Yonder comes a pretty little girl, I’ll tell you how I know,
Her head is full of purtty little curls, all hanging down so low.
I’m going to Italy afore long to see that gal of mine.
Finger ring, finger ring, shines like glittering gold,
I’m going down to see my true love before she gets too old.
I’m going to Italy afore long to see that gal of mine.
I asked that girl to marry me, what do you you reckon she said?
She said she wouldn’t marry me if all the rest was dead.
I’m going to Italy afore long to see that gal of mine.
I asked that girl to marry me me, and I don’t give a durn.
I’ll do my best to treat her right and them two kids of her’n.
I’m going to Italy afore long to see that gal of mine.
I’s scared we’s all going to freeze to death enduring that last cold spell
Had nothing but a load of green pinecones that wouldn’t burn in hell.
I’m going to Italy afore long to see that gal of mine.
If ever I’m away from home, and late a-coming in,
I’ll kiver up that bed of coals and pull that latch string in
I’m going to Italy afore long to see that gal of mine.
There’s nothing I’d ever do to trouble her mind,
We’re never gonna have a row bout who’s gonna sleep behind
I’m going to Italy afore long to see that gal of mine.
Alternate:
Apple like a cherry, cherry like a rose,
How I love my pretty little girl, God in heaven knows.
“Italy” is a song made popular by Bascom Lamar Lunsford. According to The Frank C. Brown Collection of NC Folklore:Vol. V: The Music of the Folk Songs, Lunsford collected this song with together with Dr. R.W. Gordon before giving it to Brown in 1925. It was sung by Willard Randall of Rutherford County (Ellensboro, NC). I found a couple representations of the melody, one in D and one in G. The one in G, found in the Frank Brown book mentioned above, appears to be the original song that Lunsford based his version off of.
Lunsford was a pretty accomplished guy, known as the “Minstrel of Appalachia.” He was also an amateur folklorist who greatly respected the sources of Appalachian traditions he collected. I can’t find anything more about where this song originates, but suffice it to say that it has old roots in western North Carolina. My entirely non-scientific guess is that it has deeper British/Gaelic roots, but I haven’t the resources nor the expertise to back up such a claim.
Regarding the performance of this piece, Lunsford employs his signature two-finger index-lead style, known to be widespread in the area of North Carolina where Lunsford lived. I’ve given my best approximation via clawhammer. I think it lacks some of the delicacy of Lunsford’s playing, but it’s an easy song to get sounding decent quickly.