The ToneWay® Project: helping people play music


If One Won't Another One Will

I went one Sunday evening my 4 true love for to 1 see
I asked her to marry and she 5 would not answer 1 me

The night is almost spent, it is near the break of day
I'm waiting for an answer, oh, what will you say

Kind sir, if I must tell you, I'd choose the single life
I never thought it suited for me to be your wife

Take this for an answer and for yourself provide
I have another lover and you must be denied

In the course of six weeks later this lady's mind did change
She wrote me a letter, kind sir I feel ashamed

I feel as though I slighted you, I cannot hear you mourn
So here is my heart, come take it, and claim it as your own

I wrote her back an answer and sent it back in speed
I only once I did love you, I loved you dear indeed

But since my mind has changed me, I'll seek another way
Upon some pretty fair maiden, my heart will have its sway

Upon some pretty fair maiden my heart shall have its fill
This world is wide and lonely, if one won't another one will


A song from the The ToneWay Mountain Music Collection, which offers lyrics and free Song Clips (recordings for learning the song by ear) for nearly 400 traditional songs, many of which are often heard in bluegrass and old-time jam circles. The ToneWay Project also offers songbooks, CDs, and a free online video series for learning to play music by ear. http://ToneWay.com