Still gazing on the spires of grass
With which your graves are overgrown.
The compiler of Olive Leaf gives the following notes: “From McAnally’s Western Harp” and “Called after the late Wm. Patton, of Mo. Heard him sing it, first, at a camp-meeting, North Cove, Burk Co., N. C., in 1831 or 1832. Published by the admirable A. S. Hayden, perhaps in 1829.” The Celtic melodic influence is clearly felt in the above tune.
No. 15
[DYING BOY], OSH 398
Hexatonic, mode 3 A (I II III — V VI VII)
I’m dying, Mother, dying now,
Please raise my aching head;
And fan my heated, burning brow,
Your boy will soon be dead.