The Old Woman’s Courtship
Traditional Appalachian Folk Song

“Old woman, old woman, will you go a-shearing?”
“Speak a little louder, sir, I am very thick of hearing.”

“Old woman, old woman, are you fond of spinning?”
“Speak a little louder, sir, I only see you grinning.”

“Old woman, old woman, will you go a-walking?”
“Speak a little louder, sir, I scarcely hear you talking.”

“Old woman, old woman, are you good at weaving?”
“Speak a little louder, sir, my hearing is deceiving.”

“Old woman, old woman, will you do my knitting?”
“Hearing’s getting better now, come nearer where I’m sitting.”

“Old woman, old woman, will you kiss me dearly?”
“I thank you very kindly sir, I hear you now quite clearly.”