Ah, Woe, Ah, Me
The Kingston Trio · Other Songs - The Kingston Trio
In Trinidad there was a family with much confusion, as you will see.
There was a mama and a papa and a son who was young,T
who wanted to marry, have
a wife of his own.
"You cannot marry that girl.
I got to say 'No.' That girl is your sister but
your mama don't know!"
Chorus:
Ah, woe, ah, me. Shame and scandal in the family. (Repeat)
So he found a young girl who suited him nice.
He went to his papa to ask his
advice.
His papa said, "Son, I got to say 'No.
' That girl is your sister but your mama
don't know!"
(Chorus)
As the weeks went by, the boy looked around.
Soon the best cook on the island
he found.
He went to his papa to name the day.
His papa looked at him and at him he did
say,
"You cannot marry that girl.
I gotta say, 'No.' That girl is your sister, but
your mama don't know!"
(Chorus)
So the years went by and he wished he was dead. He had seventeen girls and
still wasn't wed.
When he'd ask his papa, papa would always say,
"No! That girl is your sister
but your mama don't know!"
(Chorus)
So he went to his mama and he bowed his head.
Told his mama what his papa had
said.
His mama said, "Son, go, man,
go! Your papa ain't your papa but your papa don't
know!"
(Chorus)
Ah, Woe, Ah, Me
Ah, Woe, Ah, Me stands as a testament to The Kingston Trio's mastery of traditional folk arrangements. The group, pivotal in the 1950s and 60s folk revival, frequently drew from global sources to craft their signature harmonies. This particular track exemplifies their ability to transform simple melodies into engaging, rhythmic performances that defined their early sound. While the song's specific origins may vary across different folk traditions, the Trio's recording captures the playful yet melancholic spirit often found in their repertoire. Their approach to such material helped popularize folk music for a mainstream audience, establishing a standard for vocal harmony and instrumental accompaniment that influenced countless subsequent acts. The recording remains a cherished example of their contribution to the genre's enduring legacy.