Betty and Dupree
Betrayal's Ballad: Betty, Dupree, and the Diamond Dilemma
Lyrics
Betty told Dupree, "I want a diamond ring." (2x)
Betty expressed a desire for a diamond ring to Dupree.
Dupree told Betty, "l'Il give you most anything."
Dupree promised to fulfill Betty's desire, offering her almost anything.
He said, "Lie down, little Betty, see what tomorrow brings," (2x)
Dupree suggested that Betty should wait and see what the future holds, with the possibility of sunshine and the desired diamond ring.
It may bring sunshine, may bring you that diamond ring."
Emphasizes the uncertainty of the future but hints at positive outcomes.
Then he got his pistol, went to the jewelry store,(2x)
Dupree, armed with a pistol, robbed a jewelry store and engaged in a violent confrontation, injuring several people.
Killed a policeman and he wounded four or five more.
Highlights the criminal actions and consequences of Dupree's actions.
Then he went to the post office to get the evening mail (2x)
Dupree proceeded to the post office, potentially attempting to escape or continue his criminal activities.
Sheriff caught poor Dupree and put him in that old Atlanta jail.
The sheriff apprehended Dupree and placed him in an Atlanta jail.
Dupree's mother said to Betty, "Looka' here what you done done."(2x)
Dupree's mother confronted Betty, blaming her for influencing Dupree to commit crimes.
"Made my boy rob and steal, now he is gonna be hung"
Expresses concern for Dupree's fate, facing the possibility of being hanged for his actions.
Betty went to the jailhouse, she could not see Dupree (2x)
Betty attempted to visit Dupree in jail but was unable to see him.
She told the jailer, "Tell him these words for me."
Betty relayed a message to Dupree through the jailer.
"I come to see you, baby, I could not see your face." (2x)
Betty conveyed her love for Dupree but acknowledged her inability to take his place.
"You know I love you, but I cannot take your place."
Expresses a sense of resignation and acceptance of the situation.
Sail on, sail on, sail on, Dupree, sail on. (2x)
A refrain urging Dupree to sail on, accepting the consequences of his actions.
You don't mind sailing, you'll be gone so doggone long.
Reinforces the idea that Dupree should continue on his path, regardless of the challenges.
Betty and Dupree
Reiteration of the names of the characters in the story.
Traditional
Identifies the song as a traditional piece.
Dupree was a bandit; he was so brave and bol';
Provides a brief description of Dupree as a bold bandit.
He stoled a diamond ring for some of Betty's jelly roll
Describes Dupree stealing a diamond ring for Betty's affection.
Betty tol' Dupree, "I want a diamond ring."
Repetition of Betty's desire for a diamond ring.
Dupree tol' Betty, "I'll give you anything."
Dupree reaffirms his willingness to give Betty anything she wants.
"Michigan water taste like cherry wine,
Dupree compares the taste of Michigan water to cherry wine and associates it with Betty's preferences.
The reason I know: Betty drink it all the time.
Explains why Dupree knows about the taste of Michigan water.
"I'm going away to the end of the railroad track
Dupree expresses his departure to the end of the railroad track, emphasizing his devotion to Betty.
Nothing but sweet Betty can bring me back
Highlights Betty as the only one who can bring Dupree back from his journey.
Dupree tol' the lawyer, "Clear me if you can
Dupree informs a lawyer of his criminal actions and asserts his financial backing.
For I have money to back me, sure as I'm a man
The lawyer acknowledges Dupree's bravery but predicts legal consequences.
The lawyer tol' Dupree, You are a very brave man
-But I think you will go to jail and hang"
Dupree admits his desire for Betty's affection as the motive for his actions.
Dupree tol' the judge, "I am not so brave and bol'
Dupree confesses his lack of boldness but emphasizes his love for Betty.
But all I wanted was Betty's jelly roll
Dupree insists that his actions were driven by the desire for Betty's affection.
The judge tol' Dupree, "Jelly roll's gonna be your ruin
The judge warns Dupree about the consequences of his actions involving Betty.
"No, no, judge, for that is what I done quit doing"
Dupree denies engaging in criminal activities related to Betty's jelly roll.
The judge tol' Dupree, "I believe you quit too late
The judge expresses skepticism about Dupree's claim, suggesting it is too late for redemption.
Because it is already your fate
The judge believes Dupree's fate is sealed due to his past actions.
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