Gone the Rainbow
Love's Sacrifice in Buttermilk Hill: Johnny's Departure
Lyrics
Shule, shule, shule-a-roo
Expression of sorrow or lamentation, "shule-a-roo" may be a nonsensical or emotional refrain
Shule-a-rak-shak, shule-a-ba-ba-coo
Continuation of the refrain, possibly emphasizing a rhythmic or emotional tone
When I saw my Sally Babby Beal
Reference to Sally Babby Beal, the speaker's beloved, engaging in a playful or carefree activity
Come bibble in the boo shy Lorey
Descriptive phrase suggesting Sally's involvement in a shy or bashful act
Shule, shule, shule-a-roo
Repetition of the sorrowful expression with variations
Shule-a-rak-shak, shule-a-ba-ba-coo
Continuation of the rhythmic and emotional refrain
When I saw my Sally Babby Beal
Reiteration of Sally's playful or carefree action with variations
Come bibble in the boo shy Lorey
Repetition of the phrase suggesting Sally's shy or bashful behavior
Here I sit on Buttermilk Hill
Speaker's current location on Buttermilk Hill, expressing sorrow and an invitation to sympathize
Who could blame me, cry my fill
Speaker's emotional state, crying in abundance and seeking understanding or empathy
Every tear would turn a mill
Hyperbolic imagery of tears turning a mill, emphasizing the depth of the speaker's sorrow
Johnny's gone for a soldier
Reference to Johnny going away for military service, contributing to the speaker's grief
Shule, shule, shule-a-roo
Repetition of the sorrowful expression, maintaining the emotional theme
Shule-a-rak-shak, shule-a-ba-ba-coo
Continuation of the rhythmic and emotional refrain
When I saw my Sally Babby Beal
Restatement of Sally's carefree action, linking it to the ongoing emotional narrative
Come bibble in the boo shy Lorey
Reiteration of Sally's shy or bashful behavior
I sold my flax, I sold my wheel
Speaker's sacrifice of possessions (flax, wheel) to provide for Johnny's military needs
To buy my love a sword of steel
Explanation of the sacrifice: purchasing a sword for Johnny's protection in battle
So it in battle he might wield
Desire for Johnny to wield the sword successfully in combat
Johnny's gone for a soldier
Reiteration of Johnny's departure for military service and the speaker's deep emotional response
Oh my baby, oh, my love
Expression of grief and loss, addressing the departed Johnny with endearing terms
Gone the rainbow, gone the dove
Symbolic representation of lost happiness and peace (rainbow, dove)
Your father was my only love
Identification of Johnny's familial connection, underscoring the depth of the speaker's love
Johnny's gone for a soldier
Reiteration of Johnny's military departure and its impact on the speaker
Shule, shule, shule-a-roo
Repetition of the sorrowful expression, continuing the emotional theme
Shule-a-rak-shak, shule-a-ba-ba-coo
Continuation of the rhythmic and emotional refrain
When I saw my Sally Babby Beal
Restatement of Sally's carefree action, integrating it into the ongoing emotional narrative
Come bibble in the boo shy Lorey
Reiteration of Sally's shy or bashful behavior
Shule, shule, shule-a-roo
Repetition of the sorrowful expression, maintaining the emotional theme
Shule-a-rak-shak, shule-a-ba-ba-coo
Continuation of the rhythmic and emotional refrain
When I saw my Sally Babby Beal
Restatement of Sally's carefree action, linking it to the ongoing emotional narrative
Come bibble in the boo shy Lorey
Reiteration of Sally's shy or bashful behavior
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