"Little Mohe" Lyrics, circa 1890

File — Box: 4265.001, Folder: 8

Scope and Contents

This file contains a handwritten version of the lyrics to the American folk song "Little Mohe," about a sailor who meets a native woman while he is visiting her country.

Dates

Creation: circa 1890

Language of Materials

From the Collection:

Materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

Access to portions of this collection has been restricted by Archives and Special Collections in order to preserve the original materials. Contact University Libraries Special Collections at archives@ua.edu or 205.348.0500 for information on access to the restricted portions of this collection.

The rest of the collection is open for research. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations. Due to the nature of certain archival formats, including digital and audio-visual materials, access to certain materials may require additional advance notice.

Biographical / Historical

The American folk song "The Little Mohee"--also known by the name "Little Mohe," "The Pretty Mohea," and other titles--appeared as early as 1847 and became popular around the United States. It can also be found in Atlantic Canada. The song recounts a man's meeting with "an Indian lass" who asks him to stay with her and to learn her language, though he eventually returns to his own country. It exists in numerous versions and recordings.

(Source: Folklorist, http://www.folklorist.org/song/The_Little_Mohee; "MacEdward Leach and the Songs of Atlantic Canada," https://www.mun.ca/folklore/leach/songs/NFLD1/1A-11.htm. Both accessed June 17, 2020.)