C. T. Suddeth

Who the devil was Sylvie?

Lead Belly (1888-1949), most famous for: Irene Goodnight, but another great song was Bring Me a Little Water, Sylvie. 3 theories:

1 About his Uncle Bob calling for his wife, Sylvie.

2 An old slave song about Sylvie.

3 Slave song changed to Uncle Bob’s wife, Sylvie.

I don’t know who she was or who wrote it, I love Lead Belly’s version.

Bring me little water, Sylvie
Bring me little water, now
Bring me little water, Sylvie
Every little once in a while