Parallel Anthology Track 5

Track 5: Bill and Belle Reed - Old Lady and the Devil  Columbia 15336-D; Recorded in Johnson City, Tennessee, 17.10.1928

Record label does not assign authorship. Nor does either Anthology booklet, or www.78discography.com.

The Roud Folksong Index classifies this song as a version of Child 278 or Roud 160.

California State University, Fresno has a webpage on this Child ballad, dating it to at least the mid-19th century, if not earlier. 

It is reasonable to treat this composition as public domain.

Parallel anthology main index page

Alternative Versions
Farmer's Curst Wife by Mrs. May Kennedy McCord   recorded in 1960: Max Hunter Collection

Devil's Curst Wife by Johnny Morris   recorded in 1960: Max Hunter Collection

Devil Doings by Mrs. George Ripley, Milford   recorded in 1959: Max Hunter Collection

Farmer's Curst Wife by Horton Baker   recorded in 1939 available in BL, shelfmark 1LP0157575