The Little Carpenter - Peggy Seeger

The Little Carpenter / My Little Carpenter - Sung by Peggy Seeger on "The Amorous Muse" (1968). Learned from Blind James Howard of Harlan, Kentucky, recorded by Alan Lomax in 1933. Note by Kevin W.: A curious and rare song of English origin. The song lacks a Roud number, probably because it has only been found twice. Song transcription: I'll tell to you a new song that's lately been made, 'Tis of the little carpenter, he courted a fair maid; He courted her, he courted her, he loved her as his life; Oftimes he's asked her if she would be his wife. Along come an old man, he came from Noey's ark, A long ways a traveling and courting in the dark; I can't fancy you, old man, you look too old and grim; Oh, my little carpenter, oh what's become of him? Along come a blacksmith, it was the other day, He gave to me a handkerchief, or so the people say; He gave to me a gold ring to talk with him again; O-oh little carpenter, oh what's become of him? Along come a young man, he came from Scarlet town, With gold chains and finger rings, he threw them on the ground; I can fancy you, young man, you look so neat and trim, O-oh little carpenter, what would become of him? Along came the carpenter, he come so neat and slow; All the money that he makes, he brings to me to show; He uses his broadax all day, and sets by me all night, Oh, my little carpenter, my own heart's delight. Here is the only other text, from William Henry Long's "Dictionary of Isle of Wight Dialect", published in 1886: http://www.lizlyle.lofgrens.org/RmOlSngs/LittleCarpenterSource.jpg

Added 14 Jun 2026