Traditional

I tell old Bill when he gets home this morning,
I tell old Bill when he gets home this evening,
I tell old Bill when he gets home,
To leave them downtown women alone
This morning, this evening, so soon.

Now old Bill's wife she was baking bread this morning,
Now old Bill's wife she was baking bread this evening,
Now old Bill's wife she was baking bread
They came and told her Bill was dead
This morning, this evening, so soon.

Oh no, that can't be so, this morning,
Oh no, that can't be so, this evening,
Oh no, that can't be so
Bill only left for town half an hour ago
This morning, this evening, so soon.

They brought Bill home on a hurry-up wagon this morning,
They brought Bill home on a hurry-up wagon this evening,
They brought Bill home on a hurry-up wagon
His head was down and his feet were dragging
This morning, this evening, so soon.