Folk Songs in
One Family
The E.L. Simons Folk Song Collection

Time: 1:16
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Lyrics
As I was out walking for pleasure one day,
Then who should come near me, but a fair Indian maid.
She sat down beside me, took hold of my hand
And said, You're a stranger not one of our band.

But if only you'll follow wherever I roam,
I'll show you the cottage of an Indian home.
There's none that come near me and none that I see
That I can compare with my Little Mohea.

Note from E.L. Simons (1952): My granfather reported this song was sung by his sisters in western Kansas about 1890, but the above verses were all my grandmother and grandfather Simons were able to recall. My other grandmother, Mrs. J.D. Cuddeback of Spring Hill, Kansas, was able to secure the following version of the song as it was sung at dances at Spring Hill, near Kansas City, in the 1890s:

The Pretty Maumee

As I went roaming for pleasure one day
With self recollection as the day passed away.
As I sat amusing myself on the grass,
What did I spy near me but a young Indian lass.

She came and sat by me and offered her hand,
Saying, You are a stranger and not of this land.
Chorus: So together we'll wander and together we'll roam
Till we come to the river where the coconuts grow.

Oh, now, my fair jewel, this never can be,
For I have a sweetheart in my own country;
And I'll never forsake her and I know she won't me,
For she has a heart true as the pretty Maumee. (chorus)

The last time I saw her she was down by the strand,
And as my boat passed by her she gave me her hand,
Saying, When you get home, sir, to the one that you know,
Remember the maiden where the coconuts grow. (chorus)

O now I must leave you so farewell, my dear,
My boat is set sailing and for home I did steer.
And now I have landed on my own native shore
With friends and relation I am with them once more;

And of all that's around me and of all that I see
There is none to compare with the pretty Maumee.
So together we'll wander and together we'll roam
Till we come to the river where the coconuts grow.

It is thought that American versions of this extremely popular song are chastened derivatives of an English broadside called "The Indian Lass" although it is a considerable improvement over the broadside as far as verse and subject are concerned. For further information see Kittredge, Journal of American Folk Lore, XXXV (1922), 408.