And I know who'll go with me

Diddle-ay, oh diddle-i o-day

Through the woods I'll go
Through the bog and mire
Ride on down the road
And to my hearts desire

Diddle-ay, oh diddle-i o-day

Oh that I was what I would be
That what I be that I am not
Here am I where I must be
Go where would I cannot

Eyes as bright as coals
Lips like a bright red cherry
And 'tis her delight
To make the young folks marry

Diddle-ay, oh diddle-i o-day

When first I came to town
They called me the roving jewel
Now they've changed their tune
They call me Katie Cruel

Diddle-ay, oh diddle-i o-day

Oh that I was what I would be
That what I be that I am not
Here am I where I must be
Go where would I cannot
Jerry Garcia Recordings
     Date Album Recorded By
     Summer or Fall 1961 Before The Dead Garcia with unknown bluegrass band

Further Information
For more information on recordings see Matt Schofield's Grateful Dead Family Discography

 


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