Betty and Dupree
Betty and Dupree: A Tragic Tale of Love and Crime
Lyrics
Betty told Dupree, "I want a diamond ring." (2x)
Betty expresses her desire for a diamond ring to Dupree.
Dupree told Betty, "l'Il give you most anything."
Dupree promises to give Betty almost anything she wants.
He said, "Lie down, little Betty, see what tomorrow brings," (2x)
Dupree suggests waiting to see what the future holds, anticipating positive outcomes, including a diamond ring.
It may bring sunshine, may bring you that diamond ring."
The future may bring sunshine or the desired diamond ring.
Then he got his pistol, went to the jewelry store,(2x)
Dupree, armed with a pistol, goes to a jewelry store, committing a violent act.
Killed a policeman and he wounded four or five more.
He kills a policeman and injures several others during the jewelry store incident.
Then he went to the post office to get the evening mail (2x)
Dupree then goes to the post office to collect mail but is eventually caught by the sheriff.
Sheriff caught poor Dupree and put him in that old Atlanta jail.
Sheriff apprehends Dupree and places him in an Atlanta jail.
Dupree's mother said to Betty, "Looka' here what you done done."(2x)
Dupree's mother blames Betty for influencing her son to commit crimes.
"Made my boy rob and steal, now he is gonna be hung"
She accuses Betty of causing Dupree to rob and steal, leading to his impending hanging.
Betty went to the jailhouse, she could not see Dupree (2x)
Betty attempts to visit Dupree in jail but is unsuccessful in seeing him.
She told the jailer, "Tell him these words for me."
She conveys a message to Dupree through the jailer.
"I come to see you, baby, I could not see your face." (2x)
Betty expresses her love but acknowledges she cannot take Dupree's place.
"You know I love you, but I cannot take your place."
She encourages Dupree to sail on, accepting his fate.
Sail on, sail on, sail on, Dupree, sail on. (2x)
Repetition of encouragement for Dupree to sail on.
You don't mind sailing, you'll be gone so doggone long.
Dupree is urged to sail on without minding the lengthy journey ahead.
Betty and Dupree
Reiteration of the names Betty and Dupree.
Traditional
Identifies the song as a traditional piece.
Dupree was a bandit; he was so brave and bol';
Describes Dupree as a brave bandit who stole a diamond ring for Betty's pleasure.
He stoled a diamond ring for some of Betty's jelly roll
Further details about Dupree's criminal act and motivation.
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 mentions the taste of Michigan water and Betty's habits.
The reason I know: Betty drink it all the time.
Dupree expresses his determination to leave but acknowledges Betty's influence.
"I'm going away to the end of the railroad track
He plans to go to the end of the railroad track, with Betty being the only one who can bring him back.
Nothing but sweet Betty can bring me back
Emphasizes Dupree's reliance on Betty for his return.
Dupree tol' the lawyer, "Clear me if you can
Dupree seeks legal assistance, claiming he has the financial means to support his defense.
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
The lawyer recognizes Dupree's courage but anticipates a jail sentence and hanging.
But I think you will go to jail and hang"
Dupree admits his motive was Betty's "jelly roll."
Dupree tol' the judge, "I am not so brave and bol'
Dupree downplays his bravery, emphasizing his desire for Betty's affection.
But all I wanted was Betty's jelly roll
He insists that all he wanted was Betty's companionship.
The judge tol' Dupree, "Jelly roll's gonna be your ruin
The judge warns Dupree about the consequences of his actions and associates them with Betty's influence.
"No, no, judge, for that is what I done quit doing"
Dupree denies engaging in criminal activities associated with Betty's "jelly roll."
The judge tol' Dupree, "I believe you quit too late
The judge suggests Dupree's denial may be too late to avoid the impending fate of punishment.
Because it is already your fate
Reiteration of Dupree's unavoidable fate, emphasizing the consequences of his actions.
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