Folksong found in Appalachia, the American South and Lower Midwest. The song was collected by folklorist and professor at the University of Missouri, Henry Marvin Beldin in 1909. Most of the first recorded versions of this song were called "Birmingham Jail", based off the paragraph of lyrics referring to the jail in Birmingham, Alabama. Guitarist Jimmie Tarlton claimed to have written the Birmingham jail paragraph of lyrics in 1925 while he was jailed in Birmingham for moonshining, which is very possible since he and his partner Tom Darby were the first to record this as "Birmingham Jail" on November 10, 1927, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Down in the valley valley so low Hang your head over hear the wind blow Hear the wind blow dear hear the wind blow Hang your head over hear the wind blow.
Roses love sunshine violets love dew Angels in heaven know I love you Know I love you dear know I love you Angels in heaven know I love you.
If you don’t love me love whom you please Throw your arms ’round me give my heart ease Give my heart ease love give my heart ease Throw your arms round me give my heart ease.
Build me a castle forty feet high So I can see him as he rides by As he rides by love as he rides by So I can see him as he rides by.
Write me a letter send it by mail Send it in care of Birmingham jail Birmingham jail love Birmingham jail Send it in care of Birmingham jail.