traditional
I've heard this song in so many versions I cannot highlight any in particular. The first known recording is with Nassau String Band, 1935 - verses collected and adapted by Alan Lomax.
I don't know the origin; nobody knows for certain, but it MAY refer to the murder of 14 year old Delia Green in Savannah, Georgia on Chistmas Eve 1900 : shot dead by boyfriend Moses Houston (15 years old). Houston served twelve years in prison, was paroled in October 1913 and his furter CV is obscure. WHO made a SONG out of this is also obscure; thus I simply call it "traditional", giving it the most simple chords I could find.
first time I shot Delia I shot her in the side
the second time I shot her she laid right down and died
Delia's gone • one more round • Delia's gone
the reason I shot my Delia : she cursed such an evil curse
and if I hadn't shot her I believe she'd done me worse
Delia's gone • one more round • Delia's gone
I went down to the graveyard to look at my Delia's face
I said "Delia gal I love you and I wish I could take your place"
Delia's gone • one more round • Delia's gone
on Monday I was arrested • on Tuesday my case was tried
the jurymen found me guilty • brought teardrops in my eyes
Delia's gone • one more round • Delia's gone
jailer oh jailer • tell me how can I sleep
when all around my bedside I can hear little Delia's feet
Delia's gone • one more round • Delia's gone
some gave Delia a dollar • some gave her two or three
I didn't give her a penny cause she belonged to me
Delia's gone • one more round • Delia's gone
For the following CHORD section, fullscreen/horizontal mobile is recommended.
Chords in brackets may be omitted.
G G7 first time I shot Delia I shot her in the side C Am F D7 the second time I shot her she laid right down and died Bm C D7 G Delia's gone one more round Delia's gone
