Poor Ellen Smith \ Murder Ballad Folk Song \ Banjo version

Poor Ellen Smith Traditional folk song. Murder Ballad and Love Song all in one.
Clawhammer Mountain Banjo Version
Arranged and performed by, Dan D. Dirges
Poor Ellen Smith - Lyrics
Banjo in standard tuning only tuned down to the key of D
Poor Ellen Smith how she was found
Shot through the heart lying cold on the ground
Her clothes were all scattered and thrown on the ground
And blood marks the spot where poor Ellen was found
They loaded up their rifles and hunted me down
And found me a-loafin all around the town
They picked up her body and carried it away
And now she is sleeping in some lonesome old grave
I got a letter yesterday and read it today
The flowers on her grave have all faded away
Some day I'll go home and stay when I go
On poor Ellen's grave pretty flowers I'll sow
I've been in this prison for twenty long years
Each night I see Ellen through my bitter tears
The warden just told me that soon I'll be free
To go to her grave near that old willow tree
My days in this prison are ending at last
But I'll never be free from the sins of my past
Poor Ellen Smith how she was found
Shot through the heart lying cold on the ground

[@danyrosevear7925]

Poor Ellen, what on earth did she do to deserve that!! Must be another tale there! Great singing as usual, Dan!

[@DanDDirges]

Thanks Dany! She probably found another boyfriend and dumped the one she had so he shot her thru the heart. Horrible

[@justcallmethelma]

Enjoyed both versions very much Dan! And sung perfect both times!

[@DanDDirges]

Thanks Kathy! This song was a big hit back in the bluegrass era!

[@DanielKellyFolkMusic]

It took me a while to realise that the singer is also the murderer! Beautifully sung Dan.

[@DanDDirges]

Thanks Daniel! Sad and horrific song that has withstood the test of time! A classic! Practically every bluegrass band in the 40`s and 50`s had a big hit with this one!

[@World.of.Musikk]

Fantastic acoustic guitar 🎸

[@DanDDirges]

Thank you so much!

[@raymondcrooke]

I really enjoy your banjo picking, Dan.

[@DanDDirges]

Thanks Raymond! Banjo is so much fun!

[@CristinaS]

Beautiful banjo version, Dan!

[@DanDDirges]

Thank you so much Cristina!

[@mrgildons]

Wonderful rendition!

[@DanDDirges]

Thank you kindly!

[@spikey0006]

Great tunning ! Loved it , Dan keep up !

[@DanDDirges]

Thank you! One of my favorite murder ballads for sure!

[@54x14]

Je n'arrive pas à choisir entre la guitare ou le banjo, j'aime les 2 versions qui sont excellentes, bravo Dan

[@DanDDirges]

Thanks you Frederic! Such a great song!

[@eatonjohnrobert]

And a banjo version!

[@DanDDirges]

A banjo version and guitar version! I`m such a show off

[@tps607]

Nothing like a good murder ballad, Dan! I don't know where you find them, but it's a good'n

[@DanDDirges]

I grew up listening to hillbilly music.

[@clawhammerchris]

Hi Dan!

[@DanDDirges]

Howdy!

[@clawhammer704]

What size head are you using on ur banjer?

[@DanDDirges]

My head hat size is 7 1/2". The banjo head is 8 inches