Sweet Betsy from Pike - Johnny Cash

Oh, do you remember sweet Betsy from Pike

She crossed the big mountains with her lover Ike

With two yoke of oxen and a big yellow dog

And a tall Shanghai rooster and one spottled hog.

Didli ai di ai didl didli ai di ai dei

They soon reached the desert where Betsy gave out

And down in the sand she lay rolling about

While Ike in great tears looked on in surprise

Saying Betsy get up you’ll get sand in your eyes.

Didli ai di ai didl didli ai di ai dei

Betsy got up in the great deal of pain

She said she’d go back to Pike County again

But I gave a sigh then he fondly embraced

And he traveled along with his arm round her waist.

(How can sweet Betsy went out to the dance

And Ike poor a fellow he’s down at his pance)

Betsy was dressed up in ribbons and rings

Said Iken you’re an angel but where are your wings.

Didli ai di ai didl didli ai di ai dei

Well, the miner said Betsy will you dance with me She answere I will if you want make two free

I can’t dance too hard do you want to know why

Because I’m so full of that strong out cooli.

Ike and sweet Betsy got married of course

But Ike was so jealous he gotta divorce

And Betsy well satidfied said with a shout

Goodbye forever I’m glad you’ve backed out.

Didli ai di ai didl didli ai di ai dei…