Yes, this was written in the late 1800's and was really depressing. Broadcasting stations wouldn't play the song because it was so depressing. Many killed themselves. In the original version, there is no third verse, but after so many committed suicide w/ this song, the writer added it to make it less heavy . . . which is sad, becuz it was beautiful and meaningful w/o this ending. The writer ended up killin himself, and this song is so depressing, I absolutely love it. And yes, the first person to really sing this publicly was Billie Holiday, though tons have done covers of this song.
Yes, this was written in the late 1800's and was really depressing. Broadcasting stations wouldn't play the song because it was so depressing. Many killed themselves. In the original version, there is no third verse, but after so many committed suicide w/ this song, the writer added it to make it less heavy . . . which is sad, becuz it was beautiful and meaningful w/o this ending. The writer ended up killin himself, and this song is so depressing, I absolutely love it. And yes, the first person to really sing this publicly was Billie Holiday, though tons have done covers of this song.