The Traditional Ballad Index TABLE OF CONTENTS

"I went down 13 highway, Down in my baby's door Raining and storming, Scarcely see the road." "Clouds dark as night, If my baby don't fail me I'll make every thing all right" "Going 60 miles an hour..." "Don't the highway look lonesome..."

In Calumet, Michigan, striking copper miners and their children are having a Christmas celebration; strike-breakers outside bar the doors then raise a false fire alarm. In the ensuing stampede, seventy-three children are crushed or suffocated

Counting-out rhyme? "The people who live across the way, At 1918 East Broadway Every night They have a fight, And this is what they say:" The rest is from "Ickle Bickle Soda Cracker"

"2 Y's U R, 2 Y's U B, I C U R, 2 Y's 4 me." Supposedly a written acknowledgment that one person has been more clever than the other.

"Up to Kola Inlet, back to Scapa Flow... Why does it always seem to be Flotilla number Twenty-Three, Up in the Arctic Ocean, up in the Barents Sea." The singer describes the difficulties of being a convoy escort on the route to and from Russia

Coal miner tells of hard times in the Depression. Miners go to work hungry, ragged and shoeless and are cheated of their pay. The Supreme Court rules the National Recovery Act unconstitutional. The singer urges listeners to join the U.M.W.

"Four One Three, we're bound to be On a page of history... We're on Hirohito's trail now... Four One Three above the sea, Up defending liberty, Think of what it means to be Part of squadron Four One Three." The Japanese are warned

"We are a few Canadians here in Italy, Working with the RAF boys to win the victory." The Canadians of 417 squadron are "always in trouble" because they are sloppy; they're a "screwy outfit" and are clearly proud to be "ridicuous"

"We fly alone, When all the heavies are grounded and dining, 692 will be climbing -- We still press on, "It's every night... We still press on." "It's always the Reich, no matter how far, The crew they are twitching.... It's twelve degrees east"

Gaelic. A shepherdess meets a young man and asks if he has seen her sheep. First he says no. Then he says he has and has turned them back.

Gaelic. For herding the goats from the rock I would prefer the kilt. If I could have my choice I would prefer the kilt.

A Diller, A Dollar: (2 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #19753}

"A diller, a dollar, A (ten o'clock) scholar, What makes you come so soon? You us'd to come at ten o'clock, and now you come at noon."

A Is for Apple Pie: (8 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #7539}

Alphabet song, beginning "A is/stands for apple pie, B baked/bit it" and perhaps ending "And don't you wish you had a piece of apple pie?"

French: The singer wanders by a clear fountain. He bathes, and hears a bird's song in the trees. He tells the nightingale that it has no cares. He, on the other hand, lost his love because he refused to give her the roses he had picked

Gaelic. A piper stops at a pub for a drink. Someone steals his pipes. "He grieves for his loss and curses the thief"

"A ram sam sam, a ram sam sam Goolie, goolie, goolie, goolie, goolie, ram sam sam A raja, a raja Goolie, goolie, goolie, goolie, goolie, ram sam sam.A ra-vi A ra-vi,goo-li goo-li goo-li goo-li goo-li ram sam sam."

"(Ah/Hey) Robin, (jolly/gentle) Robin, Tell me how thy (lady/leman) doth And thou shalt know of mine." "My lady is unkinde, perdie, Alack why is she so?" One singer says his lady is constant; the other says women change like the wind

French: Three ships are at anchor at St. Malo. Three women come to buy grain. They ask the merchant what his prices are. He asks for more than they can pay. They say so; he says he will give the grain away if he can't sell it that day. The women approve

The singer to his/her love: You'll soon leave for a strange land "rich in its treasures"; "the lights of the city may blind you ... turn away from the throng and the bliss ... come back soon To the love that is always burning" and Erin's shore.

"A was an archer who shot at a frog, B was a butcher and had a great dog, C was a Captain, all covered with lace, D was a drunkard, and had a red face," and so on to the end of the alphabet

"A woonie coonie chau wow woonie (x2) Eye-yi-yi-ipy, eye-eye-ay-noos (x2). A-woo, a woonie keetchie!" Or "Ah wune kune cha o wuni. A yi yi yi-ki ay kae ayna." Alleged to be a "Belgian Congo Game."

"They say in the Air Force the landing's OK, If the pilot's still out and can still walk away," but no matter what the state of the crew, there is still the Form A-25 to fill out. Many flight problems are listed, none worse than the A-25

A-Begging I Will Go: (15 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #286}

"Of all the trades in England, The begging is the best, For when the beggar's tired, he can lay him down and rest...." The beggar describes the various pleasures of his profession, and declares that he will continue begging

A-Cruising We Will Go: (13 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #8825}

"Behold upon the swelling seas With streaming pennants gay, Our gallant ship invites the waves, While glory leads the way." "And a-cruising we will go." The singer asks the girls to be kind, recalls "Hardy's flag," and hopes for peace with America

The girl rebukes her father for marrying her to a much younger boy. He tells her the lad is growing. She sends him to school in a shirt that shows he's married, for he is a handsome lad. She soon bears his son. He dies young; she sadly buries him

A-Hunting We Will Go: (8 refs. 3K Notes) {Roud #12972}

"A-hunting we will go (x2) We'll catch a fox and put it in a box." Possible chorus: "High-ho, the derry-o." Additional verses may hunt other animals, such as fish or bear -- e.g. "We'll catch a bear and cut his hair, And then we'll let him go."

A-Mumming We Will Go: (3 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #22576}

"A-mumming we will go, will go, O a-mumming... With bright cockades all in our hats, We'll make a gallant show." "Come all ye jolly mummers... Come join with us in chorus." "It's of St. George's valor, So let us loudly sing." Other tales of battle follow

Shanty. "Arabella set her main top-s'l (x3) ... a rollin' down the river." Verses list a full-rigged ship's sails: "The Arabella set her main gans'l/main royal/main skys'l, etc." Second chorus: "Oh, a pumpkin pudden an' a bulgine pie, aboard the Arabella"

In this cautionary tale, a sailor meets an Amsterdam maid, fondles portions of her body progressively, has sex with her, and catches the pox. She leaves him after he has spent all his money.

Pennsylvania German. "A, A, A, d'r Winder der is da, Berbacht un Sommer sin vergange." Counting through the vowels A E I O U, it was that winter is come and summer gone. Frost is settling Children are happy because Christmas is coming

"Its O, but aw ken well -- A, U, hinny burd, The bonny lass o' Benwell, A, U, A." "She's lang-legg's and mother-like... See, she's raking up the dyke." "The Quayside for sailors... The Castle Garth for tailors...." Additional places round out the song

"Been on the hummer since ninety-four, Last job I had was on the Lake Shore, Lost my job in the A.R.U. And I won't get it back till nineteen-two And I'm still on the hog train flagging my meals Ridin' the brake beams close to the wheels."

"As Jenny sat down wi' her wheel b the fire... She said to herself... "Oh! a'body's like to be married but me." She recalls the companions of her youth, perhaps interested then but no longer. She concludes they are worthless -- but still feels unhappy

"Oh, Aaron Burr, what have you done? You've shot great General Hamilton! You hid behind a Canada thistle And shot him with your old hoss-pistol!"

"It was in eighteen and eighty in the first part of that date... When little Aaron Hart so still he went away." "He seemed to be determined to follow Willie home," but is lost. Singer F. B. Harris and others hunt for him, but he dies in the woods

"In Carmel Bay the people say we feed the lazzaroni On caramels and cockle-shells and hunks of Abalone." The virtues of this mollusk are extolled: It cures pain, tastes better than the finest foods, and can be transmitted faster than electricity (?!)

Spanish: "The Abandoned." First line: "Me abanonastes, jujer, porque soy muy pobre." The singer's girl is leaving him because he is poor. He admits to character faults. He asks "What am I to do if I am the abandoned one?"

"A is fer Adam, who was the first man, B is fer Baalim, who mischief did plan, C is fer Cain, 'is brother did kill," and so forth through the letter Z, with most lines referring to Old Testament characters

ABC Song (II), The: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #7122}

"Uncle John he had an educated wife; she studied very hard all the days of her life." Proud of her learning, she tells others about it and tries to teach her husband. When there is a "spelling match" in town, he, not she, successfully spells "Ebenezer"

"A B C D, Isn't it easy to sing? A B C D, Let it go with a swing. The words are so awfully simple, You couldn't forget if you tried, So learn the words, The beautiful words, And get the air outside."

Abdul the Bulbul Emir (I): (15 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #4321}

The heroic Moslem Abdul and the gallant Russian Ivan Skavinsky Skevar chance to meet. It doesn't take them long to begin duelling, which inevitably results in the deaths of both. Their burials and the mourning for them are described

Abdul the Bulbul Emir (II): (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #4321}

Abdul the Bulbul Emir and Ivan Stavinsky Stavar engage in a duel to see who can have intercourse with the greatest number of women. At the moment of triumph, Ivan bends over, with dreadful results.

"Abe Lincoln stood at the White House Gate... When along came Lady Lizzie Tod, Wishing her lover good speed." Lincoln tries several times to take Richmond, and is foiled each time

Aberdonians Fare Ye Weel: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #12949}

The Ninety-Second Highlanders They lie in Aberdeen," preparing to cross the sea. The singer says he was surprised to see "so many weel-faured girls, And the tears rolling down their eyes"

About a moonshiner and how he outwits a marshal. After the revenuer finds the still and starts to take it home, but Abe and "Hanner" (Hannah?) rescue it. Chorus: "Corn liquor [or other drink, e.g. peach brandy] can (get/pull/blow) (a man/you) down."

"Abilene, Abilene, prettiest town (you) ever seen, (folks) there don't treat you mean In Abilene, my Abilene." The singer complains about life in the big city, hears the trains, and wishes they were carrying (him) back to Abilene

Aboard the Henry Clay: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #9160}

Capstan shanty. Verses tell of a "lime-juice jay" that got drunk and went into a fit. The mate kicks him off the boat and he drowns. Later the mate is found with a knife in his back. Refrains repeat last lines of verses.

"Does John ever look to the state of his till, With eight little senates to run up the bill? Does John ever think that the work might be done By eight little senates rolled into one?" The local legislatures make the country lean and officials fat

"On the seventeenth day of September, you know, Took place in our city the great baby show; They shut up the factories and let out all the schools." A great parade goes through the town, with riders and abolitionists -- but Democrats will win anyway

"Aboot the bush, Willy, aboot the bee-hive, Aboot the bush, Willy, I'll meet thee belyve." "Then to my ten shillings Add you but a groat; I'll go to Newcastle And buy a new coat." The singer describes the prices of clothing

Czech translated to English: "Above a plain of gold and green, A young boy's head is plainly seen. A huya, huya, huyaya, swiftly flowing river (x2). But no, 'tis not his lifted head, 'Tis Ifca's castle spires instead. For our pleasure it was made,..."

"Abraham Lincoln is my name, From Illinois I did came, I entered the city in the night, And took my seat by candlelight."

"Oh, kind folks listen to my song, It is no idle story, It's all about a volunteer Who's going to fight for glory!" The singer belongs to the "Fire Zou-Zous" (Zouaves), to fight for Columbia, "Abraham's Daughter." They will fight under McClellan

"Through the grove as I was a-wand'ring, On one summer's evening clear, Who should I spy but a fair young damsel Lamenting for her shepherd dear." He asks what is her trouble. She says her true love has left her and she does not know where he is

"I've wandered many a league, (Delia), Since last with you I met," and he will wander many more, but amid all the new things he sees, he misses his friends and her. After a long voyage, he looks forward to returning to them

The singer illustrates his absent-mindedness. A girl trips over clay and he leaves the girl for dead and takes the clay to a doctor ... He puts the kettle on a chair and sits on the fire. He puts his dog to bed and chains himself in the yard.

A train hits a buggy sitting on the tracks. The buggy's inhabitants are killed.

According to the Act: (5 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #8341}

The song details shipboard life, and how conditions are kept tolerable, for "There's nothing done on a limejuice ship contrary to the Act." The most obvious example is the ration of limejuice, but other rules are also cited

German. "Ach, du lieber Augustine, Augustine, Augustine, Ach, du lieber Augustine, alles ist hin." "Geld ist weg, Madl ist weg, alles weg, alles wed, Ach du lieber Augustine alles ist hin!"

The prospector reports on the sad fate of the gold rush men: "For each man who got rich by mining... hundreds grew poor." He decides to abandon digging and head out to be a farmer near Puget Sound. This, too, proves hard, but he is too poor to move again

"As I went across a steeple, I met a heap of people. Some was black, some was blacker, Some was the color of an ole chew of tobacco."

Across the Blue Mountain: (2 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #25278}

A married man asks (Katie) to marry him and go "across the Blue Mountain to the Allegheny." Katie's mother tells her to let him stay with his own wife. Katie answers, "He's the man of my heart." (The confused ending may tell of her poverty or abandoment)

"Where the crimson sunset casts a ruddy glow across the plains... now he's trailed across the great divide. There'll never be another who'll be loved more than you, Although humble... You'll answer when they call Bill Rogers's name"

"Go straight across the hall To the opposite lady, Swing her by the right hand, Right hand round and back to the left, And balance to your partner."

"I've traded with the Maori, Brazilians and Chinese, I've courted half-caste beauties Beneath a Kauri tree," but he has to go back "Across the line... For that's the sailor's way." The singer lists many of the places he has gone

"Across the stillness of the lake We hear the call of (somewhere), Then all the silvery echoes wake To answer back (somewhere)." "O ye who bear the lofty torch Think thoughts of evil never Be mindful that each song ye sing Goes on and on forever."

Across the Western Ocean: (9 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #8234}

"Oh, the times are hard and the wages low, Amelia, where you bound to? The Rocky Mountains is my home Across the western ocean." The emigrants leave poverty behind to set out for better conditions in America. Unusual passengers may be described

"Mine is a wild, strange story, the strangest you ever hears"; the actor and his wife go to Australia to work. She becomes ill to death. He refuses to accept it and is confined. The ship takes fire and is abandoned; the heat revives his wife; they survive

Jamaican patois: The singer complains that he talks to Ada but she won't answer. Shame on her. At a dance he wheels her and makes her fall.

Adam and Eve Could Never Believe: (2 refs. 4K Notes) {Roud #1387}

"Adam and Eve could never believe That Peter the Miller was dead." Peter had been locked up for stealing flour. "They bored a hole in Oliver's nose and led him by a string "for murdering Charles our king."

Three outlaws live in the forest. William visits his wife, is arrested, is rescued by the others. They seek pardon from the king, succeed by the queen's intervention, then show their archery prowess, including cleaving an apple on a child's head.

Adam Cameron, "second son to Boyndie," leaves his love Fanny to join the army. Letters arrive that his brother, the heir, and Fanny are to marry. He and his colonel ride to Boyndie. He proposes, Fanny accepts, and the colonel marries them.

Adam Catched Eve: (3 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #V37609}

"Adam catched Eve by the fur below (x2), And that's the oldest catch I know (x3), Oh ho! did he so, did he so, did he so, did he so, did he so, did he so?"

French. Song, in 23 verses, tells the entire story of Adam & Eve through the expulsion from the garden, and adds an angel announcing the Messiah to be born of the Virgin Mary to redeem humanity's anguish. Adam and Eve sadly bid farewell to Eden.

Adam alone wishes for someone to "part and share ... hug you to my bosom." Eve is created and "he began his trade For to hug her." She is content. Toast: "every lad may get the lass That he loves in his bosom"

Adam in the Garden: (5 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #5970}

After Eve broke "the great command" she kissed Adam "with his apron on." Everywhere now a pretty maid happily kisses her love with his apron on. At Mason Lodge meetings each appears after "five steps that he must take" with his jewels and apron on.

Adam in the Garden Pinning Leaves: (11 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #15647}

Chorus "Oh Eve, where's Adam? (x3) Adam in the garden pinning leaves." "I know my God is a God of war/He fought the battle at the Jericho wall"; "The first time God called/Adam refused to answer/And the next time God called/God hollered louder."

Adams and Liberty: (5 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #V22694}

Written for the John Adams campaign, but in praise of American freedom (it never mentions Adams): "Ye sons of Columbia, who bravely have fought For those rights which unstained from your sires have descended" (and so on, for nine weary stanzas)

A few of the characters on Adams's crew of lumberjacks are described.

First line: "Adeilta se llama la ingrata Le qu' era duena de todo mi placer." The soldier says that Adelita is the source of "all my pleasures" who "drives all men to distraction." Now he must go to war; if she deserts him, he will pursue her anywhere

Latin: "Adeste fideles, laeti triumphantes, venite, venite in Bethlehem." English: "O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem."

"Adieu dear love but not for ever You may change but I will never Though separation be our lot Adieu dear love forget-me-not"

French. To make a household you must work to get money to feed a wife and children. Father, you married me to a pig of a drunkard. Cherish and caress him, daughter, and in a short time he will change and you will have your household.

French. Forebitter shanty. "Adieu Madras, adieu foulards...." Farewell to Madras, and the clothes, and the girl the sailor found in India. The singer asks the governor to let him keep his sweetheart. But it's too late; the ship is ready to sail

"Adieu, my native land, adieu, The vessel spreads her swelling sails; Perhaps I never more may view Your fertile hills, your flowering dales." The singer bids farewell to all, and asks the wind "to find The peace which fate denies me here"

"Adieu sweet lovely Nancy, ten thousand times adieu." The sailor must go over the sea "to seek for something new." He promises (to write, and tells) Nancy that, "Let my body go where it will, my heart will love you still." He hopes for a safe return

Adieu to Bogie Side: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #4593}

The singer calls on the muses to help him "sing sweet Huntly's praise. I leave a girl behind me Whose joy is all my pride, And bid farewell to Huntly And adieu to Bogie side." He bids farewell to friends and lands and hopes the girl will be safe

Adieu to Bon County: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #15553}

"It's a great separation my friends they have caused me." The singer says his friends will regret driving him away. He bids farewell to friends and love. He says he will ramble and seek pleasure. When money is short, he will "chop wood and get more"

"Oh when I breathed a last adieu To Erin's vales and mountains blue...." The singer loves Mary, but Mary "deplores" him; he responds by leaving the country. "Can I forget the fateful day... When nought was left me but to say Farewell my love farewell"

Adieu to Lovely Garrison: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #17892}

The singer is far away from home. He bids adieu to the places he spent his youth, describing their beauty. He would return to see them all.

Capstan shanty. "The boatmen shout, 'tis time to part, no longer can we stay, Twas then Maimuna taught my heart how much a glance can say." Four verses describing a tearful farewell, the last two lines of each repeated are as a chorus.

Adieu to Old England: (4 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #1703}

If the world had ended before he was born the singer's sorrows "would then have had bounds." He was born wealthy but spent it all. He has no fear of being robbed. He's satisfied now with a crust, clean water, and a dry straw bed. Things can't get worse.

The singer, admitting his "happiest moments are flown," prepares to depart Ireland and his home. He bids farewell to everything he can think of -- the countryside, relatives, pastor. He will dig gold in Australia, and hopes he can return home

"Adieu to the stone walls," the prisoner sighed, "I'm now going to leave you, I've made up my mind." The convict makes his way to a train, buys clothes in town, and gains his freedom by playing the role of a brakeman

"Adieu ye banks and braes of Clyde, Adieu to her who's young and fair, I grieve to leave my own dear bride" and his home, but "the wind blows fair, I must away." All nature rests as the sun sets in the west, but he cannot; the drums and pipes call

"Adieu, false heart, since we must part, May the joys of the world go with you." The singer says (he) thought (him)self too good for her. She proudly says that "You are very much mistaken" if he thinks she loves him and/or says she will go to her grave

Admiral Benbow (I): (10 refs. 4K Notes) {Roud #227}

Despite being badly outnumbered, Benbow prepares for battle (against the French), but captains Kirkby and Wade flee the contest. In the fight that follows, Benbow loses his legs, but orders his face to be turned toward the fight even as he dies

Admiral Benbow (II): (5 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #3141}

"Oh, we sail'd to Virginia, And from thence to Fial." The fleet sees seven sails. They draw up in line and fight for four hours. Admiral Benbow is wounded by a chain shot and is carried below but says to keep fighting. He is remembered after his death

Admiral Byng is ordered "the French to disperse from New Home" in the Mediterranean Sea. He sends Admiral West to attack the French but he held his own ship back. The ballad implies he was bribed. He is condemned by the King to be shot.

Admiral Hosier's Ghost: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #22377}

"As near Porto-Bello lying, On the gently-swelling flood... Our triumphant navy rode" after Vernon had defeated the Spanish. "The shade of Hosier brave" appears. Hosier wishes he had fought instead of obeying orders to sit idly, bringing England to shame

"A bite with me, fast falls the prey to feast, The soup is Jackson, Lord, shall this not cease, No other soup served so consistently." The singer complains of the food; "When the guests come, they surely do agree, It is a job to eat A bite with me"

"The fish/duck, it never cackles 'bout its million eggs or so, The hen is quite a different bird; one egg, and hear her crow. The duck we spurn, but crown the hen, which leads me to surmise: Don't hide your light, but blow your horn; it pays to advertise"

"A fortnight ago, me, Mick and Patsy Sullivan... went for a spree down to Kelly's brand-new restaurant." They have a party and direct the bill to their boss Flaherty. Kelly refuses. There is a fight. Eventually Kelly writes it off as advertising

"Paddy ... join with your protestant brother." "Your foes have long prided to see you divided." If together, your foes won't oppose you. "Then your rights will be granted"; "keep asunder ... you shall live and die slaves"

Advice to Sinners: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #7847}

"Oh, Sinner, you'd better take heed to the Savior's word today. You will follow the Christian round and still you will not pray." "Your body has to lie in the ground." "When Gabriel sounds his trumpet, you'll be lost." You get the idea

Ae Nicht We A' to Banff Did Gang: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #13014}

"Ae nicht we a' to Banff did gang, I believe we had sma' errant O. There was ither three as weel as me, We a' set oot a'steerin' [Greig/Duncan8: to cause a disturbance] O."

The singer, while courting Betsy, takes up with Jean. He meets both in the market: "they laughed and they jeered at me too." Each takes up with another man leaving him crying. "Be sure to be aff wi' the auld love, Afore ye be on wi' the new"

The wife complains her husband urinates on the floor rather than in the chamber pot. He replies that his first wife allowed him to defecate in the bed.

"Ninni nonni simungi, Ninni nonni simungi, Ninni nonno sidubi sabadute simungi. Ninni nonni simungi, Ninni nonni simungi, Ninni nonno sidubi sabadute simungi."

After Aughrim's Great Disaster: (1 ref. 3K Notes) {Roud #16907}

""After Aughrim's great disaster, When our foe in sooth was master," a few survivers escape and hope to continue the struggle. The survivors go their separate ways (perhaps into exile), wishing success to their king

"There was a man named Jimmy Frame Whose one desire was to hunt big game." He begins to hunt and trap. Angered by failure -- he has nothing but a "tiny deer mouse." he decides to try somewhere else. Maybe you'll find him there

A girl asks her uncle why he never married. He recalls the sweetheart he took to a ball. After leaving for a moment, he sees her kissing another man. He abandons her; years later, after she is dead, he learns that the other man was her brother

"After the ball was over," Sally removes her glass eye, false teeth, cork leg and false hair.

After the Battle Mother: (11 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #4277}

The wounded singer is lying on the battle field among the dead and dying. When "the foemen turned and fled" his wound stopped him from following. He waits for morning. "Still I feel that I shall see you and the dear old home again"

"Angels are weeping o'er the foreign war... But still they are calling young men to war.... After the war is over, after the world's at peace, many a heart will be aching After the war has ceased. Many a home will be vacant, many a child left alone...."

"An afternoon like this it was in tough old Cherokee An outlaw come a-hornin' in an' ask who I might be...." The singer boasts of Indians and outlaws in his background (e.g. Jesse James was his uncle), of learning to swear before learning to talk, etc.

Gaelic. "A mock epic on a bicycle accident suffered by a local brave. The event takes on international significance with messages of condolence from President de Valera, Mussolini, and Hitler, and from President Roosevelt of the United States."

Nancy sees the victim in the wave and rushes in to save him. "Then he grasped her; they sunk, in the wave"

Aged Indian, The (Uncle Tohido): (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #6553}

A hunter, his wife, and his daughter live near Indians. One day, when the hunter is gone, an Indian comes and takes the child from the frantic mother. The child never returns, but teaches the Indian to love and revere the Bible

"In prime of years, when I was young, I took delight in youthful toys." "At seven years old I was a child." "At twice seven, I must needs go learn." "At three times seven, I waxed wild." The singer tells of life seven years at a time and prepares to ldie

Among the many bonny lasses in Edinburgh the singer loves "little Aggie Bell" He describes her features and recalls seeing her at a dance where "mony a lass that thocht nae little o' hersel'" but none outshone Aggie.

Agincourt Carol, The: (18 refs. 4K Notes) {Roud #V29347}

King Henry (V) travels to France "wyth grace and myght of chyvalry," captures Harfleur, and wins a great victory at Agincourt, "Wherfore Englonde may call and cry, 'Deo gracias (x2) anglia Rede pro victoria.'"

Agricultural Irish Girl, The: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #V12873}

Mary Ann Malone is a big, strong, agricultural Irish girl. At 17, she is not educated -- "doesn't speak Italian" -- but knows "all befits a lady." "She neither paints nor powders, and her figure is her own" She's aggressive. She will strike for her wages.

"'Tis very well done, says Johnny Brown, Is this the way to London town? I'll stand you thus, I'll stand you by, Until you hear the watchman cry: A roop doop doop doop doodle doodle do, A roop doop doop doop doodle doodle do!"

"Ah wonder who's a knockin On me door It is Johnny McKella and Tommy Anderson"

Javanese sea shanty. "Ah hoo-e, la-e, ah hoo-e, la-e, ah-e, hoo-e, ah hoo-e, la-e ung!" Used as a hauling and loading shanty, with the pull on the syllable "Ung."

Round. "Ah, poor bird, Take thy flight, High above the sorrows Of this dark night."

The singer recalls to his horse Smiler how they had been laughed at by "yon muckle tearers frae Pitgair" before the ploughing match. "When the wark was a' inspeckit" they were best of sixty ploughs. He makes Smiler's bed and feeds him.

French: The young woman wants a monk (the word also means a spinning top) to dance. She offers him a cap, a gown, etc., then a psalter; he apparently refuses each. She says she would offer him more, but he has taken a vow of poverty

Aiken Drum lives in the moon, plays with a ladle, dresses in food including breeches of haggis bags. Willy Wood lives in another town, plays on a razor, eats Aiken Drum's clothes but chokes on the haggis bags

"Ken ye how a Whig can fight?" The ballad gives examples that Whigs can't fight, that Sunderland, who had sworn to clear the land, cannot be found. The song imagines "the Dutchmen" drowned, Jacobite victory, and King James crowned.

Sunday, singer and his friends go to the horse market at Aikey Fair. He dresses for Sunday. He is surprised by all the cars on the road. He is disturbed by the goings on on the Sabbath where even a minister is drowned out by the activities.

Aimee McPherson, radio evangelist, vanishes after a camp meeting; later claiming she was kidnapped. A grand jury investigation uncovers a "love-nest" at Carmel-by-the-Sea. She's jailed and bailed out; her paramour vanishes.

"Ain't' God good to Iowa? Folks, a feller never knows Just how near he is to Eden, Till some time he up and goes." "Other spots may look as fair, But they lack that soothin' something' In the hawkeye sky and air." "Ain't God good to... AIn't he though?"

"Hypocrite, hypocrite, God despise, His tongue so sharp he will tell lies (x2), Ain't gwine grieve my God no more." "Let me tell you what the hypocrite will do." The singer describes the troubles of life and says that he will triumph over them and Satan

Chorus: "I ain't gonna grieve my Lord no more...." Verses give conditions for getting into heaven, e.g. "You can't get to Heaven on roller skates, You'll roll right by them pearly gates." Instructs the listener to help the singer get to heaven

Floating verses: "Oh don't you see that turtle dove." "Went up on the mountain." "Wish I had a big fat horse, Corn to feed him on." "Ain't gonna marry in the spring of the year, Gonna marry me in the fall." "I'm just a poor country boy, Money have I none"

Ain't Gonna Rain No More: (24 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #7657}

Verses held together by the refrain, "It ain't gonna rain no more." (Either between lines or as a standalone chorus). Examples: "What did the blackbird say to the crow? It ain't gonna...." "We had a cat down on our farm; it ate a ball of yarn...."

"Ain't got no place to rest my head, Oh baby..." "Steamboat done put me out of doors..." "Steamboat done left me and gone." "Don't know what in this world I'm going to do." "Sweetheart's done quit me and he's gone." "Out on the cold frozen ground"

"AInt got to cry no more (x2), Blackberries growin' round mah cabin door; Ain't got to cy no more." "I ain't got to cry no more... Pickaninnies rollin' on mah cabin door (sic.)." "Ain't got to cry no more... Possum gittin' fat behin' my cabin door."

"Ain't gwin to work no more, Labor is tiresome shore, Best occupation am recreation, Life's mighty short, you know.... Peter won't know if you're rich or poor, So I ain't gwin to work no more." The singer asserts they need not worry about the future

Nonsense with chorus: "Boom, boom, ain't it great to be crazy (x2), (Silly and foolish) all day long, Boom, boom...." Example: Way down where the bananas grow, A flea stepped on an elephant's toe... Why don't you pick on someone your own size?"

Taunt song used while playing "tag": "AIn't no buggers/bugs out tonight, out tonight, Ain't no buggers out tonight, Daddy killed them all last night."

Ain't No Bugs on Me: (8 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #17569}

Nonsense and topical verses; "The night was dark and drizzly/The air was full of sleet/The old man joined the Ku Klux/And Ma she lost her sheet"; Chorus: "There ain't no bugs on me (x2)/There may be bugs on some of you mugs/But there ain't no bugs on me."

Singer has heard of a city with streets of gold. He has found a throne of grace. Jesus, on the cross, tells his disciples to take his mother home. Cho: "When the high trumpet sounds/I'll be getting up, walking around/Ain't no grave can hold my body down"

Ain't No More Cane on this Brazos: (11 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #10063}

The singer remarks, "There ain't no more cane on this Brazos, oh-oh-oh; They done ground it all down to molasses, oh-oh-oh." He describes the dreadful conditions faced by the prisoners and wishes he could escape such horrors

Ain't No Use Workin' So Hard: (7 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #7876}

"Ain't no use of my workin' so hard, darlin' (x2), I got a gal in the (rich/white) folks' yard, She kill me a chicken, She bring me the wing, Ain't I livin' on an easy thing..." "She thinks I'm workin', I'm layin' in bed...."

The singer received a letter that says "Ain't nobody but you, babe." He goes to the ball (to meet her?)

"Ain’t she neat, ha ha, sweet, ha ha, Handsome and fair, She is a daisy the boys all declare She’s a high-rolling lassie as well Say, here comes (insert name), now don’t she look swell?"

"Eighteen hundred and ninety-one, Fore I workses, I'd rather be hung." "1892... Me and old worksy, we done been through." And so on, with complaints about work until 1899, concluding, "Because I never liked to work-a nohow."

Each verse has (the leader sing a line "Tell my father/Tell my children/Tell the world/Hey lord" a chorus replies "Ain't you got a right") (3x), and all sing "Ain't you got a right to the tree of life."

"Aina, mania, mana, mike, Bassalona, bona, strike, Hare, ware, frown, hock, Halico, balico, we two ivy whack."

Air Force Alphabet: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #21103}

"A is for those Air Force boys, with hearts so brave and true ... Z is for ... Of all the letters in my song the one that beats them all Is V for Victory, the letter that won't let the old flag fall"

The singer warns all bachelors against his mistake. He wanders into town and meets a sergeant, who asks him to enlist. At first he refuses, but the soldier wears him down; at last he accepts. He bids farewell to home, family, and girl

Slovak. "Aja lejber man, robim kazdi den." "I'm a labor man, I work every day." He tries to keep track of what he is saving. He buys drinks for everyone on payday. He gets a letter from his old home, and sends his wife a hundred dollars

"Oh, the boat's up the river And the tide's gone down; I believe to my soul She's (Alabama/water) bound." Lovers are reunited by boat and train, Alabama bound. The Arctic explorer Cook is also mentioned as being Alabama bound to escape the cold.

Alabama Bound (II): (16 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #10017}

"I'm Alabama bound, I'm Alabama bound/And if the train don't stop and turn around/I'm Alabama bound"; "Don't you leave me here... If you must go... leave me a dime for beer"; "Don't you be like me... You can drink... sherry wine and let the whiskey be."

Alabama Flood, The: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #21696}

A man on the levee warns that a flood is coming. A few are killed; those who have lost loved ones and homes mourn. The singer asks for a helping hand. Ch.: "Down in Alabama/In the water and the mud/Many poor souls are homeless from the Alabama flood"

Singer goes to Aulton college; at a wedding, he and Sally Allen go off into the broom. Her father demands his expulsion; the Regent grants it. The singer joins the navy, and bids farewell to Aulton, vowing that if he ever returns he will marry Sally

Claims that Nantucket skippers were able to tell where their ships are by tasting the sounding lead. A sailor plays a trick by running the lead through a box of parsnips; the skipper thinks that Nantucket has sunk and they're sailing over a garden.

Alas And Did My Savior Bleed: (3 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #15070}

"Alas and did my savior bleed, And did my Sovereign die, Would he devote that sacred head For such a worm as I? Was it for crimes that I had done He groaned upon the tree?" The singer lists the faults of humanity and says how great is his debt to Christ

"Oh, one gets arrested, The other goes bail, That's what you get At the Albany Jail. The coffee's like tobacco-juice, The bread is hard and stale; That's what you get At the Albany jail."

Alberta where you been so long": he's had no loving; and "where'd you stay last night": bright sun when she got home. He asks for "a little bit of loving." He met Alberta "way across the sea, Wouldn't write me no letter, she didn't care for me."

Alberta is asked to let her hair hang low, to say what's on her mind, and not to treat the singer unkind. AABA verses: "Alberta, let your hair hang low (x2), I'll give you more gold than your apron will hold, If you'll just let your hair hang low."

Shanty. "Albertina says the story, Albertina's all for glory, Albertina that was the schooner's name, Pump 'er dry." Verses describe loading the ship, sailing away, getting stranded and sinking. Last verse has a maiden weeping for her lost lover.

Alcohol don't kill me ... I'll never die" "I woke up this morning, alcohol was 'round my bed" "I drink so much of Jake ... give me the limber leg If I don't quit drinking it every morning, sure gonna kill me dead"

"The fishin' here is so well controlled All the big ones you must let go." If you hook a big one "take him slow Round the bend To an alder patch. Tuck him away till you can come back."

Alderman of the Ward: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #15471}

Singer says he used to be a street laborer, but he's come up in the world: he's now alderman of the ward and his daughter's well-dressed, to boot. He brags of the trappings of his improved situation and invites the listener to be his guest

Alderman's Lady, The: (8 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #2533}

An elderman promises a girl gifts in exchange for her love. She rejects him because he might reject her and their baby. He promises that he would take her to her mother and smother the baby. She refuses and he marries her.

Ale-Wife and Her Barrel, The: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #6031}

Singer's wife is an ale-seller and drunkard. She goes to market with her barrel; all know that he can't keep her out among men. Chorus: "The ale-wife, the drunken wife/The ale-wife she deaves me/My wifie wi' her barrelie/She'll ruin and she'll leave me"

Arthur Nolan rides his horse Sulphide in the Sydney Steeplechase. The horse stumbles; Nolan is thrown off and trampled to death. Various people grieve and regret what happened.

"Oh, the hobby of Australian boys Is jockeying to be, To mount a horse and scale the course No danger do they see." The usual story: Robertson races, is thrown from his horse, bids farewell to all, and dies

"He murdered Bert Tucker in the west (x3), And knocked a widow out of rest." "So they carried Alex Whitley to Albermarle." "He stayed there three days and two nights, And they hung Alex Whitley to a red oak limb" on about the tenth of June

".. ye jolly bootleggers and you who handle brew: Beware of Howard Foley." Tignish was a town for fun but with Foley as policeman and Albert Knox as jail-keeper it's no place for a drinker. "I'll have to leave the village and go to some foreign land"

Alert completes its outward course. Homeward bound, on passing through Gibraltar they meet fog and storm. The crew pray on deck and shake hands; the ship sinks. Captain Butler and his crew are mourned by wives and orphans in Wexford town.

To the tune "Kelvingrove" ("The Shearin's Nae for You"), "Will ye come to Alford Vale, bonnie lassie O? Where tis sunny as thyself, Bonnie lassie O." The singer tries to lure the girl from the town with praises of the beautiful vale

Alfred D Snow is bound from San Francisco to Liverpool with a cargo of grain. The ship breaks up on the sand. Captain Willie signals hoping for help from Dunmore. The lifeguards and the Dauntless arrive too late. Only seven bodies are recovered.

French capstan shanty. "Ali alo pour Mascher! Ali, alo, alo... Il mang'la viande et nous donn les os. Ali, ali, ali, alo." Translation of the very short verses "He eats the meat and we get the bones," "He drinks the vine and we get the water," etc.

"Alice, where art thou going? Upstairs to take a bath. Alice with... a neck like a giraffe-raf raf raf raf raf raf raf Alice steps in the bathtub. Alice pulls out the plug...There goes Alice down the hole Alice, what does thou sayest? Blub blub blub."

A sailor may marry or not, but "there's sweethearts in every port": "Alice is over in Liverpool, Jenny is in New York, Selina lies over in Amsterdam while Bridget was born in Cork... There's Dollys and Mollys, Susanna and Pollys...."

"The birds sleeping gently, Sweet Lyra gleameth bright, Her rays tinge the forest, And all seems glad tonight." A year ago, Alice was with him. A year later, he has sought her everywhere, and "I'm looking heav'nward now"

Alison invites Willie to her wedding. He will not come except as the groom. She tells him that if he leaves, she will ignore him forever. He sets out slowly and sadly, sees an omen, and dies for love. A letter arrives, halting the wedding. Alison too dies

All Among the Barley: (5 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #1283}

"Now is come September, the hunter's moon begun," and young men and women meet in the fields: "All among the barley, Who would not be blythe, When the ripe and bearded barley Is smiling on the scythe." Barley is declared the king of all grains

"Who'd ever think that Utah would stir the world so much? Who'd ever think the Mormons were widely known as such?" The singer is happy that "the Mormons have a name." "We bees are nearly filling the hive of Deseret... For all are talking of Utah."

"All around de ring, Miss Julie, Julie, Julie! All around de ring, Miss Julie! All on a summer day. Oh, de moon shines bright, de stars give light; Look way over yonder! Hug her a little and kiss her too, And tell her how you love her!"

All Around Green Island's Shore: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #6353}

A man brags to a woman about the virtues of his boat, his other possessions, and his willingness to beat his rival to win the girl. The girl replies comically in the negative.

All Around My Hat (I): (9 refs. 5K Notes) {Roud #567}

The singer's true love has been transported; (he) promises that "All around my hat I will wear the green willow... for a twelve month and a day... [for] my true love ... ten thousand miles away." He hopes they can reunite and marry

All Around the Maypole: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #18168}

A ring-skipping song. "All around the Maypole, And now Miss Sally, won't you shout for joy?" (Or, "Mis Sally, won't you bow? Miss Sally, won't you jump for joy, jump for joy, jump for joy.")

"There was an old man and he wasn't very rich, And when he died, he didn't leave much But a great big hat with a great big rim All bound 'round with a woolen string. A woolen string (x2), All bound round... A great big hat with a... All bound round...."

"First young lady all around in the corner, All around in the center (x2), First young lady all around on the corner." "And balance to your partner. "Swing to your partner and we'll all run away." "And all chaw hay on the corner."

"All day, all night, Merriam, Sitting by the roadside digging sand, All day, all night, Merriam, Sitting by the roadside catching man. Sound bay gal don't eat at all, they buy their crayfish, Sound bay gal don't eat good food...."

All for the Men: (12 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #5040 and 2648}

"When I was a young girl... It was primp, primp, primp this way... All for the men." Typically the girl is courted, marries, (has a child), quarrels with her husband; he died, she weeps and/or laughs at his funeral; she lives happily/as a beggar/other

All God's Children Got Shoes: (29 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #11826}

"I got shoes, you got shoes, All got's children got shoes; When I get to heaven, gonna put on my shoes, Gonna (shout) all over God's heaven." Similarly with robes, crowns, wings, harps, etc.

"Gone are the days of the canvas jumper," "old time sealing skippers," "Petty Harbour whaleboats," "boats of Ferryland," "the old boat 'Ellen,'" ... "Gone are those days and the actors with them We ne'er shall see the same again"

"All hail the power of Jesus's name, Let angels prostrate fall, Bring for the royal diadem And crown him lord of all." The "chosen seed of Israel's race" and "sinners" are urged to "spread your trophies at his feet."

"All hail to thee, Moon, all hail to thee! I pray thee, good moon, reveal to me This night who my husband must be."

"Is it all hid?" "I'm gonna count just one more time, Then I'm going to rock in mind." "Willy Willy Wee look out for me Here I come like a bumble bee." "I went down to the Devil's town Devil knock my daddy down."

Singer describes hard times: People selling farms; automobiles repossessed; banks with no money to lend. Farmers should have stuck with mules, not tractors. Dandy young men now "plowin' and a-grubbin'." His partner has drunk up all the white lightning.

All In Down and Out Blues: (3 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #17520}

"Hippity-hop to the bucket shop...." Singer has lost all his money in the stock market. He says this "certainly exposes/Wall Street's proposition was not all roses." Cho: "It's hard times, ain't it poor boy...when you're down and out"

"All in together, girls, How is the weather, boys? Snow! Rain! Sunshine! Sleet! How many days will there be rain? (Counting). Is it true?" Used as a divination game with a "hot pepper" jumping game, or as a jump rope rhyme

A preacher goes to the sinful town of "Sinnemahone" and tries to preach them around. They attend the service -- until a deer runs by and they try to catch it. One old man stays -- and when the preacher says "all is vain," answers his god is in the hunt

"Oh, what is this that steals upon my frame? Is it death? is it death?... If this is death, I soon shall be From every pain and sorrow free... All is well, all is well." The singer bids his friends not to weep, and looks forward to salvation

Singer and fellow ploughmen finish their work; they will unyoke their horse and groom him, after which the (singer/master) promises them a jug of ale. At dawn they will begin again. Refrain: "You're all jolly fellows that follows (handles) the plough"

All My Sins Been Taken Away: (8 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #4205}

"I don't care what this world may say, The're all taken away... All my sins are taken away, taken away." Much of the rest of the song floats, e.g. "The devil is mad and I am glad."

"If religion were a thing that money could buy, The rich would live and the poor would die. All my trials, Lord, soon be over. Too late, my brothers, too late but never mind." The weary singer looks forward to victory after death

All Night Long (I): (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #6703}

"Paul and Silas bound in jail, All night long, One for to sing and the other for to pray... Do, Lord, deliver me." "Straight up to heaven... tain't but the one train on this track." "Never seen the like... People keep comin' and the train done gone"

Singer laments a sweetheart has gone away. Singer feels blue and thinks and dreams of the sweetheart constantly, and walks the floor. When the sweetheart returns, the singer will cease yearning. Chorus: "All night long, (baby) all night long.

"All night long, Mary, (x3), Poor Mary's gone away. Redbird motion, Shoodala, Or bluebird march, Shoodala, Swing your sweetheart, Shoodala, Shoodala today." "In the middle of the ring... help me swing... Around and around."

All Night, All Day: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #17677}

"All night, all day, Angels watching over me, my Lord, All night, all day Angels watching over me." "Day is dying in the west... Sleep, my child, and take your rest," "Now I lay me down to sleep...." "Children sleep, the moon is high...."

All Night, Jesus, All Night: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #15626}

Jesus is taken from Gethsemane, brought before Pilate, told, "Here is your cross," then crucified. Refrain: "All night, Jesus, all night"

"The corn is all ripe and the reapings begin, The fruits of the earth, O we gather them in." The foreman sends the reapers into the fields; they reap, bind, work hard, and go to the farmer's house for dinner when the work is done

"Yonder goes my true love, he's gone far away, He's gone for to leave me, many and many a day... For the sake of my true love I'm sure I must die." When he returns, she tells him she has been sick for him. They are married, and "travel all over Arkansas."

"All over the ridges we lay the pine low. They break in the fall for want of more snow. Said Murphy to Burk, You're the worst out of jail For hauling up timber...." The singer is "put to chain" for refusing to work with Fred Miller. He praises the food

"All my troubles soon be over with, soon be over with, soon be over with, All of my troubles soon be over with, All over this world." "All over this world (x4)." "All back sliding will soon be over with." Additional verses may be added as needed

Singer's lover Henry, while travelling "all over those hills" gets "deluded" from her at a tavern; the singer spies him beside another woman. Singer vows she'll go home and destroy it; rather than part from him, she'd as soon see him die in a workhouse

"All quiet along the Potomac tonight Except here and there a stray picket...." The picket dreams of his family as he stands guard. Suddenly a shot rings out; the guard falls wounded and bids farewell to his family; "The picket's off duty forever."

"Here I stand all ragged and dirty, If you don't come kiss me I'll run like a turkey." "Here I stand on two little chips, Pray, come kiss my sweet little lips." "Here I stand crooked like a horn, I ain't had no kiss since I've been born."

The last word in each couplet is the subject of the next couplet. For example, "All the girls in France Do the hula-hula dance; And the dance they do ...." The chains through dance, shoe, pill, chicken and duck, make no sense.

"All the good times are past and gone, All the good times are o'er... Darling, don't you weep no more." Verses may concern almost any depressing topic, but often involve a lost love, and often the verse "I wish to the Lord I'd never been born...."

"All the men in our town lead a happy life Except [boys-name] and he wants a wife." He picks [girls-name] "dandlin' on his knee" Sometimes she makes a pudding. Sometimes she might, or does, die, he would cry, and she would be buried.

"All the nice girls love a candle, All the nice girls love a wick," because it "slips in easy"

"Hush-a-bye, don't you cry, Go to sleep you little baby. When you wake, you shall have All the pretty little horses." The horses are described. Another verse describes a baby (lamb) left in a meadow at the mercy of the birds

Each verse begins with a song phrase, such as "just trust him now," "keep on prayerin." "He'll be your father" ... followed by "only believe, only believe, all things are possible, if you only believe"

All Things Are Quite Silent: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #2532}

The singer's lover is taken from their bed by a pressgang; she begs them to spare him but they refuse. She laments, remembering the joys of their life together, but says she will not be downcast, as someday he may return.

"Sleep, my child, and peace attend thee, All through the night. Guardian angels God will send thee, All through the night." The singer watches over the child while the world sleeps. (The (dying?) child/lover is wished to heaven)

Alternate lines are a chorus, "Hay ay ay/blow my bully boy, blow my blow." The shantyman sings "Squall in the morning, squall in the evening." "Guinea Nigger to feed black nigger... blow your fibre [?] from Antigua." "Here she come with a cargo color."

"We’re all together again, we’re here, we’re here We’re all together again, we’re here, we’re here And who knows when, we’ll be all together again? Singing all together again, we’re here."

"Tho' Tyneside coal an' furnace reek Hes made wor rive black eneuf, It's raised a breed o' men that's worth... mair than plack eneuf." The singer praises the people of Shields, who are firm and brave and true friends

Singer warns "don't leave behind the lass you love for the sake of self or gold." He and his love "absconded" in '84 and he is sentenced for life to the prison of Deshure, Cork. His only consolation is his love; maybe she visits him.

"All you that are unto mirth inclined, Consider well and do bear in mind What our great God for us hath done In sending his beloved Son." The listeners are exhorted to praise God, live will, and imitate Jesus

"Deserted by the waning moon, When skies proclaim night's cheerless noon, On tower or fort or tented ground, The sentry walks his lonely round" and reports that "all's well." The sailor on watch also says "All's Well."

"Alla Balla [or Ella Bella, or Queenie, Queenie], who has got the ball? See, I haven't, See, I haven't, See, I haven't at all." The players each show one hand in turn; the player who is It (Alla Balla) has to guess who has the ball

Spanish: "Alla en el rancho grande, alla donda vivia, Habia una rancherita, que alegre me decia...." A rancherita on the singer's ranch tells him that she will make herself an outfit such as the ranchero wears

Allan's foster father finds him dying. He calls for help but Allan is attacked and bound. Nevertheless, Allan gets the best of everyone. The singer says that, although Allan leaves him moneyless, he should be honored.

No one can match Master Mault. He is challenged by the miller, hostess maid, smith, carpenter, shoe-maker, weaver, tinker, tailor, sailor, chapman, mason, bricklayer and labourer, butcher and porter(?). He defeats them all.

Allan o Maut (III): (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #164}

"Now Allan O Maut was ance ca'd (bear/Bear), And he was cadged frae Wa to Weer, He first grew green, and then grew white, And a man judg'd than Allan was ripe." Allan is brewed and carried into storage

"Allelu! Allelu! Everybody sing Allelu! For the Lord has risen, it is true. Everybody sing Allelu!" God gave the Son, who was born in Bethlehem, "walked the land" for thitry years, died on the cross, rose

"Alleluia, Amen Alleluia, Amen Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Amen."

Dutch. Forebitter shanty. "Allen die villen naar Iselandgaan, On kabeljauw te vangen." The singer tells of sailing to Iceland to find the cod. The sailors are happy when they get home and are paid. The singer describes the course to Iceland

Allen, Larkin and O'Brien: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #V47672}

Irishmen John Allen, Gould, and Larkin are hanged November 23, at Manchester Gaol, for attacking a police van and shooting Constable Sergeant Brett. Their final farewells are described. The Marchioness of Queensbury sends 300 pounds to the families.

"Of all the wonders of the day," Allen's Bear Fight "will stand upon the (rolls) of fame." In 1840, travelling for the census, he meets a bear. He pryas, "If you don't help me, don't help the bear." He grabs a branch and fends off the bear, then stabs it.

"They said we'd go to Allentown and get an ambulance, Then crank her up and let her go and start for sunny France," but even getting clothes proves slow. The war against the Germans would end much sooner if the Army were better organized

German. Forebitter shanty. "Ich bin der allerbeste cook." The cook boasts of being the very best. Hr makes coffee. He keeps the pots clean by washing them once a month. He keeps what he does not give the captain; he will sell the lard and bacon

"The farmers are gathering from near and from far, The Alliance is sounding the call for the war.. "Here we contend against monopolies' ring." "But one thing is certain, we cannot go wrong If we pull all together while marching along."

"Oh, give me rain, lots of rain, And an Alliford sky above, Don't ship me out.... Let me rot by myself in the muskeg bog... Keep me here forever, treat my like a dog... Gaze at the rain until I lose my senses, I can't stand guns and I don't like trenches"

Allison Gross [Child 35]: (10 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #3212}

Allison Gross, a hideous witch, takes the singer prisoner and tries to induce him to love her. When he refuses, she turns him to a worm (with other sundry curses). He is at last freed by an elven queen

"Time to let the rain fall without the help of man, Time to let the trees grow tall, now if they only can, Time to let our children live in a land that's free." Time to let the world be at peace: "Ally ally oxen free"

"Take these stripes from, stripes from 'round my shoulder (huh!) Take these chains, chains from 'round my leg." The singer tells how a girl courted him then betrayed him. Now he is in jail with no one to go his bail

"Some seek the Lord and they don't seek him right, Pray all day and sleep all night. And I'll thank God, almost over...." "Sister, if your heart is warm, Snow and ice will do you no harm." "I been down and I been tried."

"Aloha means we welcome you, It means more than words can say. Aloha means good luck to you, Goodnight at the close of day. It’s just like a love song... Bringing you joy Bringing you pain Aloha means farewell to you Until we meet again"

Hawaiian: "Ha'aheo 'e ka ua i na pali." "Proudly the rain on the cliffs Creeps into the forest." "Farewell to you (x2),... One fond embrace and then I leave To meet again." The singer recalls "sweet memories" and tells the beauties of the place the met

"I'm alone and motherless ever since I was a child (x2), Goin' home to your mother, be here after a while." "Ever since my mother was livin', I had the whole round world to please." "Jesus, sometimes I wonder, did I treat my mother right?"

The singer married a sailor/soldier and now wanders disowned by her parents, "Alone on the Shamrock shore" with her baby. Called to fight, her husband has a disagreement with his superior and is hanged/whipped.

No plot; verses compare large and small ships, and sailing close and far from shore. Cho: "Now we sail along the lowlands, lowlands, lowlands. But soon we'll leave the peaceful shore and away from all the lowlands, we will roam the wondrous ocean o'er"

"Along the road the old man came, Worn and weary, footsore and lame, Stopped at the creek near the roadman's camp." He makes his tea and tells how, for weeks, he has been looking for work and finding none; he has been begging and sleeping outside

Along the Shores of Boularderie: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #2715}

Those living here are named and described. For example, "Murdock Stewart ... Owns the wooden horse of Troy; It's the king of all the beasts, Sunny slios a'bhronachain"

Alonzo the Brave and Fair Imogene: (10 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #4433}

Alonzo, leaving for the wars in Palestine, bids Imogene be faithful, but another wins her hand. At the wedding, Alonzo's spectre, a rotting skeleton in armor, appears and bears Imogene away. (Four) times a year, the couple will appear at a ball and dance

French. I have plucked the tail, a thigh, two thighs, a wing, two wings, the back, the belly, le ventre, the neck, the head and the beak" Chorus: "En en plumant les dents, l'alouette et tout du long"

French: "Alouette, gentille Alouette, Alouette, je t'y plumerai." Cumulative: "Je t'y plumerai la tet, le bec, le nez, les yeux, le cou, les ail's, le dos, les patt's, la queue," meaning, "Skylark, I will pluck your head, beak, nose, eyes, neck, etc."

Alphabet song with mostly New Testament references. At least two different choruses.

"'A' was an apple which growed on a tree ... And 'Z' was a zebra just come from the race" in rhyming couplets

"A stands for apple that grew on a tree B was the boat that would hold you and me ... Z the new Zealander with his fine figured face."

"Come all we little children Be singing while we smile, We want all folks to listen... Sing A B C D E F G.... Though it's but a beginning, We'll never it forget... It's duty to our land, And do our teachers' bidding And be wise and understand."

A song listing the letters of the alphabet. It may have a chorus, but the letters are simply listed, with no mnemonics. Some distinguish vowels and consonants.

"As I lay upon a night, Alone in my longing, I thought I saw a wondrous sight, A maiden (her) child rocking." The mother sings a lullaby; he asks her to tell her his story. She tells of Gabriel's visit. (He tells her his future). With a "lullay" chorus

"When to New Zealand first I cam', Poor and duddy, poor and duddy... It was a happy day, Sirs." At home, he was hungry and ill-clothed, and the landlord was after him. "But now it's altered days"; there is plenty to eat and he doesn't even have to work

Although My Love Be Black: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #13590}

"Although my love be black, she is none the worse o' that, For the black makes the white shine bonny."

Always on the Spree: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #6048}

"He's a fine man to me when he's sober And a better man to me could never be, But from Saturday nict till Monday mornin' He's always on the spree"

Am I Born to Die? (Idumea): (3 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #6678}

"And am I born to die, To lay this body down, And must my trembling spirit fly Into a world unknown?" "Waked by the trumpet sound, I from my grave shall rise, To see the Judge with glory crowned..." "I must from God be driv'n, Or with my Savior dwell...."

"Labor unions should all be united And prove to the world they are one, They could get living wages without trouble, Let us show that it can be done." Hearers are urged to treat all union members as their brothers. They should avoid divisions

Playparty: "Take your partner down the line, Amasee, Amasee, Take your partner down the line, Amasee, Amasee, Swing your partner, swing again, Amasee, Amasee...."

"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me." The singer describes how Jesus's grace gives him/her the confidence to face all the dangers and troubles of life.

Amber Marg'et, don't you hear the drums rolling for the bele dance? Amber Marg'et, the queen of the bele dance, is coming.

"Far away in sunny meadows Where the merry sunbeams played... She was fairer than the fairest... And about her neck were hanging Amber tresses tied in blue." But "it was decreed that fate should part us"; now he sadly remembers her

A sailor receives a letter, telling him that his child has been born. He reports that it's "home I want to be" (to see the child and learn its gender), and intends to take ship there at the first opportunity

""In the lands away beyond the sea, where Khan and Sultan rule," they keep slaves. They don't call it that elsewhere, but life is just as hard. Mrs. MacFee acts pious and charitable, but what she did to her "employee" Amelia Jane shows it is not true

"Amen, Oh, Lawdy, Amen, have mercy, Amen, amen, amen, Sing it over." "See the little baby lying in a manger On Chrismas morning, Amen." "See him in the Temple." "See him at the garden." "See him on the cross." "Yes, he died to save us."

"Amen, Brother Ben, Shot a rooster, Killed a hen. Hen died; rooster cried, Then committed suicide."

America (My Country 'Tis of Thee): (20 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #V16615}

A praise to the liberty and freedom offered in America. Throw in a brief description of the geography, a bit of praise for God, and a hint of ancestor worship, add the tune of "God Save the King," and you get America's other anthem

"America, America, Shall we tell you how we feel? You have given us your riches We love you so."

In praise of America, productive and fertile "from sea to shining sea." God is begged to care for and improve the nation.

"Come all you young Americans, Come here my children, I'll rehearse" how God made the American "wilderness" great. Columbus found it. The Pilgrims landed. The British blockaded and made Americans suffer. There were plagues. But God rescued them

American Aginora, The: (4 refs. 4K Notes) {Roud #7352}

A ship from Limerick to St John's is disabled. Two men drown. The food is lost. The captain has those without wives cast lots. The lot falls to O'Brien; the cook is forced to cut his throat. They drink O'Brien's blood. The next day they are rescued.

"American jump, American jump, One, two, three. Under the water, under the sea, Catching fishes for (your/my) tea. (Dead or alive?)"

American Volunteer, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #3696}

"Hark, hark, hear that yell, tis the war whoop's dread sound." Indians attack and set a cottage on fire. Our Hero pursues, finds an Indian whose weapon was broken, kills him (?), attacks the Indian band, and rides away to the thanks of the community

William is forced into the army by the parents of his sweetheart. In America he is murdered by Indians. His ghost appears to his sweetheart in Scotland, saying he will wander until she joins him. Within a week she too is dead

Gaelic. On entering seminary, singer is asked if he has a girlfriend. Lying, he denies it. As a priest, he still thinks about her, even when saying Mass.

Gaelic. Martin, a fuller from Bandon, owned a ship. The women "went wild all around him" but Molly and her mother kept after him until "they had poor Martin hooked." Now "he has his troubles; two women at his fireside and a cot in the corner"

Gaelic. A gander wanders onto a neighbor's land. "The neighbor set his dog on it and the dog killed the gander." The singer curses the dog.

Gaelic. Singer goes to the market, buys a calf, and ties it up to join the dancing and drinking. Afterwards he searches for but can't find the calf. To console himself for the loss he stops to drink at a pub.

Amnesty Meeting in Tipperary, The: (3 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #V1461}

"Tipperary to give you your merit Your meeting exceeded them all." At noon on October 24 the towns and trades march through the streets supporting amnesty for the Fenian exiles. Fathers Barry and O'Connell and a young man on a charger lead the legions

Sicilian. "Emuninnicu Maria! E amola e amola." "Let us go to work Along with Saint Giuseppi and the Virgin." The sailors will fill the ship with tunny, then take them to the Italian cities. "Hoist the net!"

The singer asks if there is anyone who does not thrill with memories of a childhood home. He declares, "Darling Tyrone, I will love you till death." He describes how he dreams of the old boreen. Even if he never returns, he will always think of Tyrone

"(Gynna) is her first name, first name, first name, (Glynna) is her first name, Among the little white daisies." Ritchie version gives the first and second names of husband and wife, then tells of their marriage, children, and perhaps death

Gaelic. When Spain and France come the English will be defeated and we won't have to listen to the "Croppy Lie Down." Bonaparte has promised to drive out the enemy; then the women can sing the "Croppy Lie Down"

Gaelic. At an Irish-speakers meeting many complain about English language infiltration in local use. One speaker denies that any English is spoken in his area.

Gaelic. "A satirical song, mocking Coley and his new britches."

Macaronic. The singer, out with gun and dogs, meets a fair maid gathering rushes. He asks for an embrace but she asks that she and her rushes be left alone. He persists but she thinks him "a schemer." He notes how handsome rushes grow "in their prime"

Gaelic. A wife throws her mother-in-law out of the house. Neighbors build her a hut where she stays until she dies.

Macaronic. A woman "would milk her cow in the tail of her gown And drink it out of a saucepan,""Monkey here and monkey there," and similar nonsense.

Gaelic. The singer rejects a friend's invitation to his home only because he fears "the sly assaults of Whiskey on the Way." He reviews the evils of alcohol ("it makes the veriest sage a fool") and admits sadly that his daughters can handle the stuff.

Irish Gaelic: Singer comes home with the airy girl "tired and weakened." He apologizes to her; woman of the house comes down in a fury and banishes the girl. He sings the girl's praises, and warns the girls of the neighborhood not to keep his company

Gaelic. "The poet sings the praises of his native place, with the usual stock descriptions of its natural beauty."

Gaelic. "A drinking-song, in which the exiled poet toasts his native land and regrets that all his fellow-countrymen who are abroad cannot be back in Ireland."

Gaelic. The singer says that if he were the cause of losing his true love he would drown himself in the river.

Gaelic. "A young man woos his love by telling her he has no interest in her 'little field of oats' or her wealth, her horse, cows or anything else, only the prospect of her kisses."

Gaelic. A priest, wanting the marriage fee, advises a woman to marry an old man. Against her better judgement she marries, expecting to be left a poor widow. She goes to buy things for the wake but finds him alive and roasting potatoes.

Gaelic. A farmer praises the friends who helped him at harvest time when he was sick.

'Ananias was a-laying in his bed (x3), When a knocking came at the door." Ananias asks who it is, "And he Lord he say, 'hit's me.'" The Lord asks the location of Ananias's religion, then tells Ananias to "lay down your rheumatism." He does

Anchor's Aweigh, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #9445}

"Oh, the anchor's aweigh, the anchor's aweigh, Fare you well, fare you well, my own true love. At last we parted on the shore, As the tears rolled gently from her eyes. 'Must you go leave me now,' she did say, 'That I face this all alone?'"

"I have an Ancient Auntie ... And when she goes out walking, I have to say 'Ha, ha.'" "She has swinging hat, and when she goes out walking, her hat is swinging so." Repeat for knees, hips, skirt, bag, mouth, feather, ....

"Adam God made out of dust, But thought it best to make me fust...." "My body God did make complete But without arms or legs or feet...." "Now when these lines you slowly read, Go search your Bible with all speed, For that my name's recorded there."

In New Deer you find strange merchants and bankers preaching and praying everywhere

"And must I be to judgment brought, And answer in that day For every idle deed and thought And every word I say?" "We are passing away (x3) To the great judgment day." "Yes, every secret of my heart Shall shortly be made known...."

And Sae Will We Yet: (13 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #5611}

"Come sit down, me cronies, And gie us your crack, Let the win lift the cares o' this life from aff your back... For we've always been provided for, and sae will we yet." The singer and the nation have endured through troubles, "and sae will we yet."

"Here's a land where all are equal, Of high or lowly birth -- A land where men make millions, Dug from the dreary earth." The burros feed by the silver cliffs of Creede. "While the world is filled with sorrow... there is no night in Creede."

Andersonville Prison: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #4033}

"On western Georgia's sandy soil, Within a lonesome prison pen, Lay many a thousand shattered forms Who once was brave and loyal men." The hellish conditions are described. One man, dying, remembers his widowed mother and sweetheart

"Said Andra Carnegie to me ae day, I've got tired of my money for aince in a way... For I've made up my mind to gang on the spree," so they will tour the pubs of Dundee. "Now the outcome o' our big caroose, We drank the toon o' Dundee oot o' booze."

Andrew Coupar (Andrew Cowper): (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #18038}

"it's lang, lang to Lammas, Till I see my dear, I long to be with her When the evenings are clear." The singer curses Cluny, who has married the singer's Jeanie. He draws his sword on Cluny at a celebration, and one of them ends up dead

Andrew Jackson's Raid: (2 refs. 6K Notes) {Roud #7954}

"When forces were marched, four thousand brave men, On the fourteenth of March to Fort (Stratton) again...." Jackson reviews the men and has them attack Fort William. The singer toast congress and soldiers

Andrew Lammie [Child 233]: (12 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #98}

Lord Fyvie's trumpeter Andrew Lammie, the fairest man in the county, and Tifty's Annie, are in love. When Annie's father hears of this, he complains to Fyvie; he wants his daughter to marry better. She is adamant; her brother kills her for her effrontery

A shepherd has sex with a maid. After she leaves he changes his name and appearance (lame, blind in one eye). She returns in six months, pregnant, looking for the shepherd. She says, "If you werena half blind, I would swear it was you"

Captain Rogers of the Martha Jane has British sailor Andrew Rose whipped and tortured. "Then the captain trained his dog to bite him" and Rose dies. When he arrives at Liverpool Rogers is arrested, convicted, and sentenced to be hanged.

"Blythe, blythe and merry was she, Blythe was she but and ben, Weel she lo'ed a Hawick gill." "She took me in, she set me down," but his cash was done "before that I had quench'd my drouth... Young Andro wi' his cutty gun" -- the blythest lad he's seen

Brother Andy writes home about his deeds with the relief expedition, leading charges for Wolseley and frightening the Mahdi. Newspapers and government despatches tell a different story, but "we won't believe a word against brave Andy McElroe."

"Our Andy's gone with cattle now, our hearts are out of order." Faced with a drought, Andy takes the herds away; the people left behind are lonely for the cheerful, clever drover. The singer hopes that it rains soon so that Andy may return

Norwegian halyard or capstan shanty. Brief storyline of sailors going ashore and finding that the proprietor of the inn they last visited has barred the door against them. Other verses describe hoisting sails, etc. Sung to the tune of "Blow the Man Down."

The singer's cows go astray on a may morning; she follows and finds a "burr stack to my apron." Now her apron rides high; "there's a braw lad below my apron." Father, mother, friends all ask what she has beneath her apron

Singer's life is nearly over; his trials are done, his triumph has begun. His spirit sings; he hears the noise of wings. Chorus: "Oh come, angel band, Come and around me stand, Bear me away on your snowy (snow-white) wings, To my eternal home"

"(There were three/an) angel(s) came from the north, And he brought cold and frost. An angel came from the south, And he brought heat and fire; The angel came from the north, In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.' "(Come out fire, go in frost.)"

Angel Gabriel, The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #815}

Gabriel is sent to Mary to announce that she will bear God's son. Mary is surprised at these tidings, but is assured they are true. Things come true as forecast. Listeners are enjoined to behave well as a result

Angel's Whisper, The: (12 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #2061}

"A baby was sleeping, its mother was weeping." Her husband, Dermot, is fishing in a storm. She prays that the angels always watching over her baby would now watch over her husband. He returns safely in the morning.

"Angelina, do go home, do go home, do go home, Angelina, do go home, and get your husband's supper." "Nothing there but bread and butter... and a cold cup of tea." "Fiddler's drunk and he can't play... so early in the morning."

Angelina Baker: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #18341 and 17854 and 7043}

"Angeline the baker lives in the village green, And the way that I love her beats all to be seen." "Angeline the baker, her age is 43." "Bought my love a brand new dress, Neither black nor brown." "Angeline is handsome... She broke her little ankle"

The singer loves Angelina Brown and goes off every day to walk with her, leaving his wife to mind the shop. The lovers are overtaken by the tide, rescued, and brought ashore where his wife awaits. He has had no peace since then. Married men are warned

Angels from the Realms of Glory: (4 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #8358}

"Angels, from the realms of glory, Wing your flight o'er all the earth... Come and worship... Christ the newborn King. Shepherds are told of good news, sages are told to rurn from their studies, saints see the coming of the Lord

"Angels of Queen Street, All dressed in white...."

"Angels proclaim the happy morn, Their echoes fill the skies (x2), To you a savior Christ is born. Glory to God (x2), Glory to God on high (x2)." "He left the shining worlds above And laid his glory by." "Good will to men and peace on earth."

Angels Roll Dem Stones Away: (2 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #11877}

"Sister Mary she come weepin', Just about de break o' day, Lookin' for my Lord, And he's not there, say!" "He's gone away to Galilee, Angels rolled dem stones away It was on one Sunday mornin', Angels rolled dem stones away."

"Angels singing (shouting, praying) round me bed, Me hear the angels singing (shouting, praying) (x3), All around me bed (x3), Me hear the angels singing (shouting, praying)"

Angels We Have Heard on High: (4 refs. 7K Notes) {Roud #23663}

"Angels we have heard on high Sweetly singing o'er the plains...." The shepherds are asked why they rejoice. They say to come to Bethlehem to find out

"I went to the animal fair, the birds and the beasts were there.... The monkey he got drunk and sat on the elephant's trunk; The elephant sneezed and fell on his knees And what became of the monk, the monk, the monk...."

"Alligator, hedgehog, anteater, bear, Rattlesnake, buffalo, anaconda, hare." Similar stanzas list additional animals, with absolutely no commentary; it just lists species, often quite improbable (South Guinea hen, dodo, ibex, glowworm, snail)

The singer says that the girls around him are no match for the beauty of Ann, pure, artless, shy, true, sweet, and otherwise sickeningly likeable. But he must go over the sea and bid her farewell; he sighs for Ireland and for Ann

"I have written him a letter Telling him that he is free"; she wrote it when she heard that he had been "out riding With that saucy Anna Lee." But the girl regrets her words; she concludes "I'll tell him I still love him If he'll court Miss Lee no more."

"On the wild Dakota prairie where the sun is ever bright, Lived a fair and youthful maiden." Anna lives with her father; her sweetheart is far away. On April 2, her father leaves home; in his absence, Anna is killed by a prairie fire

Jump-rope rhyme. "Anna, Anna, split the banana, Just like this."

Our hero is off to Annan Water; he must "cross the drumlie stream the night, or never mair I see my honey." But his horse grows tired, and the ferryman will not take him; at last he tries to swim Annan, and drowns

"In the town of London, large as life, The ghost of Anne Boleyn walks, I declare. Anne Boleyn was once King Henry's wife, Until he had the headman bob her hair." Now she walks "with her head tucked underneath her arm" and bothers Henry as best she can.

The singer grieves for the loss of Annie. "My friends and relations they do all they can For to part me and Annie, that's more than they can." Annie hears him and promises, since she loves him, to go with him to Lincolnham shores.

"Come all ye men of Arkansas, a tale to you I'll sing." Beautiful Annie Breen is courted by Texas Joe. But another man steals her away, then vanishes. She bears a child; she and the child die. When Joe hears, he pursues the father. Both die in the fight

Annie Dear I'm Called Away: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #5700}

A soldier tells his darling, Annie or Maggie, that "his country needs his aid;... I'm called away." Dying, wounded in a "fearful conflict. Victory ... nobly won," he asks, "if you're spared to see my darling Tell her I was called away"

Annie Dear, Good-Bye: (2 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #5770}

A soldier dying on the Sudan battlefield sends a message to Annie. He recalls the battle led by General Steward and Barney Bey. He tells her to comfort his mother, blesses Annie, dies and is buried in "a soldier's grave in a foreign land"

Squire Melville seduces poor Annie Gray. When he hears she has a son he appoints the wedding day but fails to appear. Annie drowns herself and son in the Clyde. Her father dies after the burial and is buried with his daughter and grandson.

"Maxwelton's braes are bonnie Where early fa's the dew, And it's there that Annie Laurie Gied me her promise true." The singer describes all of Annie's beautiful and wondrous traits, concluding, "And for bonny Annie Laurie I wad lay me doon and dee."

"By there cam' a miller lad, Wi' a' his wheels sae knackie [free-running] O, He wan her up in wedlock's bands, I lost my Annie Mackie O"

The singer hears a young man, distracted, lamenting his slain Annie Moore. He tells how the Protestants were marching. Soldiers were dispatched and fired on the marchers. Annie was slain. The Protestants and her family lament and treat her as a hero

Annie of the Vale: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #7950}

"I'm lonely and weary, Without thee I'm dreary, Sighing for thy sweet melting voice." The singer begs, "Come, come, come, love, come... Dear Anna, sweet Anna of the vale." He will go to be a soldier; if he dies, he hope to meet her in heaven

Annie Young and Man Alone are in a storm at night "bound on the Labrador" on August 24, 1935. Annie Young is last seen about 11. Five of the eight men lost are named.

The closing of Derry's gates, the seige and its relief are recounted with the names of the Protestant leaders who fought "till James was knocked up and their foemen were gone." They "gained for the nation ... a free constitution and Protestant laws"

"Announcements, announcements, announcements." Almost anything may follow (e.g. the Mickey Mouse theme), although it is likely to include something about "What a horrible way to die, what a horrible way to die" as people keep talking

Macaronic. "Over and hither and through the meadow, So, hag, you destroyed me! ... Hag, you annoyed me!"

"The weather had been sultry for a fortnight's time or more; The shearers had been driving might and main...." After so much work the shearers are tired and desperate for a break. At last the rain came, allowing them to relax and rest up

"Another man done gone... from the county farm.... I didn't know his name.... He had a long chain on.... He killed another man.... I don't know where he's gone."

"What pen can well report the plight Of those that travel on the seas?" They spend stormy nights in winter. Winds blow them onto rocks and shoals. The singer hopes for a "happy end" to the voyage and hopes to live safely at home

"As I sit by the fireside a-thinking Of my brother who's far, far away...." Anson Best is offered a paper and threatened with death if he doesn't sign. It is a confession to the murder of Vera Snyder. He is sentenced to death. His family mourns

The singer describes the winter he spent in Anstruther, working under Archie Patterson, who "could see daylight coming almost any hour at night." The crews work very long hours and enjoy the food. The singer urges women to marry shanty boys

"She wrote him this letter all covered with tears, And this was her answer to 'Twenty-One Years.'" The girl says she has been sick for love of the convict. She begs the governor for help. She promises to wait the twenty-one years

Answer to Youghal Harbour: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #2734}

Near Yougal Harbour the singer meets Mary of Cappoquin again. She tells him that she had his baby. He reminds her that her parents had rejected him. He leaves her again "in grief bewailing" to return to his girl "in sweet Rathangan, near to Kildare"

Jump-rope rhyme. With the rope moving slowly, spell "A-N-T-A-R-C-T-I-C," then speed up the rope and spell "E-Q-U-A-T-O-R"

Anti-Confederation Song (I): (6 refs. 8K Notes) {Roud #4518}

Newfoundland defiantly rejects union with the "Canadian Wolf." The promises made by the confederation are listed and rejected. "Would you barter the rights that your fathers have won... For a few thousand dollars of Canadian gold."

Anti-Confederation Song (II): (4 refs. 28K Notes) {Roud #24295}

After 1932 "a foreign gang came over here to rule and gather taxes." Joe Smallwood promotes confederation with Canada. The singer prefers we "man our vessel... with native crew to run her."

Anti-Fenian Song, An: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #4519}

"In the morning by my side Sat the darling of my pride... When the news spread through the land That the Fenians were at hand...." The singer and his fellows -- "English, Irish, Scot, Canuck" -- "will drive the Fenians back"

Anti-Gallican, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #3169}

"The Anti-Gallican's safe arrived, On board of her with speed we'll hie." They will "sail the ocean o'er"; "No ships from us shall run away," even though "The Spaniards... We'll take their ships and make them slaves." The men hasten to their duty

"Oh, now the rebellion's o'er, Let each true Briton sing: 'Long live the Queen in health and peace, And may each rebel swing." Sir Francis Head is blessed, as is Canada; it is hoped that "Mac" (Mackenzie) will be hanged

"Antis" of Plate Cove, The: (2 refs. 5K Notes) {Roud #4554}

A fight breaks out during an election to confederate Newfoundland with Canada. Details of the clash between "cons" and "antis" are told by the singer, who is against confederation.

"The ants go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah (x2), The ants go marching one by one, The last one stops to clean his gun, And they all go marching in To get out of the rain." Similarly "By two... tie his shoe," etc.

The singer's Uncle Bill dies, leaving the singer his watch and chain. When he puts it on, children in the street cry out, "Any old iron?. "I wouldn't give you tuppence for your old watch-chain." He marries with his pants backwards and is teased again

"One day while walking down the street A fine young man I chanced to meet... And as he walked he swung his cane And our subject was just anything." The singer explains that she was asked to sing a song, and when she asked which, she was told "Anything"

A teamster meets Susan Jane. She asks his trade. He says "tonight I could drive anything." She invites him to "come hitch your horse to my machine." She says "I see your horse is good and keen, But look he's stuck on my machine."

Ape, Lion, Fox and Ass, An: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #1325}

"An ape, a lion, a fox, and an ass": stages of man's life: ape till 21, lion till 40, fox till 70, then ass. "A dove, a sparrow, a parrot, a crow": stages of woman's life: dove till 13, sparrow till 40, parrot till 60, then crow

"Mister Don's got good apples on his apple farm You can pick his apples in the daytime, work in his apple plant at night." His daughter gives the singer a snowmobile ride: "I would stay up North But it gets too snowy up yonder"

"Apple on a stick, (make me sick/five cents a lick), Make my heart go forty-six. Not because it's dirty, Not because it's clean, Not because the kissy boy behind the magazine."

"Apple pip, apple pip, Fly over my head, Bring me another apple Before I go to bed."

The singer is from Killarney and in tracing his pedigree each name has a Mac or O. St Patrick banished the frogs and toads from Ireland. No braver heroes can be found than those from "Ireland where the apple praties grow"

"Apple sauce and butter spread out on the floor, I am going to marry dat pretty yellow gal that came from Baltimore, For she is sweeter than 'lasses, she's sweet as any pie; I am going to marry that pretty yellow gal that is coming bye and bye."

Apple Tree Wassail (I): (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #209}

"Down in the lane there sits an old fox" licking its chops. The singers try to decide whether to catch him. They celebrate the night for wassailing. They will have porridge, cream, and cider. They celebrate that "we shall have apples and cider next year."

"Old apple tree, we'll wassail thee, And hoping thou wilt bear. The Lord does know where we shall be To be mery another year. To blow well and to bear well, And so merry let us be. Let ev'ry man drink up his cup, And health to the old apple tree."

"Here stands a jolly good old apple tree. Stand fast, root; bear well, top. Every little bough, bear an apple now... Whoop, whoop, holloa! Blow, blow the horns." Or "Stand fast, root, bear well, top, Pray, good God, send us a howling crop...."

"An orchard fair to please, and pleasure for your mind, sir. You'd have then plant of trees, The goodliest you can find, sir." The singer describes how to care for the trees, their yearly life cycle, and the cider one can make from their fruit

Originally Slovak. "Ho! Young rider, apple cheeked one, Whither riding? On your steed so black and prancing, Whither riding? What matters where I ride? Slovak mountains at my side, Dusha moya?" (="little sweetheart")

Every year the Travellers are at the horse fair in Appleby Top. Some horses have "seen better days" and take knacker prices. A few sold "good stuff" and Dan Mannion "kept trotting horses which have brought him great fame" and his daughter "a posh car"

Jump-rope rhyme. "Apples are red, oranges are yellow, What's the initials of your fellow? A, B, C...."

"Apples, peaches, creamery butter, Tell be the name of your true lover. A, B, C, D...." (continue until a jumper misses, then name a boy and a girl, and start to ask questions such as "How many children are you going to have)

The apprentice loves a noble lady. When her parents learn, they send him away. But he prospers in a foreign land and returns to England to claim his bride. At first she rejects him, thinking him a nobleman, but he reveals his identity and the two are wed.

Pidgin French song about what will happen after the Great War: "Apres la guerre finie, Soldat Anglais parti, Mam'selle Fransay bokopleuray, Apres la guerre fini." The third line varies: "Mademoiselle in the family way." "Mademoiselle can go to hell."

Fullest version: "April Fool's Day is past, And you're the April Fool at last, Four farthings make a penny, And you're a bigger fool than any." This version is said after noon; before noon, it's "Fool, fool, April fool, You learn nought going to school"

Gaelic. Singer strolls by the Lee at evening. He sees and describes a beautiful woman. Apparently he dies.

Singer's intended lives with her rich parents by the Avonmore river. She would marry him "without riches or no earthly store." They meet in Glandore. He dreams of their marriage. They would sail away, if necessary. Until then he won't reveal her name.

Gaelic. Singer meets a beautiful woman. He asks if she is Helen of Troy or some other beauty of legend. She says she is the spirit of Ireland. He seduces her, then mocks and leaves her. Her father and friends pursue him.

Gaelic. "A young woman laments the Flight of the Earls from Ireland." She meets a young man who pleases her by singings praises of Napoleon. "They retire to a hostelry where they carouse and sing."

"Away on the wings of the wind she flies...." "'Tis an Araby maid who hath left her home To fly with her Christian knight." The song tells how she leaves her home and her faith for love, and notes "None can sever them now but the grave."

Aranmore Disaster, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #2956}

The boat carrying "lads ... coming from the Scottish harvest fields" lands at Burton Port. Passengers reembark "for the Island but they never reach the shore ... The little boat ... did sail but only one of the score survived to tell the tale"

"No rising column marks the spot Where many a victim lies." The blood shed there makes claims for justice. We will be satisfied with freedom without retribution. The ground is unconsecrated but the dead are consecrated by patriot tears.

"It was on one Thursday morning, March the twentieth day... The women and the children was screamin' and cryin'... when the Arcade Building burnt down." People jump from the windows. Clyde Davis is saved; Carl Melcher and his wife are separated

"When Archie went to Louisville (x3), Not thinking that he would be killed." "When Gordon made his first shot, O'er behind the bed Arch did drop." "Hush now Guv'nor, don't you cry, You know your son Arch has to die."

Archangel Open the Door: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #11987}

"I ax all them brothers round, Brother, why can't you pray for me, I ax... why can't you pray for me? I'm gwine to my heaven, I'm gwine hone. Archangel open de door." "Brother, take off your knapsack, I'm gwine home...."

Archie o Cawfield [Child 188]: (15 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #83}

Archie is in prison for raiding. His brothers wish they could rescue him, and at last set out with ten men. Archie laments to his brothers that he is to die. The brothers break down the doors and escape the pursuing forces

Arctic Ice and Flippers: (1 ref. 1K Notes) {Roud #V44815}

"There's a halo round the margin of the sea, And 'tis there, if I correctly guess, will be The Arctic Ice..." where the seals are found. "We'll get the flippers yet old-timers say." The singer looks confidently at the Terra Nova and expects a good haul

"I'm a shearer, yes I am, and I've shorn them sheep and lamb," but the singer gets in trouble on a station that is also a vineyard. As he shears, he sips the "pinkie" between sheep -- and eventually passes out while holding a sheep

Gaelic. "A bawdy verse, in which a young woman urges her man to do his business."

In 1880 the singer joins the Ardlaw crew. The crew are described by name, task, and characteristics. At term end it's "fare-ye-well to Ardlaw, Nae langer we maun stay, We will tak' our budgets on our back On the twenty-sixth o' May"

"Welcome, band of true toilers, By the thousands are found On the hundreds of railways." "With a clear shining light, Is your lamp burning bright... Are the signals all right?" The singer has red and green signals ready for the coming of Jesus

"Mirk an' rainy is the nicht"; the singer visits Maggie in a severe storm, and begs her to let him in, asking "Are ye sleepin'/wakin', Maggie." After perhaps several rounds of complains, the lets him in and he rejoices

"Are you a camel, a flip-floppy camel, And say, do you have a hump? Do you sit at the table as straight as you're able, Or do you sit and slump, slump, slump, slump." "Are you a flapper/flopper.... Go some where else and recline"

"I came to town the other day about a week or more," and is asked, "Are you a Hood-a-lum?" The singer is constantly harassed as a "Hood-a-lum." The girls reject him and he is barred from social gatherings. He thinks others are "Hood-a-lums."

"Hello there,, stranger, how do you do? There's something I'd like to say to you." Based on appearances, the singer thinks they are from the same place: "Are you from Dixie? I said from Dixie... 'Cause I'm from Dixie too." He wishes he were back south

Are You There, Moriarity?: (4 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #V38725}

"I'm located at headquarters, a special officer, Cornelius Moriarity here at your service sir.... I'm a stalwart copper in the Broadway squad, A metropolitan MP, And the young girls cry as I pass by, Are you there Moriarity?" Girls like the handsome cop

"Come all ye jolly Sailors bold, Whose hearts are cast in honours mould." The frigate, with two hundred men, fights a French ship with 500 off the French coast. "We fought till not a stick would stand Of the gallant Arethusa" and force the French ashore

Christmas mumming song. "Arise and open your door (x3), For the dew is falling on us."

"Small birds and turtle doves In every bush a building." The singer is advised to go out and pick a flower. She will "but there's none so sweet a flower As the lad I adore"

"The Devil was given permission one day To select him a land in his own special way." After a long, difficult search, he settles on Arizona, and sets out to make some "improvements": cacti, skunks, heat. He then leaves, thinking that is beats Hell

"Come all of my fellow citizens, wherever you may be, I'll tell you of an accident that happened unto me...." The singer was charged with an unspecified crime and is now in prison. He intends to become a lawyer and lead an upstanding life.

A series of remarks between a traveller and an Arkansas farmer, interspersed with fiddle playing. The traveller will ask a question (e.g. "Say, farmer, where does this road lead?"), the farmer will answer unhelpfully ("to the end") and fiddle

"Arlie, barley, buck and doe, Which-a way do the fishermen go? Some go east, some go west... There's a little tiger boy... Catches his hens, puts them in pens, Some lay eggs, some don't. Go on to Old Jack's house."

Arlin's Fine Braes: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #517}

"I've travelled this country both early and late, And among the lasses I've had mony a lang sit." The singer recalls his wild ways as a young ploughman. Having had various misadventures, he warns listeners to settle down and work rather than rambling

Armored Cruiser Squadron, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #10267}

"Away, away, with sword and drum, Here we come, full of rum, Looking for someone to put on the bum, the Armored cruiser squadron."

"You must appreciate a hound so great to the sport." Doyley's Armoured Car "never yet lost a hunt." In '21 "he sent a sworn declaration to the Harriers Association" that he would win. His victories are recounted. Black and Tans could not stop him

"In the army of the Union we are marching in the van, And will do the work before us, if the bravest soldiers can." Porter's division is "the best division of a half a million souls." "'Twill never fail to honour our great Army of the Free."

"A is for the Army that's not afraid to die ... C is for Christ ... Z is for ... A and stands for something, whatever it may be But the name of this peculiar song is the Army A B C"

"Ye soldiers of Maine, your bright weapons prepare: On your frontier's arising The clouds of grim war." "Your country's invaded!" "Then 'Hail the British!' Does anyone cry? 'Move not the old landmarks,' The settlers reply."

Around Her Neck She Wore a Yellow Ribbon: (5 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #10642, etc.}

The girl wears a yellow ribbon around her neck "For her lover who was far, far away." In May and December she scatters yellow flowers on a grave "for her soldier who was far, far away." (In other versions she may be pregnant and face abandonment)

Around the Corner: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #22247}

"Around the corner behind the tree A sergeant Major said to me, 'Oh, how'd you like to (marry) me? I would like to know, For every time I look into your eyes, I feel I'd like to go Around the corner....'"

In the past the singer had thought the Saxon bands could be driven from his home, but now "these days are past." He is leaving home, parents, sister, and girls. He looks forward to the day when "home we'll all repair" to "the hills of Clare"

A game for children jumping around each other. "Around the one that stole the sheep, Around the one that ate the meat, Around the one that ground the bone, Around the one you call your own."

"All welcome to the northern fleet That just arrived today, Pounds filled up with prime harp seals." The accomplishments of Captain Kean, Captain Barbour of the Diana, Captain Knee of the Virginia Lake, and Captain Barbour of the Vanguard are listed

"The Grand Lake, boys, is coming in, With bunting grand, Manned by a crew of hardy lads Who belong to Newfoundland." The Grand Lake and the Virginia both return to port with large hauls of seal pelts and fat

"I took a trip this summer to the market, And I struck an eastern city where the sell you tubs of beers" and ends up in a polo game. He sees an old pony of his. He acquires the pony and upsets the game, though it costs $600. Don't say "polo" to the pony

"(Arseholes/small boys) are cheap today, Cheaper than yesterday, Small boys are half a crown, Standing up or lying down...." Listeners are advised to "Get them now before they're gone, Come now and try one."

French. Arthur, a poor boatman, loves a Black girl who lives in a castle. Her mother locks her in a tower far away. When a knight came to ask for her hand she sobs and takes out a handkerchief with Arthur's name. She makes her last sigh.

The singer tells the "praises of young Arthur Bond." He comes to Armagh for a race. Many horses stumble on the course, but Bond, riding Kate Kearney, succeeds easily. He drinks a toast to his mare

Singer, dying, confesses to his sister that he murdered and buried her former lover, Arthur Clyde, because he could not bear to see Clyde with her

"Arthur Curtis lost his horse; I'm sorry that they parted. But people say for the want of hay To the other world he started." A few of the men help Arthur get rid of the dead horse and he vows to "get another one just as good" and finish hauling wood.

"They are stoning Arthur Desmond, and, of course, it's understood... he isn't any good.... He is fighting pretty plucky with his back against the wall." He's condemned "For his awful crime in saying what so many people thought." God will be a better judge

The singer and his cousin Arthur McBride meet a recruiting party (on Christmas). The young men do not wish to join the army; they aren't interested in going overseas to be shot. The sergeant blusters; the Irish boys beat up the soldiers

"Arthur O'Bower has broken his band, And he comes roaring up the land, The King of Scots with all his power, Cannot stop Arthur of the bower."

Arthur O'Bradley's Wedding (I): (8 refs. 4K Notes) {Roud #365}

Arthur and Dolly go to marry. Wearing tattered finery, he gets on his broken-down horse, while she walks by his side to the church. They are married. The seedy dinner pleases the crowd. There is drinking, singing, piping and dancing till sun-up.

Arthur O'Bradley's Wedding (II): (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #365}

Arthur asks Winifred's mother for Winifred's hand. He proudly lists the junk inherited from his father. Mother agrees and, not to be outdone, lists the junk she will leave Winifred. There is a small wedding and party.

Arthur Bradley courted one-eyed humpbacked bandy-legged ... Draggletail Dorothy. The wedding attendees are only one character from each town. Arthur lists what he will leave Dorothy: "two old left handed mittens" "a good old mustard pot" and so on

Arthur O'Bradley's Wedding (IV): (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #365}

"Arthur had got him a Lass, a bonnier never was" and everyone goes to the wedding, the dance, and the feast. All are named. At sun set they see the couple to bed, call for the piper to play "Loth to Depart," and leave.

The singer is poor and forsaken. She fantasizes: "I will to some other land Till I see my love will on me rue" She wishes she had never been born or died young. She wishes her baby were born and she were dead. She waits for Death to end her weariness.

"A's the Artillery, the pride of the line, B's for battery, the battery sublime, C is for correction, which gives us the fuse, And D's for the drag-ropes we seldom use. Sing high, sing low, Wherever we go, Artillery gunners will never say no." And so on

"McCarty and Kelly sat beside the road... Discussing the chow of logging camps." Mac describes the camp of "Micky Dunroe an' Joe Pretto." The loggers in those days could only dream of decent food, but now the camps "are systematic"

Bell and Blow are in love and go walking in April. Simon courts Miss but "knew he'd acted wrong in Not having dared to steal a kiss"

As Broad as I was Walking: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #23793}

The singer sees a pretty maid "lamenting for her love." He courts her "in a rude and rakish way." She bids him stop, "crying out, Young man, for shame." Her lover is gone; she vows that if she can't enjoy him, "I will rejoice in a sweet and single life."

"As I came over yonders hill, I spied an awful turkey, He flapped his wings and he spread his tail, And his feet looked awfully dirty, La la la, la la la...."

"As I climbed up the apple tree, All the apples fell on me. Someone shook them, and I knew, The who who did was Y-O-U."

In Aberdeen the singer throws a rock at a sleeping old lady's head and runs away. She chases him with a stick "and I wondered if she'd strick me" He runs away again and "now I hear that she is dead And buried ...."

"As I walk the hills my heart is light, and as I go I sing." Her brothers urge the singer to seek wealth; her mother warns her of dying an old maid. She says she will never wed -- but allows she might if a certain man comes courting

"As I lay upon a night, My thought was on a (maiden/bird so) bright, That men call Mary (full) of might, Redemptoris mater." Gabriel came to her, saying, "Hail, Mary, full of might!" Jesus is born of her. Jesus ascends to heaven.

The singer overhears a girl talking to her mother. The mother wants her daughter to marry a farmer, but the girl prefers a sailor. (The girl and the sailor are happily wed; she tries to persuade him to go to sea no more.)

As I Roved Out One Evening (I): (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #2752}

A son, against his parents' wishes, plans to cross the sea "in search of gold." He is afraid, if he stays, King George will be defeated. His love has wed another leaving him under oath not to wed any girl in Ireland. He leaves for the East Indies

Two lovers discuss marriage. He won't marry and lose his freedom, but would attend her wedding. She invites her old sweetheart to her wedding. He comes and decides he would marry her now. She says "you're welcome to my wedding but not to my bedding"

"As I sit here alone in the old shearer's hut...I wonder, is it worth goin' on." The shearer describes the hard work, the injuries, the poor pay, the lack of respect for inferior workers. He concludes , "I KNOW it's not worth goin' on."

As singer staggers out, his wife (counting up his meager cash) tells him their life would be better if he quit drinking -- they'd soon be "rich as a Jew." He tells her that drink does him a world of good, and he intends to continue

A man promises to marry a maid he meets. He says he is poor and her "low degree" is no cause for concern. They kiss and fall asleep. When he wakes he finds her not a virgin and says they'll never marry.

"As I walked oot one Sabbath mornin' As I gaed oot by the break of day I spied a handsome and fair young damsel, She was walking like a lady gay"

A young man tells a girl, "Alas, I'm tormented, for love I must die." He begs her to come away with him. She tells him, "Were I to say yes, I would say 'gainst my mind." He curses her unkindness; he will marry a girl who loves him if he marries at all

"As I walked out one May morning, All by some shady green groves, And there I beheld a most charming pretty maid, And her cheeks were as red as the rose, the rose, And her cheeks...." He asks to walk with her. She agrees to marry even though he is poor

The singer sees "an auld wife she was clawing her hole." He asks why she is so itchy. She tells him to leave and "I will claw it my fill"

As I Was Going by Charing Cross: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #20564}

As I was going by Charing Cross, I saw a black man upon a black horse, They told me it was King Charles the First, Oh dear, my heart was ready to burst."

"As I was going over London bridge, I met a dead (rat/horse), I one it, you two it, you three it... you eight (ate) it." The one who "ate" it becomes "it" or it "out" Or "There's an old dead horse down in the meadow; I one it... I two it... I eight it."

As I Was Going to St. Ives: (5 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #19772}

"As I was going to St. Ives, I met a man with seven wives, Each wife had seven sacks, Each sack had seven cats, Each cat had seven kirs: Kits, cats, sacks, and wives, How many were going to St. Ives?"

Singer meets a girl. Seven years ago her parents forced her lover across the sea. She looked for him in America until she ran out of money. The singer says her lover is dead. She says she'll never marry. He reveals that he is her lost lover. They marry.

As I Was Walking Through the Wud: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #13064}

The singer builds a church in a wood, helped by all the animals: one with a horn dug stones, another brought them home, a hare rang the morning bell, a lark sang. "Hymen was the high priest, An' Choral was the clerk"

"As I went by the Luckenbooths I saw a lady fair... 'Oh, have you seen my lost love, With his braw Highland men?" "But when the minister came out Her mare began to prance, Then rode into the sunset Beyond the coast of France."

As I Went Down to Newbern: (3 refs. 5K Notes) {Roud #6641}

"As I went down to Newbern, I went there on the tide, I just got there in time To be taken by Old Burnside." The singer complains of his treatment and bets that the Yankees will run every time they fight the Confederates

As I Went Down to Port Jervis: (2 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #1924}

The singer sees a mother with her two soldier sons who are bound for battle. She wishes they were not leaving, and tells how she tried to keep them out of the army. The son(s) tell of their hard service, but say not to worry until they are dead!

As I Went Out for a Ramble: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #4163}

"As I went out for a ramble, It's I stopped in a little town." He falls in love with a girl but finds her with another man. She says she loves him but his parents are agains me and he is a hobo. He leaves town but returns. He will be true if she is

"As I went over yonders pond, I spied a frog with a red shirt on, He leaped ten feet and jumped in the mud, And he big fairewell to the ladies all. So rise, let's go home; My darling, rise, let's go home." "A raiding froad and a heavy load...."

"As I went up the silver lake, There I met a rattlesnake, He did eat so much cake That he had the tummy ache."

As Now We Are Sailing: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #1810}

"As now we are sailing out of Sheet Harbour Bay And ... Scaterie." When the singer leaves the Labrador factory "I pray ... I'll come back here no more" and have "a chance for a wife"

As Robin Was Driving: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #1396}

"As Robin was driving his wagon along, The trees in full blossom..." Robin sees a "fair damsel" and offers her a ride. When she asks his name, he says, "But as for the other one, I dare not tell For fear this young damsel should chance for to swell."

"As shepherds watched their fleecy care, A heavenly angel did appear" announcing a new king born of a virgin in Bethlehem. The child is wrapped in swaddling clothes. The shepherds are urged to see him; he will "save us from eternal death"

"As slow our wagons rolled the track, Their teams the rough earth cleaving," the drivers look back to the land left behind. They are sad to depart. The singer asks "to turn our hearts, where'er we rove, From those we've left behind us."

Riddle: "As soft as silk, As white as milk, As bitter as gall; A thick wall, And a green coat covers me all." Accepted answer: a walnut (or a walnut on a tree)

"As sure as comes your wedding day, A broom to you I'll send; In sunshine use the brushy part, In storm the other end."

As Sylvie Was Walking: (5 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #170}

Sylvie, walking by the river, weeps for her lover. A young man asks the matter; she tells him that she's been deserted. She says her love will weep for her (after she dies). Astonishingly, the young man is not the departed lover, and nothing else happens.

"It is the evening of the day" and the singer is watching children playing "As tears go by." Money can't buy everything -- it can't buy the children doing things the singer used to do. So he watches them learning

"As the black billy boils At the end of the whare, I remember the time When I lived in a hurry... And I was a very young new chum." "Now I've mended my ways, And I never have a worry, And it's thanks to the Kauri gum!"

Singer watches as a ship prepares to sail away. On the dock "friends are saying goodbye." One couple parts as the girl won't leave Ireland. Parents watch as their deserter son is taken by a sergeant before he can escape

"As Tom was a-walking one fine summer's morn... He met Cozen Mal, with the tub on her head." He asks to speak to her; she sends him to talk to Fanny Trembaa. After promising her a new fig, she agrees to marry him

"As we trek along together, As we trek along. Shall we sing a song together, Shall we sing a song? Love life, laughter and sorrow, Who knows what comes tomorrow, Who knows and who cares, As we trek along." Sing and be cheery even when tired

As Welcome as the Flowers in May: (11 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #4347}

"Last night I dreamed a sweet, sweet dream, I thought I saw my home, sweet home." The singer dreams of seeing his parents and his sweetheart Bess, who tell him they've been waiting and that he's "as welcome as the flowers in May."

French. Halyard shanty. "As-tu connu le Per Lanc'lot, Goodbye, farewell, goodbye, farewell, Qui fuit la peche aux cachelots?" Did you know Father Lancelot, who fished for "cachelots," had daughters in three cities, and makes life hard for his crew

Welsh/English. The singer describes the beauty of the ash grove, which "alone is my home." The singer broods on dead friends, but rejoices to see them in the ash grove.

"Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, if (X) don't kill you then (Y) must." E.g. "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, If whisky don't kill you then abstinence must."

"I had a job; was well content And pleased in every way." "...The men, like me, I know, were satisfied with their own jobs, Then came the C.I.O." The singer describes the misery of the Ashland Strike, and hopes never again to hear of the C.I.O.

Three robbers break into the Gibbons house. Fanny Gibbons, a friend, and Bobby Gibbons are killed. The robbers (fail in an) attempt to burn the house. One is lynched, the others sentenced to hang. Three locals are killed by soldiers guarding the robbers

A loose account of the murder of three children (Fanny and Bobby Gibbons and Emma Carico) in the Gibbons home in Ashland. It describes the crime at some distance and with some inaccuracies and generalities

Ask the Watchman How Long: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #16415}

Alternate lines are a chorus, "How long Watchman, how long?" The hymn leader sings "Ask the Watchman, how long." "Ask my brother...." "Well ask...." "Brother Jenkins...." "Before the roll call...." "Just a few more risings...."

Asleep at the Switch: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #7370}

Tom the switchman has to work though his boy is dying at home. In his grief he falls asleep at the switch. A disaster is barely averted when daughter Nell, bringing good news, throws the switch. Tom is found dead of grief, but Nell is rewarded

Aspell and Carter: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #30696}

"Come all you sons of Newfoundland who oft-times life do save, While I'll relate in language great about a hero brave." John Aspell drowns trying to save young Carter from drowning in a lake near St John's

Thomas Gready's ass is auctioned to an Orangeman to pay the tithe. The ass is confined and starved. Orangeman's daughter tries to have him "relinquish Popery." The cross-marked ass refuses. She threatens to whip the ass. "A multitude of asses" frees him.

Ass's Complaint, The: (3 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #V20702}

Singer meets a Catholic ass with the mark of the cross on his back complaining about having been sold to a Brunswicker. His MP master has turned on the ass for supporting Repeal. The singer wishes the ass may soon be stabled in College Green

"Man, beware and wise indeed, And assay thy friend ere thou hast need." The singer hears a bird sing this refrain." He comes closer. The bird moves away but continues its refrain

A servant girl comes to consult an astrologer; he bids her come upstairs. She says she will not go upstairs with any man. He points out that she lay with her master not long before. (She flounces out -- but only after displaying the coin her master paid)

"Get yo' little sage hens ready, Trot 'em out upon the floor -- Line 'em up there, you cusses! Steady!" The caller coaxes and cajoles the cowboys through the motions of a square dance.

Concerning the odd events and strange animal behaviors seen at Barnum's circus. Chorus: "If you want to have some fun, I'll tell you where to go, Go see the lion stuffed with straw At P. T. Barnum's show."

A teasing song with the omitted or hinted word occurring only once every four lines, rather than the more usual two. This begins with an old gent at Brighton swimming around the government pier, suggesting an English origin.

"Last Thursday night with heart so light just as the clock struck nine" people meet for Paddy Mayock's wild Irish party. It'a so boisterous that several are injured; the coroner rules they "committed suicide in self-defense at Paddy Mayock's ball"

"On Penhill Crags he tore his rags, AtHunters Thorn he blew his horn, At Cappelbank Stee he brak' his knee, At Grassgill Beck he brak' his neck, At Wadhams End he couldn't fend, AtGrassgill End we'll mak' his end. Shout, lads, shout!"

"At Pittsburg Landing our troops fought hard, They killed General Johnston and defeated Beauregard, They way they slew the Rebels, they knew how it would be, With land, force, gun boats, and Union victory."

"I'll tell you, George, in meter, If you will attend the while, How we forced out Saint Peter At Sullivan's fair isle."

At the back of Benachie "where swiftly flies the swallow" the singer's sweetheart lived. She disdained him at first "but now she kindly smiles at me And likes to see me comin'" He's proud "for my love's a gentlewoman"

Spanish, "A la puerta del cielo venden zapatos." "At the gate of heaven little shoes they are selling For the little barefooted angels there dwelling." "God will bless those so peacefully sleeping And keep the mothers whose love they are keeping."

"At the halt on the left, form platoon! (x2) If the odd numbers don't mark time two places, How the hell can the rest form platoon?" "If he moves in the ranks, take his name (x2), You can hear the Seargent-Major calling, 'If he moves in the ranks...."

"The folk are going mad outright, the yellow fever's at its height, And nothing's heard both day and night but gold at the Mataura." The miners even leave the women behind in order to seek gold. They all heed "Sam's Call" to the (fake) goldfields

"Once upon a time I visited A hostess neat and slender, A golden apple was her sign, Hung by a twig so tender, Do did-dle de la, la la la la, Hung by a twig so tender...." When the singer asks for a bill, (s)he is told there is none

Atching Tan Song (I), The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #1732}

Travellers' cant. Travellers arrive at an illicit camp, but awake in the morning to find their old pony impounded by the farmer. They ransom it and move on, finding water for the children

Atching Tan Song (II), The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #1732}

Travellers arrive at a likely camping spot; a policeman arrives and tells them to move on. Although it's the middle of the night, they do

Athabaskan's Finish: (1 ref. 7K Notes) {Roud #29407}

The Athabaskan leaves Plymouth to attack the enemy in the English Channel, but there are E-boats lying in wait. Two torpedoes destroy the Athabaskan. Many, including the captain, are killed; some are rescued; many, including the author, are prisoners

"Atisket, Atasket (or: I tisket, I tasket"), A green and yellow basket, I (wrote/sent) a letter to my love And on the way I dropped it." "A little puppy picked it up And put it in his pocket, It isn't you, it isn't you, But it is *you*."

"Come, listen all unto my song, It is no silly fable, 'Tis all about the mighty cord They call the Atlantic Cable." Cyrus Field, despite ridicule and doubt about his ability to do it, after two failures manages to run a telegraph cable across the Atlantic

"Attend all ye drivers, I sing of my team; They're the fleetest and strongest that ever was seen." The singer describes his animals, Dandy, Charlie, and Jimmie, which he claims can beat anyone on the canal and expects them to out-perform steam

French. "To the woods, my ladies...Who is strolling in woods so shady? 'Tis the shepherdess a-strolling...Now then, embrace her, speak words cajoling."

French. A man (Harlequin?) asks his friend Pierrot to lend him a pen and open the door, Pierrot suggests he ask the brunette next door. "Someone looked for a pen,... I don't know what was found / But I do know that those two shut the door behind them"

Au Revoir to Our Hardy Sealers: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #26072}

"Our gallant ships are going, where rude Boreas is blowing." "Oh, farewell, and may God bless you... May kind Heaven hover o'er you... Terra Nova's sons and daughters truly bid you au revoir." The singer hopes the sailors find success in the ice

Auchnairy Ball, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #6063}

"Jean Shearer she was there, And vow but she was nice, She had a tweedle in her tail [or "She had a feestle in her arse"] 'It wad 'a grun spice" [or "Wad grun Jamaica spice"]

"I left the city when just a lad, Times were hard and no work to be had, So I went to sea on the Flora Bell... a ship from hell." Having sailed "from Auckland to the bluff," the singer says, "that's enough." He tells of the bad voyage; he won't sail again

Orangemen from County Antrim march from Portadown to Lurgan celebrating the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne. They are greeted like heroes "that soon made the rebels subdue." At Aughalee the brandy flows with toasts to the boys or King William.

August Gale (I), The: (1 ref. 2K Notes) {Roud #30700}

The captains and crews of four ships lost are cited: John Follett, Danny Cheeseman, John Lockin. Only the Annie is mentioned by name. The singer hopes God will protect the families of the dead

August Gale (II), The: (3 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #9431}

"Ye darling sons of Newfoundland, please hearken unto me, How forty brave and fearless men gave up their lives at sea. The "storm on Thursday" comes up suddenly and "all the boats were on the ground around Placentia Bay"

Aul' Eppie Ironside: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #13573}

"Auld Eppie Ironside, Perdaddlum, perdaddlum, And auld Louie Urquhart Perdaddlum, perdaddlum"

The singer recalls her husband's proposal: "an aul' man's dawtie ye will be, For twenty years I'm aulder." He has been "a faithfu' frien' and husband kin'" and it would break her heart to lose his love.

Aul' Sanners an' I: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #6043}

"Aul' Sanners an' I lay doon to sleep Wi' twa pint stoupies at our bed feet; An' lang ere the mornin' we drank them dry, An' fat dar ye think o' aul Sanners and I? ... There's time aneuch yet to be toddlin' hame"

Aul' Widow Greylocks: (2 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #6264}

The singer loves and planns to marry Dally Still. When his farm fails he asks rich Widow Graylocks for help. She agrees only if he will marry her. They marry but his life became miserable. He says he will desert the widow and cross the sea.

Auld Den o' Mains, The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #6146}

The singer says "I meet my bonnie lassie in the Auld Den o' Mains" by the Dichty River. He prefers her to miser's treasure and merchant's gains. "Oor fathers met our mithers there ... and oor bairns they'll go coortin' there"

Auld Eddie Ochiltree: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #5637}

Auld Eddie, a blue-gown beggar, comes to town and is greeted and cared for by the townsfolk. He foretells who is to be married next and makes other predictions. All are happy to see the cheerful wanderer

"Come bring to me my limber gad I've fished wi' mony a year, An' let me ha'e m weel-worn creel An' a' my fishing gear...." The singer goes fishing one more time, recalls sixty years of fishing on the Coquet, and bids a farewell.

The singer says, "Ae day I was pitten to Rakie's to work at a stem-mull," ordered to mind the work, forego the silly nonsense, "and blawin' aboot my auld fite naig [white pony], its risin' twenty twa"

Soldier Willie dreams his sweetheart is an old gardener's wife. She confirms that her wedding will be the next day. Willie convinces her to sleep with him. When she asks to go with him in the morning he takes her. He taunts the gardener on the way.

An old horse, "turned out to die," remembers "when I was a foalie ... brisk and jolly." He threw "young Mr Galloper" when he was abused, so he was sold to a dealer who wore his life away. He warns people to "lay something in store" for their own old age.

When the singer, forty-two, was young "lads cam' flockin'"; now she's "beginnin' sair to fear a man I'll never get." Yesterday old Johnny Grant asked her to marry. Though he is lame, "yet he may prove good and kin'"

Recognized by the first line "Should auld acquaintance be forgot" and the chorus "For auld lang syne." Two old friends meet and remember their times together, ending by taking "a cup o' kindness."

Auld Luckie of Brunties: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #5577}

"It's a' ye rovin' young men, come listen unto me, And dinna gang to Brunties toon The lasses for to see; Auld Luckie she's a wily ane, And she does watch the toon," fining visitors for vice. She traps a young couple bundling. He wishes her in hell

Auld Maid's Lament, The: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #6283}

The singer wonders why her cousin has her choice of men while she has none. She kissed Donald once and when they met again he turned his head. Fancy clothes do not help. Perhaps there's no lad "decreed for me"

The old man took a sword, the old woman a turd. The battle was bloody and she shit on the hay.

Auld Man's Mare's Dead, The: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #5880}

"The auld man's mare's dead (x3), A mile aboon Dundee." "She had the fiercie and the fleuk... On ilka knee she had a breuk, What ailed the beast to dee?" The beast's decrepitude, and the old man's mourning, are described in repetitive detail

Auld Matrons [Child 249]: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #3915}

Willie comes courting at Annie's door; she assures him that Matrons (an old woman by the fire) can do nothing. But Matrons summons the sheriff, who comes to take Willie -- only to have Willie escape by calling on his brother John, a fantastic fighter

An old merchant of Fife wants to marry a virgin. He meets a widow who claims falsely that her daughter is a virgin; she lists eight prior lovers. Her mother tells her to "look a wee shy" in bed to fool the merchant.

"Oh, weel I mind the joys we had, In youth's bright sunny days... But better far I mind the time... When daffin' wi' my Jessie On the auld quarry knowe." Now old, both he and his wife are past their prime, but still he recalls the happy days

Jamie leaves Jenny to earn enough to be married. Her family has bad luck. Robin Gray supports them and asks Jenny to marry. Jamie's ship is wrecked and Jennie assumes he is dead. She marries Robin. Jamie returns too late.

Auld Warrack's Plough Feast: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #6073}

The lads and lasses had fun at old Warrack's plough feast. The plough chain broke and everyone helped fix it to end the job. At supper Warrack confesses "I never had a lawfu' wife, Nor yet a lawfu' son But I fell foul o' Maggie Thows"

Auld Wife and Her Cattie, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #6112}

"There was an aul' wifie, she clippit her cattie For takin' a moosie on Christenmas day, And oh fat befell the silly auld bodie The half o' her cattie was clippit away"

An old widow with many daughters wants "snishing/spruncin" (sex). They say she is too old and toothless. They will let her seek sex if she can break a nut with her teeth. They give her a pistol bullet instead of a nut; she cannot break it and wastes away

Apparently unrelated verses: The old wife rang the bell so loud the singer thought the building would fall; it's a shame "servant lassies a' get lads" but gentle ladies don't; it's awful to allow a lad to have a lass working for a fee.

An old man tells the singer his story. When he first arrived he was well received. Then, sixty years ago, someone called him "Papist Knave." Then a more fashionable man arrived. He expects to see hard times until he dies. Then "Auld Yule he vanished"

Aunt Jemima's Plaster: (11 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #974}

Aunt Jemimah survives by selling sticking plaster. With it she might catch a thief, keep a wayward husband from straying, etc. Chorus: "Sheepskin and beeswax Makes an awful plaster, The harder you try to get it off, The more it sticks the faster."

"Old Aunt Maria (Jack-a-ma-rier) Jumped in the fire. Fire too hot, Jump in the pot. Pot so black, (S)he jumped in a crack. Crack so high, (S)he jumped in the sky. Sky so blue, (S)he jumped in a canoe. Canoe so shallow, (S)he jumped in the tallow." Etc.

"A gentleman came to our house, He would not tell his name." He comes to court, but acts ashamed. He sits silent next to the girl. Finally he gives up, saying courting isn't worth it. The girls laugh at the "ding-dang fool [that] don't know how to court."

French language. "Aupres de ma blonde, Qu'il fait bon, fait bon, fait bon... Qu'il fait bon rester. Au jardin de mon pere Les lauriers sont fleuris."

"When the blackbird in the spring On the willow tree Sat and rock'd, I heard him sing, Singing Aura Lee." In praise of a "maid of golden hair." The singer describes how even the bird praise her. He begs her hand in marriage

Creole French. "Aurore Pradere, belle 'ti fille (x3), C'est li mo 'oule, s'est le ma pren." The singer praises the beauty of Aurore, and says that she is what he wants and will have. He describes what others say of her, but as for him, he still wants her

Australia (Virginny): (5 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #1488}

"When I was a young man, my age seventeen, I ought ha' been serving Victoria our Queen, But those hard-hearted judges, how cruel they've been, To send us poor lads to Australia." To please his girlfriend, the singer turns outlaw, and winds up transported

"Here's off, here's off to the digging of gold, Australia's our home where wealth is untold." The singer does not fear the long voyage to Melbourne. No matter what hardships he is warned of, he intends to go to the diggings

"There are lots and lots of arguments Going on today As to whether dear old England Should be brought into the fray." "Rally round the banner of your country... Sing Long Live the King wherever you may be And to hell with Germany; Australia will be there"

Australia's on the Wallaby: (5 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #24705}

"Our fathers came to search for gold, The claim it proved a duffer. The syndicates and bankers' bosses made us all to suffer.... Australia's on the wallaby, Listen to the cooee." Most of the song is devoted to the animals the settler sees

"Once an Austrian went (yodeling/climbing) On a mountain so high, When along came an avalanche, Interrupting his cry." Yodel and avalanche sounds follow. Repeat with other interruptions such as bear. The sounds are cumulative although the words are not

Narrative: surreal description of speaker's trip through Alabama in an talking Ford filled with "Loco-Pep" gasoline. They fight off biting insects and a rattlesnake; the car falls to pieces, then reassembles itself. Incorporates bearhunt tall-tale

"It was on an autumn twilight, I watched the seagulls glide, When the fairest of all maidens Stole softly by my side." He describes her beauty and how they met and embraced. He wishes he were still with her

"Got to New York this morning', just about half past nine (x2), Hollerin' one mornin' in Avalon, couldn't hardly keep from cryin'." "Avalon my hometown, always on my mind, Pretty mama's in Avalon...." "New York's a good town, but it's not for mine."

A French/Quebecois song of praise to the Virgin Mary (sung in Latin): "Ave, maris stella, Dei Mater alma, Atque semper virgo, Felix coeli porta (x2)" "Sumus illud Ave Gabrielis ora, Funda nes in pace, Mutans Hevae nomen."

A southern alphabet song: "A is the green apple with bites all around, B is the ball that is lost on the ground, C is the cigarette making him pale... Yell is the yell he emits all the day, Z is for zeal he shows in his play."

The rider, on the advice of the cowboys, bridles the horse "Lumberjack" with an "average rein." As a result, he is thrown. He determines thereafter to seek better advice

"Come, gentlemen all, and I'll sing you a song, It's about the mud-plumpers of Avington Pond." The men with their wheelbarrows work hard (to clear the pond?). THe singer is sure there are no better workers. They enjoy their beer.

Flames are seen outside the Avondale mines; the miners' families realize there is a fire below. The two men who enter the mine find all the miners suffocated. Over one hundred men die

A fire in the Avondale Mine kills 110 miners. Relatively few details of the disaster and rescue are given, with the focus being on the plight of the bereaved families.

"Awa whigs awa (x2), Ye're but a pack o' traitor louns, Ye'll do nae gude at a'." The [Scottish] thistle flourished until the Whigs arrived "like a frost in June." THe singer complains about the betrayal of the king. The singer expects vengeance

"They're starving noo in Scotland, in England and Ireland tae; I canna bide nae langer here, so now I must away." The singer is going to Cyprus "to open a public hoose." Gold lies at your feet. If he gets rich he may come home "wi' a Pasha to my name"

"Awake and join the cheerful choir, Upon this joyful morn (x2), And glad hosanna loudly sing, For joy a Savior's born." "Let all the choirs on earth below Their voices loudly raise." "The shining host in bright array... Proclaim a Savior's birth."

"Awake, awake, sweet England, sweet England now awake, And do your prayers obediently." Listeners are told to repent, reminded that worms will eventually eat their flesh, reminded that wealth is useless after death, and blessed

Awake, Awake (New Year's Carol): (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #701}

"Awake, awake, ye drowsy souls, And hear what I shall tell: Remember Christ, the lamb of God, redeemed our souls from hell." Jesus was crowned with thorns, crucified, met Thomas, empowered his disciples, and tells them to seek the wandering sheep

"There's a famous fabled country never seen by mortal eyes... And this famous fabled country is away down east." A man sets out to seek the place, and eventually is tricked into jumping off an east-facing cliff. His mother mourns

"O massa take that brand new coat And hang it on the wall, That darkie take that same old coat And wear 'em to the ball. Oh, don't you hear my true love singing, Oh, don't you hear 'em sigh, Away down in Sunbury I'm bound to live and die."

"Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head." The baby never complains even amid the noise of the cattle. The singer asks that Jesus protect him/her and all children

Away Out On the Mountain: (5 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #15887}

"I packed my grip for a farewell trip; I kissed Susan Jane goodbye at the fountain. 'I'm going,' says I, 'to the land of the sky, Away out on the mountain.'" The singer describes mountain life -- the wind, the animals; he will feast on meat and honey

"Away, you black devils (blackbirds, crows, ravens), away. Away, you black devils, away, You eat too much, you drink too much, You carry too much away, away."

Geordie Dunn says "A never met wi my equal yet, I was aye sae fu of fun." He meets a girl, takes her to a sweet shop, and proposes. They marry. "She has proved a scolding wife... But I just return the compliments, for A'm aye sae fu o fun"

Bell's parents made him pick pockets and "join a mob to murder and rob." At trial Bird and his mother cry. "For want of parent's proper care This boy's condemned to die"

Call-and answer: "Axe talkin'." "Nobody cuttin'." "All day long." "All day long."

Willie, are you awake [waukin]? "Annie's got new strings till her aul' apron" [is pregnant]. "Turn to yer bonnie lassie wi' her short apron.

"Spanish: !Ay! vienen los Yankees, !Ay! Los tienen ya!" The Yankees are coming. The singer urges listeners to put aside "formalidad"/formality. The girls are learning English as fast as they can. The Yankees say, "Kiss me!" The girls do

Aye She Likit The Ae Nicht: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #135}

The man gets into bed, knocks the bottom boards over the woman's head, gives her his "hairy peg." She likes it. (Refrain: "Lassie, let me in, O") When he comes down, the "auld wife" is standing there; she lifts her clothes and says "Laddie, put it in"

"I'm wet and weary!" I would "rise and rin" to meet her. "I lang for my true lover" in summer and at sleep. "Feather-beds are soft, Painted rooms are bonnie; But a kiss o' my dear love Is better far than ony." Friday night is long in coming.

"Fortune favours them wha work aye wi' a busy haun'." Help yourself; look before you leap; don't speak ill of others; "never say that ye're ill-used"; "never let your tongue wag up and down"; life is a fight "to the very grave"

Ayrshireman's Lilt, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #6962}

Where are you going, Highlandman? To steal a cow. You'll be hanged. I don't care as long as my stomach is full.

Baa Baa Black Sheep: (7 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #4439}

"Baa baa, black sheep, have you any wool?" The sheep replies that it does, and details what might be done with it

"Baa! go the goats, Ow! go the di-so-men [boatmen seeking fares], Dong! go the bells in the steeple, Bang! go the guns of destroyers during night attacks; The hooter at St Angelo goes Peep! Peep! Peep!"

Game: "Wha learned you to dance, Babbity Bowster, Babbity Bowster? Wha learned you to dance, Babbity Bowster, brawly." "My minie learned me to dance." "Wha gae you the keys to keep?" "My minne gae me the keys to keep."

A cante-fable: Old El, crippled and without resource, is sentenced to the poorhouse. His wife must go to another poorhouse. They are preparing to part for the last time. The song (to the tune of Loch Lomond) recalls their happy times together, now gone

"A babe is born all of a may, To bring salvation unto us, To him we sing both night and day, Veni creator spiritus." The babe was born in Bethlehem. The three kings came from the east; the shepherds visited; the angels sang

"A babe is born to bliss us bring, A heard a maid lullay and sing." She tells her baby that he is the King of Bliss. They discuss the crucifixion and what will happen to him in future. He asks again for comfort. Chorus may be English or Latin or mixed

Babe of Bethlehem, The: (3 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #11878}

A nativity hymn, generally following the Lukan story, and beginning: "Ye nations all, on you I call, Come, hear this declaration, And don't refuse the wond'rous news Of Jesus and salvation...."

Babies on Our Block, The: (11 refs. 56K Notes) {Roud #9572}

"If you long for information or in need of merriment, Come over with me socially to Murphy's tenement." The singer catalogs all the myriad Irish babies living in the area, who join in singing "Little Sally Waters"

"I'm bringing home a baby bumble bee. Won't my mama be so proud of me. I'm bringing home a baby bumble bee. Ouch! It stung me! My bumbee bee."

"Baby Bye, here's a fly, Let us watch him, you and I." "There he goes, on his toes, Tickling baby's nose!" "I believe with those six legs You and I could walk on eggs." "See! he crawls on the walls Yet he never falls."

Baby It Must Be Love: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #17669}

Singer says: he's "groggy in his knees"; she "makes me think the world's all mine"; "they make you give up every thing"; "make King Edward give up his crown." "Baby, it must be love"

("My baby loves to boogie, I love to boogie too" (x2). "I'm gonna boogie this time, ain't gonna boogie no more") ("Don't the moon/sun look lonesome shining down through the trees"(2x) "Don't your house look lonesome when your baby pack up and leave")

"Baby Owlet, Purple Owlet, Singing as Moon shines above." "Won't you lend me your swift pinion, That I may fly to my love." "Tetra coo, coo, coo (x3), Baby Owlet, Poor little owlet, He is tired from crying so."

The prisoner begs his girl not to abandon him: "Now your man done gone (x3) To the county farm." "Baby, please don't go (x3) back to Baltimore." ""Turn your lamp down low." ""You know I loves you so." "I beg you all night long."

Floating blues verses; "I'm going to the depot/Look up on the board"; "If I had listened/To what mama said," etc. Chorus is "All night long/Baby, all night long/Got the Richmond blues/Baby, all night long."

"Here's a ball for baby, Big and soft and round, Here is baby's hammer, Oh how she can pound." The song lists other things baby has: (toy) soldiers, music, trumpet, umbrella, cradle

"Baby's boat's a silver moon, sailing on the sky, Baby's wishing for a dream as the stars go by. Sail, Baby, sail, Out across the sea. Only don't forget to sail home again to me." "Baby's fishing for a dream, Fishing near and far,..."

Babylon Is Fallen (I): (2 refs. 11K Notes) {Roud #13968}

Chorus: "Babylon is fallen, is fallen, is fallen! Babylon is fallen, to rise no more!" Verses: "Hail the day so long expected." Babylonians cry, trade and traffic die, all in one day. Saints, throngs, elders shout "hallelujah," "the loud and long amen"

Babylon Is Falling: (7 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #7706}

"Way up in the cornfield where you hear the thunder, That is our old forty pounder gun, When the shells are missin' then we load with pumpkins, All the same we make the cowards run." The slave rejoices to triumph over the master

An outlaw accosts (three) sisters, demanding that one of them marry him on pain of death. As all refuse, he kills all but the youngest. She accidentally learns that he is their brother. The outlaw usually then kills himself in remorse.

Singer laments his bachelor life. He sends a letter to his girlfriend, proposing that she share his lot; she answers by telegram, refusing. He replies, "If you don't like my bait, you need not to bite my hook"

Bachelor's Hall (I): (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #7031}

About the sad life of a bachelor: "Bachelor's Hall, what a queer looking place it is, Keep me from such all the days of my life." The singer describes the mess and squalor of the place, and the pitiful lives of its inhabitants.

Bachelor's Hall (II): (15 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #385}

"When young men go courting they'll dress up so fine," meet the girls, dress up -- and end up worn out, (broke), and claiming, "I believe it's the best to court none at all, And live by myself and keep bachelor's hall," where neither wife nor children nag

"Young ladies all, both short, fat, and tall, On me you will surely take pity, For a bachelor's hall is no place at all." The singer would rather be married: it's less expensive. He lists his household assets in hopes of attracting a wife.

Bachelor's Lament (I), The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #5755}

The singer, forty-nine, wishes "some bonnie lassie wad tak' pity on me." His stockings "like mysel', they hiv seen better days" and his breeches are torn. His whiskers are grey and his head bald. He wants "a clean tidy body in perfect good health"

Bachelor's Lament (II), A: (7 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #3771}

"As I was walking all alone, I heard an old bachelor making his moans: I wonder what the matter can be, Dog them pretty girls won't have me." The bachelor describes those he has courted, the offers he has made, the horses he has ruined -- to no avail

Bachelor's Lament (III), The: (5 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #24294}

Singer retells the benefits of bachelorhood, but he tires of living alone. "I'll go searching through this wide world till a partner I will find." He plans his trip throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, but assumes no one will have him.

"Come gather, young fellers, my story's for you. I'm a man of experience." Don't just go for any woman, and don't hurry into marriage. Stay apart for a month. If he still loves her, then marry; the marriage will remain happy

"It's Mary, my darling, in her blue gingham dress. Of all the girls ever I love her the best." "Oh, Mary, of Mary, will you ever be true?... My darling, my darling, I'll be true to you." He hopes to marry, "...the answer to the bachelor's prayer."

"I'm a bachelor's son and I live in sin With another man's wife at the Cross." The singer expects to suffer in Hell -- but will have fun now. He has three ex-wives and offers many services -- sex, drugs, lesbianism, even a dead body for necrophiliacs

The singer describes "the murderous outrage that took place in Dublin Town." Armed Irish rebels came to Dublin, and disturbances followed. In the confusion, the King's Own Scottish regiment kills three people

The singer meets a girl "tripping and slipping down (Back Bay Hill)." They are married the next day. They have three children; during a disagreement about names, the father insists the child be named after the hill! He advises others to visit the place

"Way back in the hills as a boy I once wandered, There deep in the grave lies the girl that I love." She was a jewel on earth and now is one in heaven. When she was sixteen, she had promised to marry him, but now she is dead.

"It was on a Saturday evening, As I went to Dundee, I met wi' an old sweetheart," and one thing led to another. They share a glass, he departs, then writes a letter saying he will marry her only if she comes to him. She warns other girls of her sad fate

Table grace. As typically sung, "Back of the bread is the flour, And back of the flour is the mill; Back of the mill is the (wind/sun) and the rain And the Father’s will."

Reworked floating verses in white-blues form: "I'm going back to Jericho, sugar babe (x3)"; "Never seen the likes since I've been born...." "Old Aunt Jemima going through the sticks...." "What you gonna do when the meat gives out...." Etc.

The singer writes a letter to his (girl/wife); the (soldiering/cockie's) life is hard and lonely. He pleads, "Take me back to the Holbrook streets, And back where the beer-hogs are, Back to the sound of the barrel taps And back to Larkins' bar."

Backblock Shearer, The: (8 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #29042 and 24808}

"I'm only a backblock shearer, as easily can be seen... I've shorn in most of the famous sheds, I've seen big tallies done, But somehow or other, I don't know why, I never became a gun." The shearer describes his many attempts to make the century

Andrew Crystal lives in Backburn; praise him "for he grand whisky sells." "O mither dear, look doon the lum [chimney] Your face I lang to see"; the eagles build their nest in you and I would try their eggs.

"Backsides rule the Navy, Backsides rule the sea, If you want a bit of bum... Ye'll get no bum from me." The singer recalls "Catp'n Kitt" and Yeoman Sydney Grimes, who have uncomfortable adventures, and AB Long, "whose member wasn't like his name"

Backward, Turn Backward (I): (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #5092}

"Backward, turn backward, O Time, in your flight, Bring back my ability if just for tonight. Bring back that riding ability of mine, Don't let the bull buck my ass off this time."

"Well, it rained five days and the sky was dark (x2), There's trouble in the lowlands tonight. "I got up one morning, I couldn't even get out of my door." The storms and floods drive many poor people from their homes

Typical first line: "I first came to this country in (some year)." The singer, a wood-hauler, having gotten drunk, is convinced to go a ball. He spends a riotous night. He hopes that others will not exaggerate what happened.

"I have lived long enough to be rarely mistaken, And had my full share of life's changeable scenes, But my woes have been solaced by good greens and bacon." They consoled him when rejected in love. If he had three wishes, he'd want bacon and greens

"Go bring me a mug of your very best ale, Bad ale can drag a man down." "The lord of the castle a bold knight was he, He started to London the Queen for to see." "His cloak it was velvet for a grand lord was he, He rode a white charger...."

A parody of "The Strawberry Roan," in which the boss hires the cowman to ride a "big Brahma bull" in a rodeo. The rest follows the original: The rider winds up being thrown, and "high-tail[s] it back to that old Flying U."

The bad girl tells of how she reveled at the ale-house and the dance hall, then found herself in the poorhouse, and now is at death's door. She makes her final requests, and asks that young sailors carry her coffin

The singer goes out one night to "make his rounds." He meets his (girlfriend/wife), Little Sadie, and shoots her. He flees, but is overtaken and sentenced to (a long prison term/life)

Bad Luck Attend the Old Farmer: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #17894}

A warning to servant boys seeking employment by farmers at hiring fairs. You are badly fed and "cold as lead." The singer will not hire for another half year. "Don't hire with any farmer ... But sail off to Amerikay, To a land where you'll be free"

"Bad luck to the man Who invented the plan For he ruined us wagoners And every other man."

"Bad luck to this marching, pileclaying and starching, How neat one must be to be killed by the French! I'm sick of parading Through wet and cold wading...." The soldier's life is hard; food is bad or missing; they don't get paid. He wishes he were home

"In every home that you can find There are people who have bad mind. (x2) Certain bad mind that sit and lie, Sit and criticize people who go by." Other stanzas offer examples, e.g. "You kneel in your home to pray; They say a hypocrite you did play."

"I am passing through the valley here in peace (x2), O when I am dead and buried in the cold and silent tomb, I don't want you to grieve after me." "I am leaving all my friends here in peace... I don't want you to grieve after me."

Gaelic. The singer recalls that his son was killed when his herring boat was wrecked on a submerged rock. He names the men drowned and their mourning family members. He hopes that the bodies will be found.

A song of praise to logdrivers. It mentions the hardships of the job. It praises manager Bill Dorothy, and points out that drivers supply the pulpwood for paper. The drive on Badger is described. The singer hopes that the company will continue to succeed

Baffled Knight, The [Child 112]: (37 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #11}

A (knight/shepherd) sees a lady (bathing), and wishes to lie with her. She convinces him not to touch her until they reach her father's gate. She jumps in, locks him out, and scolds him for his base thoughts and/or his lack of assertiveness.

Harvey bids farewell to his father's estate, his tenants, and "my true United Men who bravely with me fought." If he is executed at Wexford he asks to be buried at his father's tomb. The estate will be returned when Ireland is free.

Baggage Coach Ahead, The: (24 refs. 3K Notes) {Roud #3529}

The passengers on the train are awakened by a child's cries. They complain to the child's father. He tells them that the child's mother is dead "in the baggage coach ahead." Upon learning this, the passengers turn helpful

Singer wants to hear "that old Bahama lullaby Like my Bahama mama used to sing ... let ne live or let me die Where I heard that lullaby ... beneath the moonlit skies"

Gaelic. "This is a poem in praise of Ballyvourney (Co Cork), particularly its scenery and the richness of its Irish-language tradition."

A youth is in love with the Bailiff's daughter. He is apprenticed in London for seven years. At last she disguises herself to see if he is still true. They meet; he asks of his love. She says she is dead; he grieves; she reveals herself

"In Bainbridge town there dwelt of late A worthy youth who met his fate." Urial Church and girlfriend Louisa go strolling in the snow; he throws snow in her face. She playfully throws a scissors at him -- but wounds him; it festers and he dies. All grieve

Skipping game. "Bake a pudding, bake a pie, Did you ever tell a lie? Yes you did, I know you did, You broke your mother's teapot lid. O-U-T spells out, And out you must go, Right in the middle Of the deep blue sea."

Rope-skipping or swinging game. "Baker, baker, Bake your bread, Salt, vinegar, mustard, pepper."

French: Jose wishes to go to Boule's Ball; his mother makes him stay until his chores are done. At last he finishes and hurries off to the dance -- only to fall down and be thrown out. His Lisette proceeds to dance with another swain

Nursery song for the children of tin miners: "Balance-bob works up and down, Pumping the water from underground, Over the while the engine do lash, Scat the old man back in the shaft."

Balbriggen Landlord: (1 ref. 2K Notes) {Roud #V39513}

"Low-bred landlords" raise rents and drive starving tenants. "Viva la for Hampton landlords" who voted against Union and stood with Flood, Burke, Grattan and Parnell. "Viva la" for Parnell "driving foes and Landlord Reptiles from his native land"

"Well, I wish I was an old bald eagle, long time ago, I'd fly away down to Oklahoma." "Darkie said he'd hug my Sally." "Cocked my gun and pulled the trigger... Shot that darkie through the liver." "Oh, what's in the pot, my good granny?"

Bald Knobber Song, the: (8 refs. 44K Notes) {Roud #5486}

"Adieu to old Kirbyville, I can no longer stay. Hard Times and Bald Knobbers have driven me away." He does not wish to leave family and home, but the vigilante Bald Knobbers drove him away. He describes their various villainies

The singer warns men against marriage: It's fun at first, but wait till you're stuck "with a wife and (sixteen) half-starved kids." "So keep away from the girls... For when they are wed, they will bang you on the head With the bald-headed end of a broom"

"Come listen to my ditty... 'Tis about one Baldy Green... He was a way up six horse driver On Ben Holiday's stage line." Green is halted by robbers, but rather than yielding the gold, he restarts the team. Green is shot; the money is saved

"Baldy's teeth were long, Baldy's teeth were strong, It would be no disgrace To Baldy's face If Baldy's teeth were gone."

"There was a ball at Davidson's Just i' the mids o' Lent." There were farmers, thimble-riggers, itinerant dealers and lottery folk. The farmer couldn't sell cattle or grain but fish sellers and thimble-riggers did well.

Jamaican patois: Game begins and the ball goes around. Players take turns and show how the ball goes around. [The person in the middle must discover the holder.]

Ball of Kirriemuir, The: (8 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #4828}

A quatrain ballad, the scores of verses to this song describe the sexual feats at the "gathering of the clans."

The narrator asks a pretty little miss "to wind her ball of yarn." He contracts gonorrhea, then is arrested nine months later, and sentenced to the penitentiary, all for "winding up that little ball of yarn."

Ben Hall was "a peaceful, quiet man until he met Sir Fred." Then, with his homestead burnt and his cattle dead, he turned outlaw. The song describes the reward for Dunn, Gilbert, and Ben, and exhorts the listeners to toast their memories

Billy takes his girl to a rodeo where he is riding bulls. He assures her that all will be well -- but he is thrown as his girlfriend watches: "There wasn't a thing she could do But stand there and watch the boy die." She has nightmares of his last ride

"As I went walking one day down in Frisco... I spied a longshoreman all dressed in white linen.... and cold as the clay." The boss owned the unions. The workers fought back to regain their rights. 400 workers were killed or injured. He tells them to fight

After a prayer for England ("GOD:that shope both sea and Land"), the poem describes the armies of Richard III and Henry Tudor that fought at Bosworth Field. The Stanley Brothers are highly praised for their role in the battle that made Henry the new King

"It was the seventeenth, by break of day, the Yankees did surprise us." The British soldiers march. The song mentions officers Howe and Pigot. The artillery serves well until they run out of suitable ammunition. The singer curses rebels Hancock and Adams

"The soldiers from town to the foot of the hill... They pottered and dawdled and twaddled until We feared there would be no attack at all." The Colonials inflict heavy casualties on the British, but then "We used up our powder and had to go home!"

"Bob Bartlett, born in Brigus, of a bold sea-faring breed, Became a master-mariner as destiny decreed; He won renown... When Peary used his services to the Northern Pole." We are told of the hardships in the arctic, and of the sealing ships he captained

"His name was Dodge, Robert Dodge, And he was black as sin, But his heart was full of love and light." Dodge worked for a living, and loved Gospel singalongs. But he was on the Old 97 when it was wrecked. God remembers him

"I'll tell you a tale of Ioway... about a crime in Hardin Town...." Barowner Thorne has betrayed an Indian chief's daughter. The chief seeks him out in the bar, but is shot by an unknown assailant. The chief's son kills a bar patron and goes to prison

In 1814 Andrew Jackson recruits pirate Jean Lafitte to help his American backwoodsmen-soldiers defeat Pakenham's forces at New Orleans. They do, with many humorous tales (including an alligator converted to a cannon), then celebrate with the local girls

"Let's away to New Scotland, where Plenty sits queen O'er as happy a country as ever was seen." The abundant riches of Nova Scotia are praised, and the lack of duties and landlords is pointed out

"Come all ye hearty Newfoundlanders, join your voices now with me: Of our sealing ships and sealers let us sing." The speaker describes how the fleet leaves port, hunts the seals, survives problems; he urges listeners to pray for crew and captains

"It's sunny again in Georgia, No finer breathing place, Since the undertaker Threw dirt in Talmadge face." He cussed heavily, "Now he can't cuss no more." He had mistreated the Colored; they rejoice at his death and say, "Devil he take Talmadge."

The Braswell Boys have been sentenced to death for murder. They attempt to escape from prison, but are captured. At the scaffold, among prayers and sad relatives, they confess to the crime. They are executed and buried

"Jesus was a working man, A hero as you shall hear, He was born in the slums of Bethlehem...." From a young age, his arguments put older men to shame. He traveled and called workers to him. The Romans kill him. Now his dreams are coming true

"A truthful man was Deacon Slocum, Honest as the day was long." He has two oxen, one good, one bad. He sells them, claiming that one ox is good and he doesn't know any reason why the other isn't as good. The buyer complains; Slocum says he told the truth

Harry Dale, the drover, is heading home after many months away. He comes to a river in flood. He tries to cross, but is swept from his horse. His dog leaps in to save him, but is also washed away. Now "in the lonely homestead the girl shall wait in vain"

"On a grim and tragic morning In nineteen hundred three A little babe lay weeping... There in the shiv'ring morning." A rockslide buries the town; a few miners dig their way out of the mine to find the little girl -- and everything else ruined and dead

Ballad of the Kelly Gang: (5 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #22593}

The singer tells of the large rewards offered for the Kelly Gang, but claims "if the sum were doubled, sure, the Kelly boys would live." The song goes on to describe in great detail the 1878 robbery at Euroa

'I could tell you a tale of a great whilte whale... But I'd rather tell how our Buckomate had a Pirates knife stuck in his middle." A female pirate kills most of those she finds -- but keeping the best-looking men. Men visit her monument and get babies

"Tea ships near to Boston lying, On the wharf a numerous crew, Sons of freedom, never dying, Then appeared in view." (The Sons of Freedom) attack the British vessel and dump the "cursed weed of China's coast."

"The Umpqua country was the best every (sic.) found For hills and rocks and fountains." The singers slog through the country looking for the good land they have been promised, but all they ever find is more disappontments.

Singer tells of Mike Corrigan, the best white-water man. Among his deeds: breaking up logjams at Sour-na-Hunk and Ambejejus Falls, flying like a bird, landing on his pike-pole and whizzing around so fast that his hair scorched the air and fried the wind

William Bloat's wife "got his goat" so he cuts her throat. "To finish the fun so well begun He resolved himself to kill." He hangs himself with a sheet. He dies but she survives: "for the razor blade was German made But the sheet was Belfast linen"

"O the bricks they will bleed and the rain it will weep, And the damp Lagan fog lull the city to sleep; It's to hell with the future and live on in the past: May the Lord in His mercy be kind to Belfast" and other political statements.

Ballan Doune Braes: (7 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #6819}

"The laird o' the town" tells Betsy "that a father, a brother, and a husband he'd be." But "short was his courtship ... When he cam' to his own he wad own me nae mair" People mock her. Left forlorn with children she returns to die on Ballan Doune braes

Dutch. Ballast-throwing shanty. "Westzuidwest van Ameland (WSW of Ameland)" is a pool where one can catch fish but not girls. The sailor describes places he has been, e.g. Surinam. He talks of the work, and a cow that calved each month

The singer recalls the joys of living in (Balinderry) and spending time with "(Phelim), my (diamond/demon)." But now she is sad and lonely, as Phelim died (at sea)

The singer recalls the marriage. After the priest arrives, "with long rakes and pitchforks they welcomed the bride." The feast is fine. The bride is "small round the waist as a two year old mare." They seek the bride, who has "trotted off"

"When the balloon flew o'er 'Ampton Town, The wofflers they did staer, They thowt is was a coel boat A-flying through the aer. To trew it is unto the time, So trew it is I owun, Going to fetch a load of line To build a sun and meun."

"The balls of O'Leary are massive and hairy; They're shapely and stately like the dome of St. Paul's." People come to observe the sight

"Balls to Mister Banglestein, Banglestein, Banglestein, Balls to Mister Banglestein, Dirty old man. For he keeps us waiting While he's masturbating, So balls to Mister Banglestein, Dirty old man."

Ballstown (Great God, Attend): (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #15051}

"Great God, attend while Zion sings the joy that from thy presence springs. To spend one day with thee on earth Exceeds a thousand days of mirth."

The singer escapes the world to head for Ballymackleduff. The friends of his youth meet him. They have a wonderful time at places with improbable names. The factories are all shut, the bars open, with kissing and dancing. "Why did I stay away so long?"

The singer recalls Ballycastle, noting, "That place is ever dear to me, no matter when or where I be." He says that no soldier has found a place more hospitable, no land knows plants so fair. Those from far away sigh because they cannot find its like

The mother bids her child, "Rest tired eyes a while, sweet is thy baby smile, Angels are guarding and watch o'er thee." Birds sing, fairies dance, "for very love of thee." Mother loves the child, too, and bids him sleep and dream

"The garden of Eden has vanished, they say, But I know the lie of it still": Its image survives in Ballyjamesduff. Paddy Reilly tells that he was a quiet baby because he knew he was born there. Now grown, every breeze tells him to come back

The singer bids farewell to Ballymonan, land of green leaves and pretty girls. He recalls the pleasant nights there. He gives his name as John by counting through the alphabet. He bids success to Ballymonan

On the road to Ballynure the singer "heard a wee lad behind a wee ditch That to his wee lass was talking" He asks her to give him a kiss. She says "kisses are not for giving away But they are for the taking." Remember that when you go to kiss a girl

The singer stops at Ballyshannon Lane and thinks of "scenes of ninety-eight," recalling Scullabogue on the one hand and the death of rebels on the other. Many are named. The singer says "in Ireland's need I am here to bleed in Ballyshannon Lane"

"There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole; There is a balm... to heal the sin-sick soul." "Sometimes I feel discouraged... But then the Holy Spirit Revives my soul again." "If you can preach like Peter... Go and tell your neighbour...."

Baltic Lovers, The: (3 refs. 8K Notes) {Roud #2323}

Mary escapes from her father's prison to follow her sailor Thomas to fight the Russians in Sir Charles Napier's Baltic Fleet. When she is discovered and taken, with Thomas, to Napier, he sends them back to England where they marry.

Baltimore (Up She Goes): (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #4690}

Shanty. "He kissed her on the cheek and the crew began to roar, Oh, oh, up she goes, we're bound for Baltimore." Verses continue with kissing on the neck, arms, legs, and other parts which the printed sources politely refrain from mentioning.

"It was on a silver falls by a narrow That I heard a cry I ever will remember... Fire, fire, I heard the cry From every breeze that passes by... While in ruin the fire was laying Fair Baltimore, the beautiful city." About the terrible fire in Baltimore

French. Daughterloves a bambocheur (wanderer). The mother says that she will instead marry a rich man on the morrow. The girl walks along the shore, bemoaning her slavery ("esclavage"), saying she will never stop loving "ce bambocheur"

"You take a stick of bamboo (x3), You throw it in the water." "River, she come down (x2)." You travel across the river to come home.

Work song about loading bananas; refrain: "Daylight come and me want go home" or "Day the light and me want go home." The workers ask the "tally man" to count the bananas so they can go home after loading all night.

"Ride a cock horse to Banbury cross To see a fine lady upon a white horse. Rings on her fingers and bells on her toes, And she shall have music wherever she goes."

Band o' Shearers, The: (7 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #1524}

As shearing season approaches, the lad asks, "My bonnie lassie, will ye gang, And shear wi' me the whole day long, And love will cheer us as we gang And join the band of shearers." The two find they are happy together, and decide to wed

Band of Banshee Airmen, A: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #29408}

"A band of banshee airmen, way out in the sunny Sudan, Where all the erks are banshee, and so's the fucking old man." The singer recalls the extreme tidyness of the captain of the Somersetshire. "So roll on the Nelson, the Rodney...."

The singer hails his sister (brother, mourner): "Don't you want to go to heaven? How I long to see that day." There's a "band of Gideon (milk white horses, milk and honey, healing water, golden chariot) over in Jordan"

Band Played On, The: (11 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #9615}

Known by the chorus, "Casey would waltz with a strawberry blonde, and the band played on...." The verses concern the social club founded by Matt Casey, and the kissing, courting, and dancing which took place there

A quatrain ballad that celebrates Lulu's sexual exploits, her peccadillos, and the singer's affection for the lady in question. A typical chorus asks, "What will we do for banging When Lulu's dead and gone?"

Bang Away, Lulu (II): (6 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #4835}

A teasing-song version of "Bang Away, Lulu I," i.e.: "Lulu's got a rooster. / Lulu's got a duck. / She put them in the bathtub / To see if they would --." Chorus: "Bang, bang Lulu," etc. (Note that the last line of each verse is left unfinished)

This is a compromise between Lulu I and II. Typical stanza: "Lulu gave a party, Lulu gave a tea, Then she left the table To see her chicken peck."

Shanty. "To Chile's coast we are bound away, To my hero Bangidero. To Chile's coast we are bound away, We'll drink and dance fandango..." Verses sing the praises of Spanish girls and various sexual exploits.

"Let craven hearts to tyranny Their coward homage render; The watchword of the brave and free Will still be "No Surrender!" "We kept our commemoration In honour of our Hero great Who freed the British nation" "We shall up and we shall on"

"It was on a Sunday afternoon, The sky was bright and clear, The people... felt no dread or fear." But a fire starts on Broad Street, and much of the town of Bangor burns. The song catalogs buildings destroyed. It praises mayor, firefighters, and God

Banished Defender, The: (6 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #13469}

"For the sake of my religion I was forced to leave my native home." "They swore I was a traitor and a leader of the Papist band, For which I'm in cold irons, a convict in Van Diemen's Land ... as a head leader of Father Murphy's Shelmaliers"

The singer wanders out and recalls the home from which (his parents) banished him. He recalls how the locals dislike strangers. He meets a "pretty fair maid who sore lamented." She says that her lover has been taken away. He reveals that he is her lover

Patrick Brady is "forced to banishment ... for being an upright Irishman that loved the shamrock green." At Carmanrock fair he and his comrades fought against those who swore to pull down the church. Brady is arrested but rescued and escapes to America.

"Come all you people that are here tonight... I've traveled this country over... But because I'm thin they call me slim, I'm a regular banjo tramp." The singer steals a man's trunk, is imprisoned, and vows to settle down but expects he'll ramble again

The Peerless from Gloucester set out six dories to fish on the banks. "Suddenly a storm did rise" and the dories with twelve fishermen are lost. "Our captain cruised about all day in hopes to take them up" but found no sign of the missing men.

A girl tells her mother that she loves Jack but will marry old Banker Brown for his money. Mother advises her to "wed the man you love." Daughter marries Banker Brown and, a year later, admits to her mother that it was a mistake.

Banks o' Deveron Water, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #3784}

The singer goes out to take the air by (Deveron) water, and chooses "a maid to be my love." He says her equal is not to be found elsewhere, describes her beauty, and says he would not trade her for great riches. He hopes they will someday wed

Banks o' Doon, The: (6 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #13889}

The singer asks how the banks of bonnie Doon can bloom "sae fresh and fair" when she is separated from her love. She pulled a rose, which her lover took while leaving her the thorn

Banks o' Loch Erie, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #12950}

Jamie/Willie would leave "Clyde's bonny banks" for America. He asks Jeannie to go with him to "the banks o' Loch Erie." "Poverty ne'er shall mak enjoyment grow weary." She will leave her father's hall and go with him to Lake Erie.

Banks o' Skene, The: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #5613}

"When I was just a rantin' girl, About the age of sixteen, I fell in love wi' a heckler lad Upon the banks o' Skene." The girl cuts her hair, puts on men's clothes, offers to be his apprentice. He sees through the disguise and offers to make her his wife

Banks of Allan Water, The: (4 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #4260}

"By the banks of Allan Water When the sweet springtime did fall, There I saw the miller's lovely daughter, Fairest of them all." By autumn, the girl has been betrayed by her soldier love and grieves; by winter, she is dead

Banks of Banna, The: (7 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #2058}

"Shepherds have you seen my love, Have you seen my Anna? Pride of every shady grove Upon the banks of Banna." The singer left home and herd for Anna; he will not return to them until he finds her. In some versions he finds her and they are happy.

The singer (a sailor) meets a girl and asks her to forget her lover -- telling her first that her lover is probably untrue and then that he's already married to another. She faints; he reveals that he is the long-lost lover

Banks of Champlain, The: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #2046}

Singer hears guns firing on Lake Champlain, but despite her patriotism laments the danger to her lover Sandy,without whom her life would not be worth living. The cannons cease, the British retreat; she waxes patriotic once more as other women celebrate

Banks of Claudy, The [Laws N40]: (48 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #266}

The singer meets a girl on the banks of Claudy. She is seeking her lover. He tells her Johnny is false, she rejects this. He tells her Johnny is shipwrecked; she is distressed. He tells her he is Johnny. She rejoices

Banks of Cloughwater, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #7961}

The singer loves Ellen, and cannot sleep for the love of her. But her parents oppose their match; now he is forced to "stand on guard this night to shun your company." He promises to make her his own; he has money and fears no one

Banks of Clyde (IV), The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #6267}

The singer meets a girl walking along the Banks of Clyde. They talk and kiss. She sings "We'll Row Thee O'er the Clyde" perfectly. He sees her home when it begins to rain. They still walk together along the Clyde.

A rich girl, now living with her uncle, falls in love with Willie, a plowboy. Since her uncle wants her to marry a squire, he tries to have Willie pressed. The squire attempts to take Mary; she shoots him, then her uncle. Mary then is free to marry Willie

Banks of Dunmore, The: (4 refs. 8K Notes) {Roud #3109}

An Englishman falls in love with a poor farmer's daughter of Dunmore. She will not marry a non-Catholic. She convinces him, by reference to the Testament, of transubstantiation and the authority of Rome. He converts. They marry and settle in Dunmore.

"One day as I was walking... On the banks of Inverurie I spied a bonnie lass." He asks her to wed. She replies that she knows he is a rake. He says he has reformed, and calls his servants to demonstrate his honesty. He again appeals to her to marry.

The singer sees a beautiful girl (dressed in mourning?) by Kilrae. She explains that her parents are dead. He promises to care for her like a parent. She finally agrees to marry. He hopes to live happily, and prepares for an elaborate party

The singer hears a young man begging a girl to come over the sea with him. She says that it's too dangerous to cross the ocean, and her parents are old. He reminds her of promises made, but bids her farewell; they will not see each other again

Banks of Mullen Stream, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #9205}

Sandy Grattan sings about the camp "for the firm of Edward Sinclair On the banks of Mullen Stream." The crew and driving team are named. George Amos breaks a leg under a rolling log, showing that "In the woods you're facing danger As great as in the War"

The singer offers a warning to listeners: Don't sail the northern seas without stout clothes! (He and his friends had pawned their jackets in Liverpool.) The singer's Irish fiancee tears up her petticoat to make him mittens. At last they reach New York

The singer bids landsmen to "bless your happy lot," since they are safe from storms. His ship is wrecked off Newfoundland; when food runs short, they cast lots to see who will be eaten. The Captain's son is picked, but another ship rescues them in time

Spring is time for fishing on the Banks. "Seas do roll tremendously ... midst heavy fog and wind." At night we risk being run down by "some large greyhound of the deep." At summer's end we return "to see our sweethearts and our wives"

Banks of Newfoundland (V), The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #5088}

September 2, Irish seamen sail from Waterford for Newfoundland where "a dreadful storm is raging." Three men are lost and others are "washed from off the deck." At morning there was no help for the dead and dying; "Not a Christian here to bury the dead"

The singer bids, "Fare thee well, ye banks of Sicily. Fare thee well, ye valley and shaw." Members of the 51st division prepare to leave Messina, and Sicily, and the girls they met as they occupied the island

The singer meets "a damsel of queenly appearance" and proposes; if he were king she'd wear a crown. Her father's angry looks discourages him. He will rove alone until death "for the sake of my charming fair Helen That I met in the town of Macroom"

Banks of Sweet Loch Rae, The: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #3821}

The singer meets a handsome soldier. He asks if she will come along with him. She says she cannot bear to leave (Loch Rae). He consents to have her stay if she will wait for him. She waits sadly for his return

Banks of Sweet Loughrea, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #3821}

A soldier quartered in Boyle meets a charming lass while in Loughrae. He proposes that they marry in Boyle. She says she "never intended a soldier's wife." Devastated, he says he will ask to be discharged as he is no longer fit for service.

Banks of Sweet Primroses, The: (18 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #586}

Speaker, while walking by banks of primroses, sees and courts a lovely woman. She spurns him and declares her intention to separate from men. (He tells listeners that even a cloudy, dark morning turns into a sunshiny day.)

"Prettiest little girl I ever saw, Lived on the banks of the Arkansas." "I started out with Maw and Paw, Down on the bank of the Arkansas, Plowed the crop with a mangy plug, Sold the corn in a gallon jug." Funny tales from the banks of the river

Delany recalls how, when he first came to (Ireland), he fell in love with a girl (on the banks of the Bann). Her parents disapproved of his poverty and sent him away, but she promised to prove true. (Now he is returned and promises to do well by her)

Banks of the Clyde (I), The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #3815}

A young man comes up to a pretty girl, who reports that her Willie has gone over the sea. He asks her to marry; she replies, "Though he prove unconstant, I'll always prove true." He reveals himself as Willie; they will marry shortly

Banks of the Dee (I), The: (10 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #3847}

"'Twas summer, and softly the breezes were blowing, And sweetly the nightingales sang in the trees." The girl remembers her Jamie, now gone "to quell the proud rebels." She earnestly hopes for his speedy return to her and the banks of the Dee

Banks of the Dee (II), The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #3814}

The singer "heard a maid a-sighing... And, 'Johnny,' she was crying, 'oh how could you leave me?" He recalls leaving her on the spot, and how they promised to be true. He tells her her love was slain in battle, then reveals that he is her love

On the banks of the Dee the singer meets a 56 year old coal miner who "can't get employment, 'cause my hair it's turned grey." When young he worked hard in the pit but now he's had his notice. Young miners should save their wages, not "hew them away"

Banks of the Don, The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #3846}

Singer pays sarcastic tribute to the "boarding-house" by the Don: rent and taxes are paid, food is free. Inmates must turn out and work in the stoneyard; knives and forks are counted after meals. To obtain residence, listeners can get publicly drunk

A logging crew comes to work the Gaspereaux. The singer (who is one of the loggers) meets a girl (nicknamed "Robin Redbreast" after her dress); they fall in love, but neither will leave home for the other, and they part

Banks of the Inverness, The: (8 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #3813}

The sailor sees a girl sighing on the banks of the (Inver)ness. He asks her if she is available. She says she is engaged to Willie. He declares that Willie is "in cold irons bound" and will not return. She says she will remain faithful. He reveals himself

Anglers cast flies for salmon and trout on the banks of the Lee.

The singer meets a schoolmarm who is seeking her lost lover Johnny. He tells her Johnny is drowned and buried far from home. The woman curses Wisconsin and Johnny's boss, and promises to give up teaching and any home near water

There is no river "like the rolling tide that flows 'longside The banks of the Murrymashee." The sportsmen gather to see it and the trout, salmon, and birds. The singer wouldn't trade it for gold, silver or royal robes.

Banks of the Mossen, The: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #1646}

"As I was a walking down by some shady grove... Young lambs were a-playing on the banks of sweet Mossen... The lark in the morning... brings me joyful tidings of Nancy my dear." The singer asks for pen and ink to write to Nancy

(William) has been ordered to the banks of the Nile. Molly offers to cut her hair, dress like a man, and go with him. He will not permit her to; (the climate is too harsh or women are simply not permitted). (He promises to return and they are parted)

The singer takes his sweetheart walking, hoping to discuss marriage. She seemingly refuses him (because she is too young?). Rather than wait, he throws her into the river to drown. In most versions he is not caught, though in some texts she haunts him

"Too long have I travelled the land of the stranger...." The singer wishes to return to "the land of O'Cahan," whom he recalls with pride. But those free men are long dead; he is left, and in exile, but "How I long to return to the banks of the Roe"

Banks of the Roses, The: (13 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #603}

In full form, (Jeannie) meets (Johnny) on the banks of the Roses and bids him never leave her. (Her father opposes the relationship.) Johnny takes her to a (cave) containing her grave; he kills and buries her. Many versions leave out portions of this plot

"On the banks of the Schuylkill so pleasant and gay, There blessed with my true love I spent a short day." The girl describes her happy time with the man. But now he has been taken for a soldier. She hopes they will be happily reunited

Banks of the Spey, The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #6780}

The singer meets a girl on the banks of the Spey. He asks to see her home. She says she has only a mile to go and her true love is waiting there. He calls on her at home. She tells him she is to be married. He crosses the ocean.

Mary says that her Willie "plays on his flute" but he'd stop if he knew she were here. Willie meets her. She complains that she hasn't seen him recently. He proposes that they "straightway repair" "to the alter of Hymen" to "join hearts and hands"

"Hark the dogs are barking, My love I must away... 'Tis many a mile to go To meet my fellow bushmen On the banks of the Waikato." He tells Sally she cannot come with him. He will dream of her while he is away, and he will return when the work is done

The singer sees a pretty girl by the Bann. He offers her a comfortable life if she will marry him. She says she would rather be poor than beguiled. He promises that, if he becomes poor, he will split his last shilling with her. They are happily married

Bannocks o' Barley: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #5653}

Highlanders are "the lads wi' the bannocks o' barley." They "drew the gude claymore for Charlie," "cowed the English lowns," "stood in ruin wi' bonny Prince Charlie" and suffered "'neath the Duke's bluidy paw"

Bannocks o' Barley Meal: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #5653}

(Donald) tells of "when he was a soldier wi' Geordie the Third," and boasts of the skill of Scottish soldiers; "when put to their mettle they're ne'er kent to fail" when given "well-buttered bannocks o' barley meal." He illustrates his point from history

Bannow's Bright Blue Bay: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #20522}

The singer recalls "where Bannow's Buried City lies beneath that bright blue sky." He remembers "one midnight as the moon went down beneath Rathdonnel's hill" when "the stormy sea" broke over it and it never woke again.

Bannow's Lonely Shore: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #20526}

"As on my pillow I recline in a foreign land to rest, The love of Bannow's flowery banks still throbs within my breast." The singer remembers his youth, plus ships, birds, and "youthful joys."

"Oh who will plough the field now ... Since Johnny went a-thrashing the dirty King of Spain." Everyone, even the police, miss him. "His heavy loss we Bantry girls will never cease to mourn" if he dies "for Ireland's pride in the foreign land of Spain"

"Banua, Banua, banua, oh! Banua, Banua, baby, I don't know.Won't you come to me, baby? Won't you bring me my bail? For a drink and a fight on a Saturday night, they put down in the Banua jail." Brighton insulted his girl, so the singer fought

"There came to us a patron saint, His name was Mr. Gordon.... He saw that we were all astray, And he came here to guide us... To be dipped! To be dipped! In Ebenezer's mill pond." Their fathers may take the girls to his church, but they prefer young men

"The day was drawing to its close, The sea was calm.... The pleasure yachts they sought repose." "Bar Harbor, how I love thy hills." The poet describes the sea, the mountains above the town, and many people of the town

A young barber is admired in general and in particular by a maid named Matilda. A butcher is jealous and goes to the barber shop where they fight and the butcher is killed. Matilda commits suicide; the barber goes crazy and eventually poisons himself.

"Barber, barber, shave a pig, How many hairs to make a wif? Four and twenty, that's enough, Give the barber a pinch of snuff."

"Lather and shave (x3), Shampoo and shear."

Bard of Armagh, The: (13 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #2654}

"O, list to the tale of a poor Irish harper... Remember those fingers could once move much sharper To waken the echoes of his dear native land." The bard recalls the days of his youth and vigor, then makes requests for his death and burial

Listeners are asked to weep for the "Sweet Bard of Culnady," Charles O'Neill. We are told that although he received little support or patronage, O'Neill was a much better musician than those in high favor.

Barefoot Boy with Boots On, The: (7 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #6675 and 9616}

Tales of the odd life of the barefoot boy with boots on. Most of the song's lyrics are either paradoxical ("The night was dark and stormy and the moon kept shining bright") or tautological ("his pants were full of pockets and his boots were full of feet")

"Oh, Nellie had a pair of shoes, She could wear 'em if she choose. Hi, Barefoot Nellie! Ho, Barefoot Nellie!"

The worker is accosted by a widow, who asks him to "bargain with me." They agree on a wage, then negotiate where he will sleep. He turns down a place with the chap and the maid; she offers herself. Learning that her husband is dead, he agrees to marry

Bargeman's Alphabet, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #21100}

"A is for anchor we carry on the bow... So merrily, so merrily, so merrily are we, There's none so blithe as a bargeman at sea... Given an old barge a breeze and you cannot go wrong." Typical alphabet song, ending "And X Y and Z is the name on our stern"

"Barges, I would like to go with you, I would like to sail the ocean blue. Barges, have you treasure in your hold? Do you fight with pirates brave and bold?" "Out of my window looking in the night," the singer ses the barges and dreams of travel

"Come all you young Americans and listen to my ditty..." The singer tells of the New Bedford whaler Gay Head, whose "rules and regulations They are most awful queer." The singer describes the builders and officers

Old Robin goes to town to sell his wood but comes home drunk. His loving wife complains. He threatens to beat her and the children and burn the house. He falls off the chair and sleeps on the floor. Now "Robin's turned teetotaler" and she is happy.

Cumulative song toasting successive sizes of drinking vessels, and those who serve them: "The quart pot, pint pot, half-a-pint, gill pot, half-a-gill, quarter-gill, nipperkin, and the brown bowl/Here's good luck, good luck, good luck to the barley mow."

The singer spies a couple "have a jovial treat" at hay-making time. After 20 weeks, "this fair maid fell a-sighing"; after 40 weeks, she is crying. She writes to her love. He rejects her, saying, "I dearly like my freedom."

"I took my girl for a ramble, a ramble, Adown a shady lane, She caught her foot in a bramble, And arse over ballocks she came. Oh Barney, oh, Barney, oh, bring back my Barney to me (x2)... Oh, Sergeant, O bring back my (rations/stirrups) to me."

Barney comes to his love Katie's door on a bitter winter night. Katie says that she is alone at home, and if she let him in she would tarnish her virtue. Despite the cold, he goes home proud of her pure name

"My name is Barney Blake, I'm a tearing Irish rake." He considers himself as good as anyone. He is courting Biddy Donahue. He met her at Pat O'Hare's wedding. Hearers are warned not to fool with Barney Blake the sailor

Barney Brallaghan: (12 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #9592}

"'Twas on a frosty night at two o'clock in the morning." Barney Brallaghan courts sleeping Judy Callaghan from under her window. He recounts her charms and his possessions. He leaves when the rain starts but promises to return until she marries him.

Young Mary and Jack go on a journey; Jack takes four grains of corn. They stop at a witch's house; she prepares to kill them. Jack throws out his grains of corn, one at a time; each turns into something which helps the children return home

"I am going far away, Nora darling... It will break my heart in two Which I fondly give to you, And no other is so loving, kind, and true." He is going away on a ship to seek his fortune; she stays to care for her mother. They do not expect to meet again

As Barney McShane is passing the widow's door it begins to pour down rain. She tells him to come in; she'll fix him some tea and they can cuddle. The song praises her beauty

"Now let me alone" says the singer to Barney O'Hea. He had "better look out for the stout Corney Creagh" and don't be impudent. Don't follow me to Brandon Fair where I'll be alone. They meet at the fair. She promises to marry "impudent Barney O'Hea"

The singer was to meet Barney at the gate by eight o'clock. She expects him to come to propose. But he has not appeared. She hopes he is not with another girl

Barns o' Beneuchies, The: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #2176}

"My freens, ane an' a', I'll sing ye a sang... It's about a mannie Kempie... For he rages like the deevil in the mornin'." The crew that works the barns complains about Kempie and rejoices to leave; he too will be out of work soon

Singer recounts his troubles in trying to take care of his animals. His dog is missing, his bull is 'doing the barnyard tumble' with the cows, his hens and roosters have gone on strike, his horse is in the neighbor's barn and his milk cow kicks him.

Barnyards o' Delgaty, The: (10 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #2136}

The young man comes to Turra Market to seek work. A wealthy farmer promises him good conditions at Delgaty. The promises prove false; the horses are poor and lazy, and the working conditions bad. The man boasts of his abilities and cheerfully departs

Baron o Leys, The [Child 241]: (5 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #343}

The Baron of Leys leaves his home for another country, where he gets a girl pregnant. She confronts him, demanding that he marry her, pay her a fee, or lose his head. Since he is married, he perforce pays her what she asks (ten thousand pounds?)

Baron of Brackley, The [Child 203]: (14 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #4017}

Inverey comes to Brackley's gate, calling for Brackley to come forth. The baron, with few men on hand, would stay within, but his wife shames him into going out (with 4 men against 400). Brackley is killed; Lady Brackley rejoices. (His son vows revenge)

Baron of Gartley, The: (2 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #5873}

Gartley returns from war. At his gate he is told that he has died on the battlefield and that his wife has a new husband. The Baron asks "the weird sisters" to curse his lady and her leman. At morning the castle seems burnt and none in it are alive.

"Brightly the morning sun lit the horizon o'er When the bark (Ohio/Roscius) sailed from the shore... Ohio, Ohio, success to thee." She is one of six whalers to set out that day; it will be three years before she is home. "Ohio, Ohio, welcome home."

"Over the northern pass he rode, Barr of the Western Chain"; he makes a long and difficult trip on horseback, "to bring her, his peerless bride, A bride for the Western Chain." But he drowns in a raging river before he reaches her home. She mourns

"You young men all attention pay and fair maids lend an ear"; the singer has been taken in "Cupid's trap" by a girl who lives on Barrack Hill. She prefers another. He is weak and devastated. The singer gives a riddle for her name

"On Wednesday morning, May the third, nineteen and forty-four, We left our homes seal hunting went." Their ship is jammed in the ice. The sealers try to set out for the barracks. The T-14 finds them the next day and takes them home

The Prince's Own sail from Cadiz to Gibraltar Bay and land at Algesir. Their Spanish allies at Tarifa Bay refuse to fight. General Graham leads the Britons and Irish to escape an ambush, defeat the French and capture an eagle standard.

"Barossa Jack, Barossa Jack, Get off your back, go into town, Don't let them down, Your oppos."

"Sunday the seventh of November Blackrock and Saint Finbarrs did play" St Finbarr's scored first but Blackrock led at half-time. "We pulled it right out of the fire ... The famous Blackrocks were defeated ... long life to the gallant old Blues"

"You can tell we're bright young fellows, We're the elegants from the south, You can tell we're educated By the expressions from our mouths." The team boasts of its success in contests and with the ladies, and claim they can free Ireland

After a dinner party the whisky-punch is brought out "and soon all 'neath the table lay" except Barry. He challenges all at each whisky shop with the same result. He comes sick, ignores doctor's warning to avoid drink, and lives many years.

Barrymore Tithe Victory, The: (1 ref. 1K Notes) {Roud #V40152}

"There was a poor man, and he had but one cow, The Parson had seized her." depriving the family of milk. At auction, guarded by "the Watergrass Hill boys," "no human being would Drimon dare buy." The cow is returned.

"Mum, Mum, Mum, Dad, Dad, Dad, If you give me a ha'penny I'll be glad. Jack, put your horse in the stable; Yes, sir, if I am able. Able or not, the work must be done, So strike up the fiddle and play the drum; Mum, Mum, Mum, Dad, Dad, Dad."

Gaelic. Singer finds a dying croppy. He seems transported to his mother's home. She tells him that his father has been killed. "Shall Eire never a tear bestow On the soldier who fought her fight?"

"Oh, it was in the year eighteen hundred and one When I left my poor Kate all sad and alone" to work three months on the Baskatong. The singer praises the foreman Kennedy as fair, describes the men and the food, and prepares to write home

"I'll follow my mother to market, To buy herself a basket, When she comes home, She'll break our bones, But follow my mother to market."

Two sailors offer to carry a girl's basket. She says it contains eggs. The sailors go to an ale-house. The landlord opens the basket and finds a baby. The sailors offer to pay any woman who will take the child. The girl takes the money and the child

The singer engages in various activities (e.g. playing the ghost in "Hamlet"), but always thinks of the girl: "Oh, she loves another and it's no use to try, When oh, she sings out 'Sound onions, who'll buy?'"

Basket-Maker's Child, The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #7379}

"Where the green willow swayed by the brook... In a little cottage nestled in a quiet nook Dwelt the basket-maker's child." One Saturday night they told the singer that she must die. She asks to be buried by the brook, and happily goes to the Savior

Bastard King of England, The: (7 refs. 5K Notes) {Roud #8388}

Philip of France is captured by a "thong on his prong"; when he is dragged to London, all the maids cheer him, for the Frenchman's pride has stretched a yard or more. The bastard king of En-ga-land is usurped.

"There was a maid of the mountain glen, Seduced herself with a fountain pen," which burst and causes her bastard baby to be blue-black. Another girl uses a beer bottle instead of a pen, and her child is nut-brown

"Yes, Troy City was crowded On Independence Day All listening to the verdict of Bat Shay." "Do not electrocute Bat Say, The weeping neighbors said; It would break his mother's heart And kill his poor old dad." (Shay is condemned even so.)

Bateman's Tragedy (Young Baithman): (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #22132}

A beautiful girl has many suitors but eventually settles on Baithman. But she changes her mind to marry a rich man she does not love. Baithman hangs himself. She regrets her decision. She lives until her child is born, then dies

Batson has worked for Mr. Earle for years without being properly paid. At last he murders Earle. He is arrested and sentenced to die. Much of the ballad is devoted to details of Batson's hanging and his conversations while in prison

Battle at Charleston Harbor, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #V31424}

"On the seventh day of April, in 1863, The South Atlantic Squadron, with colors waving free," attacks Charleston. Admiral Dupont urges them on, and the monitors fight hard, but the defenses are stout and the Keokuk is sunk

Battle Cry of Freedom, The: (18 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #V20863}

"Oh, we'll rally 'round the flag, boys, we'll rally once again, Shouting the battle cry of freedom... The Union forever, hurrah, boys, hurrah...." Sundry boasts about the might and patriotism of the Union army marching to overcome the rebels

Battle Hymn of the Republic, The: (25 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #V17636}

"Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord...." A hymn of praise to a martial God, who sounds forth a trumpet "that shall never call retreat," and to Christ who "died to make men holy." The listener is reminded, "Our God is marching on."

"It was in '82, in the early spring, The birds had barely begun to sing" when three lumberjacks from Manistee start a fight with those from Traverse. Fighting Ike and Billy Ellis were the stalwarts of the Traverse loggers; the Manistees are driven off

Battle of Alford, The: (2 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #3802}

Covenanters attacked Alford and were hunted "until three hundred o' our men lay gaspin in their lair." A shot in the back -- from his own men? -- killed Gordon. "Altho' he was our enemy We grieved for his wrack" Scotland had no match for him.

Battle of Alma (I), The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #1221}

"A jolly young soldier a letter did write To his own dearest jewel... To tell her of the dangers... At the Battle of Alma where thousands were slain." Lord Raglan commanded; the Russians were forced to retreat. He hopes the wars will end

Battle of Antietam Creek, The: (1 ref. 2K Notes) {Roud #15487}

At Antietam, singer hears a wounded comrade tell of leaving his home, disliking his master, and running off to New Orleans, where he is conscripted. After ten battles, he has been wounded. The singer realizes that the man is his own brother

Battle of Ballycohy, The: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #25270}

Billy Scully "turn'd from the Church." He gave notice to tenants who had paid their rent. Armoured, he was shot by "the boys of Ballycohy" and Gorman and a peeler Scully had for help were killed. "Here's success to brave Moore, says the Shan Van Voch"

Battle of Baltimore, The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #13958}

"Old Ross, Cockburn, and Cochrane too, And many a bloody villain more" prepare to plunder Baltimore. Winder retreats to Virginia. VIrginians come to Maryland's aid. The British cannot defeat Fort McHenry. The Americans retreat; the Virginians boast

Battle of Barossa, The: (5 refs. 3K Notes) {Roud #2182}

"On the second day of February, from Cadiz we set sail." They travel via Gibraltar and Algiers to "the Reef o' Bay." General Graham encourages the British army. The 92nd and 81st regiments fight valiantly. The soldiers anticipate seeing home and women

Battle of Boulogne, The: (7 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #3175}

"On the second of August, eighteen hundred and one, We sailed with Lord Nelson to the port of Boulogne." The forces attack a strongly entrenched position, and suffer heavy casualties. Nelson and crews work for better times for the wounded

Battle of Bridgewater, The: (1 ref. 10K Notes) {Roud #4030}

"On the twenty-fifth of July, as you may hear them say, We had a short engagement on the plains of Chippewa." Although the British have 8000 men, and American generals Brown and Scott are wounded, the Americans win the day

[Irvin] McDowell leads a Union army to defeat at Bull Run (Manasses Junction). The valiant rebels are compared with the cowardly Unionists, who are so completely routed that many fine Washington ladies must flee with them.

Battle of Carrickshock, The: (1 ref. 3K Notes) {Roud #9772}

The Irish are liberated: "They'll pay no more the unjust taxation, Tithes are abolished on Sliav na Mon." The Catholics exult. The battle was bloody and Luther's candle now is fading. We'll banish the oppressors and traitors.

Battle of Corrichie, The: (4 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #6318}

Mourn, Highlands and Lowlands "for the bonnie burn o' Corrichie His run this day wi' bleid." Huntley's son loves Queen Mary and, with the Gordon clan, faces "fause Murray" whose "slee wiles spoilt a' the sport And reft him o' life and limb" Details follow

Battle of Corrymuckloch, The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #5843}

Gaugers and [six] Scottish Greys surround Donald the smuggler to seize his whisky. Donald and his men fight back with sticks and stones, knock a soldier from his horse until "the beardies quit the field [and] The gauger he was thumped"

A Union/Confederate soldier (Dan Martin) tells of how he fled from the rebels/federals at Elkhorn Tavern. The song exists in both Union and Confederate versions, which give very different details of what happened.

"Up and rin away', Hawley (x2), The philabegs are coming down." "Young Charlie" has given Hawley's army a thrashing. The song insults the Hannoverian troops and describes how the Jacobites won a very close battle

Battle of Fisher's Hill: (4 refs. 17K Notes) {Roud #7029}

"Old Early's Camp at Fisher's Hill Resolved some Yankee's blood to spill, He chose the time when Phil was gone." Early attacks the Union troops, but Sheridan hears the fight, rides back, and rallies his troops to brush Early aside

"Hark, don't you hear that rumbling sound? Fort Sumter's cannons roar... Whilst bomb shells on them pour." Men are killed. Someone (it's not clear who) should hang as high as Haman. The poet hopes tyrants will fall

The singer comes to see the battle near Strathdown between Huntly and Errol on one hand and Argyle on the other. Various participants and incidents of the battle are mentioned. The song concludes with estimates of the losses

Battle of Halifax, The: (1 ref. 3K Notes) {Roud #29409}

"Now gather 'round children and to you I will spill The tale of the raid upon Oland's old still." People rush through Halifax drinking and robbing. The authorities, instead of stopping it, join in. It's the armed forces' revenge on those who stayed home

Battle of Harlaw, The [Child 163]: (13 refs. 13K Notes) {Roud #2861}

A Highland army marches to Harlaw (to claim an earldom for their leader). The local forces oppose them on principle, and a local chief kills the Highland commander. The battle is long and bloody, but the defenders hold their ground

Battle of Kilcumney, The: (1 ref. 1K Notes) {Roud #23995}

The rebels are routed at the Battle of Kilcumney. Afterwards, nine British troops burn John Murphy's house. Four Wexford pikemen kill five of the nine. Teresa Malone escapes from the house to rebel lines after shooting one more of the attackers.

"Clavers and his Highlandmen Came down upon the raw, man." The song describes, rather vaguely, how "the English blades got broken heads. "The redcoats of "King Shames" perform worse than the Highlanders

"'Twas on a pleasant mountain, the Tory heathens lay, With a doughty major at their head, One Ferguson they say." Shelby attacks and defeats the Tory raiders and destroys them. The singer gives thanks and toasts the American soldiers

"Avast, honest Jack, now,before you get mellow" while the singer describes the "young commodore, and his fresh-water crew, Who keelhaul'd the Britons." The singer tells of the fight on Lake Erie, of Perry's transfer of flag, and the British ships taken

Battle of Lake Erie, The: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #2826}

"Ye tars of Columbia, give ear to my story, Who fought with brave Perry, where cannons did roar." The Lawrence is badly damaged, but Perry transfers to the Niagara and wins the battle. The song concludes with a toast to Perry

A wounded soldier speaks fondly of his family and sweetheart. He wonders who will care for them. He recalls how soldiers looked so gallant when he was a little boy. He kisses the (Union) flag and dies.

American troops under Andrew Jackson easily repulse the British attempt to capture New Orleans. After three unsuccessful charges, the British are forced to retire.

As armies under Earls Douglas of Scotland and Percy (aka Hotspur) of Northumberland battle, the dying Douglas asks Montgomery to conceal his corpse under a bush. Percy refuses to surrender to the bush but does yield to Montgomery

Battle of Pea Ridge (II): (1 ref. 3K Notes) {Roud #3133}

"It was on March the seventh in the year of sixty-two" that the Confederates fought "Abe Lincoln's crew." Fighting under Van Dorn, they lose 10,000 men. Cap Price does not want to retreat. The carnage is severe

Battle of Pentland Hills, The: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #8186}

"The ganllant Grahams cam from the west, Wi' their horses black as ony craw." Forces gather to battle under General Dalyell at the Pentland Hill to contest the Covenant. The Whigs are decisively defeated

Sir David [Leslie] comes to Philiphaugh with 3000 Scots. They find a man to lead them to Montrose's army. The man, concerned by Leslie's small numbers, reveals why he hates Montrose and reveals how to defeat him. The defeat duly takes place

Battle of Point Pleasant, The: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #4029}

"Let us mind the tenth day of October, Seventy-four, which caused woe." "Captain Lewis and some noble Captains" engage in battle with the Indians by the Ohio River; "seven score," including the officers, are casualties, but the battle is won

"Upon the heights of Queenston one dark October day, Invading foes were marshalled in battle's dread array." General Brock, intent on repelling the invaders, leads his troops up the hill and is killed. The soldiers mourn

"God prosper long our King and Queen, Our lives and safeties all, A sad misfortune once there did Schenectady befall." The French come from Canada to raid the town. Many are murdered in their beds. Cavalry attack the retreating French raiders

Battle of Sheriffmuir, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #2867}

"There's some say that we wan, and some that they wan, And some say that nane wan at a' man!" The song catalogs the fighters at the Battle of Sheriffmuir, and notes how many fighters ran

A survivor of the Battle of Shiloh describes the difficult and bloody campaign, hoping that there will be no more such battles. The sufferings of the wounded men are alluded to, as are the prayers of the dying.

Battle of Shiloh, The [Laws A10]: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #2199}

"All you southerners now draw near, Unto my story approach you here, Each loyal southerner's heart to cheer." A southerner tells of the southern "victory" at Shiloh and the Yankee "retreat"

Battle of Stone River, The: (2 refs. 7K Notes) {Roud #16820}

Confederate General Bragg tells his men to hold the line at Stone River. Union Gen. Johnson is prepared to cut and run, but Rosecrans and Van Cleve stand firm. Singer sees the ground red with blood; Sills is killed. They fight until the rebels retreat

Battle of Stonington: (1 ref. 2K Notes) {Roud #V42138}

"Four/Three/A gallant ship(s) from England came, Freighted deep with fire and flame... To have a dash at Stonington." The Ramilles opens the attack on the town. The Americans have few guns but fight hard and drive off the British ships

Battle of the Baltic, The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #27999}

"Of Nelson and the North, Sing the glorious day's renown, When to battle fierce came forth All the might of Denmark's crown." The British are brave and defeat the enemy, who lie "Full many a fathom deep By thy wild and stormy steep, Elsinore!"

Battle began "upon a summer's morn, unclouded rose the sun." Williamites Schomberg, Walker, and Caillemotte are killed. James deserts his supporters who are "worthy of a better cause and of a bolder king." William would not pursue the fleeing Jacobites

"July the first, in Oldbridge town ...." "In vain they marched to slaughter; For oh! 'tis lost what William won That day at the Boyne Water." "Fear has lost what valour won." May "days return when men shall prize The deeds of the Boyne Water"

"We men of the North" defeated a brand-wielding "lawless band" in a deadly battle on Diamond Hill. For the singer, that battle is the model for future encounters. "We have bided our time -- it is well nigh come! It will find us stern and steady"

"One day at Port Stanley The lookout man did see Some smoke upon the horizon; 'I wonder if that's Graf von Spee?'" The admiral is shaving, but he has a score to settle. Graf Spee has "blundered Obeying orders from Kaiser Bill"

Battle of the Kegs, The: (7 refs. 3K Notes) {Roud #V21421}

The singer tells of the battle between the British fleet and a flotilla of American barrels. As the barrels float downstream, the British fear they contain bombs or commandos, and blast the kegs to smithereens -- then boast of their victory

Battle of the Navvies, The: (2 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #V3578}

"We burnt the Bully Beggarman." Led by Mick Kenna "the Navvies left their work" firing pistols and throwing rocks through the windows of a school. When they saw us they fled. Challenged, we beat them again. Now we help "to crush those fearful Riots"

Nelson's fleet attacks the French near the Egyptian shore. Although the singer's ship Majestic suffers severely, the British are completely victorious, with 13 ships destroyed or taken and the rest fled

"South of the border, Down Montvideo way, That's where the pocket battleship Graf Spee came out one day." He thought he would find easy prey, but the Ajax, Achilles, and Exeter drive him away. The ship is scuttled. "The Nelson spirit will never die."

Battle of the Wilderness, The: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #V30296}

"Now boys just listen while I sing you a song sirs, About our veteran troops...." The rebel troops try to trap generals Grant and Meade, but the Union army continues on to Spotsylvania. The singer expects victory despite the death of General Sedgwick

Battle of the Windmill, The: (3 refs. 5K Notes) {Roud #4523}

"On Tuesday morning we marched out In command of Colonel Fraser... To let them know, that day, below, We're the Prescott Volunteers." The soldiers come to the Windmill Plains and, boldly led, drive off the invaders

"On Christmas day in seventy-six Our gallant troops with bayonets fixed For Trenton marched away." The Americans cross the Delaware River and attack and scatter the Hessian garrison. The soldiers toast the memory of that day

Battle of Vicksburg, The: (4 refs. 11K Notes) {Roud #4500}

"On Vicksburg's globes and bloody grounds A wounded soldier lay, His thoughts was on his happy home Some thousand miles away." The dying man recalls mother and sweetheart and prepares for the end

The English army of 20000 defeat 10000 Wexford pikemen in a fierce battle. The pikemen were brave and valiant; the English were stubborn and warlike. The singer comments on the pity that freeborn Englishmen "should strike fair freedom down"

Orangemen come to Tyrone to celebrate July 12, "but our loyal-hearted Catholics soon made them run away." "We'll still be faithful to George the Fourth, and loyal to his crown, But not afraid, nor yet dismay'd, to keep those Brunswickers down"

"I'm proud to say I'm from P. A. where the mining boys are loyal." They work hard in the mines and "love the flag of liberty." The singer recalled the work of John Mitchell, Hayes, and White. He cheers for Wilson, and says the boys are fighting in france.

"You are just a lonely battler and you're waiting for a rattler And you wish to heaven you were never born." The hobo watches the trains and prepares for a rough ride. But "There will surely come a day When you'll own a bloody railway of your own."

Battleship of Maine: (9 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #779}

Humorous song about a country boy caught up in the Spanish-American war, for which he has little sympathy. He describes bad conditions in the army, notes that the "Rough Riders" wear $5.50 shoes, while the poor farmers wear dollar-a-pair shoes.

The singer hushes a birdie she has in a bog, among a little moss. It runs away, she looks all day and finds it in a duck's nest. She bids it go home.

Bawdy Alphabet, The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #21104}

A variation of the standard Alphabet songs (Logger's, Sailor's, etc.) with A to Z references to matters sexual or private parts

As the 22nd Maine struggles against Early at Fredericksburg, orders come that a battery must be taken. The regiment repeatedly tries and fails. The colonel is shot down. In the next attack, his riderless horse leads the charge and the battery is captured

A ship is wrecked at night in a storm in the Bay of Biscay. At daybreak "a sail in sight appears" and the crew is rescued.

The singer's ship and the Rameley set out from Spithead. The two ships are separated by a storm in the Bay of Biscay. The Rameley, arriving at Gibraltar, reports the other ship lost, but at last it comes in, having lost mast, captain, and ten crewmembers

Bay Road girls raise their skirts to tempt the Bay Road boys. The Bay Road boys should "take care wha you about"

Bayou Sara, The: (4 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #10010 and 4139}

The Bayou Sara (Bicera) is a fine boat, but catches fire and burns down, taking many people with her. The song may mention all the crew she lost, or the singer's own escape and watching for angels to come for him.

"There are lots of little swindles In all New Zealand towns... But of all the various dodges tried For taking people in The nest is a Fancy Bazaar" where one never leaves until "totally fleeced." A list of the tricks, and some of the victims, follows

Be Careful in Choosing a Wife: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #4744}

Beware. Women are deceitful and unkind and the silliest will outwit any man. When a squaller is born you must work harder. Your wife won't wash shirts or make you breakfast or dinner. She'll beat you if you don't put the squaller to sleep at night.

The singer's has worked hard all his life, and occasionally goes to town for fun. But his mother regularly tells him, "Be home early tonight." Once, when she is sick, he goes out partying and returns to find her dead. He warns against ignoring mother

Be Kin' to Yer Nainsel, John: (2 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #2480}

His dying wife says to John: there are three spoons, three cows, three carts,.... Give one of each to the lassie, one to the laddie, and one to yourself. His wife dies. John "I maun hae anither, I've plenty for to keep her, An be kind tae my nainsel"

Be Kind to the Loved Ones at Home: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #21394}

"Be kind to thy father, for when thou wert young, Who loved thee so fondly as he?" But now he is passing away and deserves kindness. Similarly, be kind to mother, brother, sister

Be Kind to Your Web-Footed Friends: (5 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #10248}

"Be kind to your web-footed friends, For a duck may be somebody's mother...." Listeners are urged to be kind to swamp animals and perhaps other ecologically unfortunate creatures

"Ne merry, be merry, I pray you everyone." "A principal point of charity, IIt is so merry for to be, In him that is but one, Be merry." "He that is but one in bliss, To us has sent his son." Jesus was born of a maid. Mary, save merry-makers. Give thanks

"Be prepared! That's the Boy Scouts' marching song." The scouts should be prepared to "hold your liquor pretty well," "Don't write naughty words if you can't spell, "Hide that pack of cigarettes," and otherwise hide their private lives

Be Present at Our Table, Lord: (7 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #37301}

"Be present at our table, Lord, Be here and ev'ry where adored, These mercies bless, and grant that we May feast in Paradise with Thee."

A squire meets a maid. He says "I've loved you long" and asks her for a kiss: "be quick, for I'm in haste." Hodge, for whom she has been waiting, comes with a ring. She and Hodge leave for church. She tells the squire, "You see sir, I'm in haste"

"Be very stll, my children dear." A mouse is near and we don't want her. In the pantry she drinks the cream, bites the cheese and "nibbles nearly all the cakes." The singer gets the cat. It will chase the mouse "and soon we'll all have jolly fun"

"Be you dark or be you fair, What is the color of your hair?" (color names follow, e.g. black, brown, yellow, red, then perhaps R-E-D, and you are IT)

"I've seen the lights of old gay Broadway," and much of the rest of the world, but the singer advises seeing Beale Street. But there is also a warning: "If Beale Street could talk, Married men would have to take their beds up and walk...."

A farmer's daughter loves a servant man. Her father has him sent to sea. He is killed in battle. His ghost visits the father. The daughter hears about it. She hangs herself. Father finds her hanging. Her note blames the father, who goes mad

The singer, born in 1894, has "seen many a panic," but the worst distress is in (1931). He is on a work crew, being fed a daily ration of "beans, bacon, and gravy," which "almost drive me crazy." He describes the hard times and hopes for better

Alternate lines are a chorus, "Bear away Yankee, bear away boy." The shantyman sings "Deep de water and shallow de shore .. Bear away to Noble Bay." "What me going tell John Gould today? ... Deep de water, shallow a shore."

Hunters and dogs go out to hunt the (bear/deer). Most of the song is about the activities of the dogs. Chorus: "Way, away, We're bound for the mountain (x3), Over the hills, The fields and the fountains, Away to the chase, Away!"

"Going on a bear hunt Wanna come along?" "Coming to the short grass, Can’t go around it, Can’t go under it, Gotta go through it." "Coming to the tall grass, Can't go around..." Eventually they find a bear in a cave -- and run

Bear Hunters of 1836, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #4154}

"'Twas in December's dreary month, The snow lay on the ground, When Wasgatt, traveling in the woods, A track of bears he found." Wasgatt and Co. gather their guns, go to the bears' den, and shoot the lot -- and are declared to be brave as Putnam

Bear in the Hill, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #15552}

"There's a bear in yon hill, and he is a brave fellow." The bear goes out to seek a wife. He meets and courts a possum. She will marry him if her uncle (the raccoon) agrees. The agreement is made and the couple married

"Good people, have you heard of late Of times in Bear Lake Valley? They're must'ring all the forces there... To put a fearful monster down At first they thought but sham." It moves incredibly quickly, lives in several states, and fills the sky with fish

Bear River Murder, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #3286}

"About a brutal murder I now say a word, I mean that Bear River murder No doubt of it you've heard." Detective Power discusses the murder and why he thinks Wheeler is the murderer and how it happened. Wheeler confesses and is to be hung September 8.

A bear is discovered and chased by men two days through the snow. Part of the story is told by the bear: "it's the shot makes me run" It dies. "It is rumored the bear's made a will" witnessed by Nicholas, leaving his fur for "caps for the boys"

"Bear the news, Mary (x3), I'm on my way to glory." "If you git there before I do, I'm a-hunting a home to go to, Just tell them all I'm a-coming too, I'm a-hunting a home to go to."

Bear Went Over the Mountain, The: (7 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #3727}

"The bear went over the mountain (x3) To see what he could see." "He saw another mountain (x3), And what do you think he did?" "He climbed the other mountain...."

The singer meets a pretty girl who lives near Beardiville. He asks her to come with him to County Derry. She asks him to stay a while so she can be sure he is serious. Her father consents, and they are married

French. A girl's lover sails to the Indies and returns to find her in a convent. He cries at the door. If I stay, she says, it is your fault. He offers her a gold ring as a remembrance. When he puts the ring on her finger, he falls dead. She mourns.

French. A girl has won a sailor's/grenadier's heart. He takes her to his room and gives her a gold ring. Her other lover listens at the door. The jilted lover considers killing the girl but kills her new lover instead.

French. A young prisoner is conscripted. Without leave, he goes to see Nanette in her castle, where he is captured. He is sent as a deserter to the deepest darkest dungeon in Paris.

French. A gentleman takes off his white gloves and gives a woman all the money she wants. He says, time for love. She follows him backwards saying "Good evening. I am going down river." I will go with my money to a convent and live happily.

"Ain't it fierce to be so beautiful, beautiful." The beautiful girl has "no peace of mind"; everyone is kind, but waits outside her door, offering flowers, etc. The brainy girl replies with similar words, save that she receives good grades and handshakes

"Beautiful Bill was a 'dorable beau, Beautiful Bill did worry me so, Sweetest of Wills, my beautiful Bill, My beautiful, beautiful, (beautiful) Bill." Bill courts the lady (but already has a wife and child?)

Beautiful Brown Eyes: (6 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #17030}

Man (?) praises "beautiful brown eyes"; he'll never see blue eyes again. Woman says she loves Willie; they were to be married tomorrow, but liquor kept them apart. Man falls on the floor, vows not to drink any more. Woman, married, wishes she were single

The singer describes his home in Donegal. A factory, "where pretty girls do sew," stands in the middle of town. Around it there are plantations and a lake with a beautiful island. Other find towns are nearby. He hopes to live there with his love

Beautiful Dreamer: (8 refs. 3K Notes) {Roud #24434}

"Beautiful dreamer, wake unto me, Starlight and dewdrops are waiting for thee." The singer tells how the "sounds of the rude world" have faded in the night, and hopes for an end to sorrow

"We need them [the priest's hands] in life's early morning, We need them again at its close." Singer mentions the clasp of friendship, and priest's hands at the altar, absolution, marriage, and "when death-dews on our eyes are falling."

"There's a beautiful home, far over the sea, That beautiful place, for you and for me... That the Savior for me has gone to prepare." The sun shines there, the singer will have a crown; hearers will meet with angels and friends

"Beautiful isle of the sea! Smile on the brow of the waters, Dear are your mem'ries to me, Sweet as the songs of your daughters, Over the mountains and vales, Down by each murmuring river." The singer praises this "Land of the True and the Old"

Beautiful Ruth falls in love with a handsome Henry from Dover. Her parents confine her. He sails to Spain and marries a rich woman. She escapes her parents, dresses as a sailor, and finds him. His wife dies. Henry and Ruth are married and live happily

"One morning in July alone as I strayed By the banks of the Shannon I met a fair maid." She is so beautiful that he must court her, but she bids him "forbear"; she loves a sailor. He reveals himself as her missing sailor; they marry

"As Beautiful Nancy was walking one day, She met a young sailor, all on the highway." She has not seen Jemmy for three years. He says he is rich and asks if she will fancy him. She says she will always be true to Jemmy. He reveals himself; they marry

"Beautiful star, star, star, Bright morning star, Beautiful star, star, star, Star in the East, Although you see me go along so, Star in the East, I have my trials here below, Star in the East"

"Beautiful star in heav'n so bright, Softly falls thy silvr'y light, As thou movest from earth afar, Star of the evening, beautiful star. Beautiful star, Beautiful star, Star of the evening, beautiful star." The singer asks the star to watch over his love

Beautiful Susan [Laws M29]: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #1022}

Susan's parents take advantage of her sweetheart William's absence to inform her that he is dead. They arrange a marriage to another man. William's letter announcing his return drives her to suicide. William sees her ghost and also kills himself

Singer must leave "Ireland the gem of the sea," which he wishes were free. No land can compare with it. "The ship is now anchored in the bay, But when I will return with my true-love It is then you may be sure I'll stay"

Beauty of Buchan, The: (2 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #5630}

"Sheep is rejected And they from their pastures are banished away." The mountains once "wi flocks all clad over ... But now they are lonely for want o' flocks only." "Woe to our gentry, they're ruined a' our country"

"Near the foot of the Blackhill there lives a fair dame, And fain would I court her, fair Annie by name." The singer praises her looks, her voice, her teeth. If he could, he would write her name in gold letters. But she fancies him not; he begs for pity

Beauty of the Braid, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #9477}

The singer has wandered far, but his "intellect is consummated By the charming beauty lives in the Braid." He asks how she came there; she was rescuing a lost lamb. He asks her name; she answers in riddles and bids him seek more education

"Beauty stands at the crossroads, Silver winds blowing free, Softly she's calling, She's calling to me. Take the hand of a comrade, Seek the pine where it stands, Follow on as she leads you In happy gay bands."

"I went to town the other day To buy myself a hat, sir, I picked upon this beaver cap, With bill so broad and flat, sir." The song may detail the exploits of the boy with the cap -- e.g. letting a hen roost in it, throwing the eggs at his mother, etc.

"I've worked like a dog and what have I got? No corn in the crib, no beans in the pot." Faced with such dire poverty, the singer sets up a still. He is caught and imprisoned. His wife hires a man and does well. The singer warns against making moonshine

Johnny Gallagher sets out across Lake Michigan despite a warning from his mother. On the way home, the boat is almost to Beaver Island when it sinks with all hands in a storm

"Come,boys, if you'll listen, I'll sing you a song"about Beaver River, "not far from Tupper, but closer to Hell." The singer left a good job at Saranac to join this camp. He lists the men who have come and gone from the jon.

Bebe Hung One On Us: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #31262}

"I am a jolly shanty boy, My age is 17, I am the biggest sucker, I'll bet you've ever seen." His brother Ed is in love with Bebe Sack, and they go to the woods to earn enough to marry her. But she dumps him for another, and has a baby with red hair

The singer remembers Georgia and the cotton farms. "I cannot help from thinking, no matter what my doom, Of the happy moments when I saw sweet Becky at the loom." He has left her far behind, but hopes above all else to return

"Bed is too small for my tiredness, Give me a hill topped with trees, Tuck a cloud up under my chin, Lord, blow the moon out, please." "Rock me to sleep in a cradle of dreams...."

The girl is sent into service "when I was young." Her master becomes enamored of her. The mistress catches him with her, and throws the girl out. At last she bears a son, and brings him back to the father, blaming it all on "the bed-making."

The singer, a tinker, meets Sally Anne and takes her into his Bedford Van. She proposes, they marry, and honeymoon in Glasgow. He is stopped for driving drunk. Sally "took sick" from overeating. When "a big dame" makes a pass at him Sally clouts her.

A maid in Bedlam laments the absence of Billy, driven away by cruel parents. She is sure he has died on the battlefield and imagines she sees him coming in the clouds surrounded by guardian angels. She collapses "on a bed of straw."

"Bee baw babbity," choose "a lassie or a wee laddie," or bounce a ball. "Kneel down, kiss the ground, Kiss a bonny wee lassie." "I widna hae a lassie-o, I'd rather hae a wee laddie"

Bee, The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #V22674 and V11161}

"As Cupid in a garden strayed/midst the roses played)," he is stung by a bee and begins to cry. He runs to his mother and proclaims that he is dying. She responds that if a bee hurts him so much, think how much his dart hurts others

"Been all around the whole round world, oh babe (x3), Tryin' to find a brown-skinned Creole girl..." The singer complains about the killing work on the Joe Fowler, boasts of his ability to work, and admits being on the run for murder

Been Down Into the Sea: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #7108}

Chorus: "Hallelujah (3x), I've been down to the sea." Verses include "Won't those mourners rise and tell The glories of Immanuel" and "I do believe without a doubt That a Christian has a right to shout"

"Been in the pen so long, Oh honey, I'll be long gone, Been in the pen, Lord, I got to go again...." The singer tells of lonesomeness. He mentions that "some folks crave for Memphis, Tennessee, But New Orleans [or another city] is good enough for me."

"I been in the storm so long...Oh Lord, give me more time to pray" "This is a needy time..." "I am a motherless child..." "Lord, I need you now..."

"Judge he give me six months, 'cause I wouldn't go to work (x2), From sunrise to sunset, I haven't got no time to shirk." The singer complains about his girl and the treatment he gets; he has the "chaingang blues," and would run if her weren't shackled

"Been riding since daylight, in shadows and sunlight And now in the twilight, we’re traveling slow.... We’ll keep on a-riding Down the trail... joggin’ along, to nowhere, jogging along all day." They will ride as long as the Big Boss allows

"Been to de Gypsy to get mah fortune tole, To de Gypsy done got my fortune tole, 'Cause I'se wile about mah Jelly Roll. Gypsy done tole me, "Don't you wear no black." Yas, she done tole me, "Don't you wear no black. Go to St. Louis, you can win him back."

"Roll out the barrel, We'll have a barrel of fun." The singer(s) have to "leave on the run," but "now it's time to roll out the barrel, for the gang's all here." The lyrics describe a dance which brings happy memories

"Beer is best! Beer is best! Makes you fit, makes you strong, Puts more muscles in the old 'Tom-Tom.' Beer makes hardy Britons... What did dear old Adam say to Eve? 'Beer is best!'"

"Beer, beer, I love thee, In thee I place my trust, I'd rather go to bed with hunger Than to go to bed with thirst."

"Bees, oh bees of Paradise, Does the work of Jesus Christ, Does the work which no man can. God made bees, and bees made honey, God made man, and man made money. God made great men to plow and to sow, God made little boys to tend the rocks and crows...."

The singer complains of his wife, who lives off his money and refuses to do any work. He gives graphic details of how dirty she is and how filthy she leaves their home. He prays "that God or the devil may whip her away Before the daylight in the morning."

"Beg your pardon, grouchy Grace, Hope the cat will spit in your face."

"Beg your pardon, Mrs. Arden, There's a (devil/nigger/other) in your garden."

The singer, a beggar girl, wanders over mountains and moor, "hungry and barefoot." Her father is dead; she begs food for her mother, herself, and two brothers at home. She asks that the listener think "how hard it would be to beg at a door" for bread

Beggar Wench, The: (7 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #2153}

A merchant's son meets a beggar girl; they go to bed and, being drunk, sleep soundly. She awakens first, takes his clothes and gear, and leaves. He awakes to find only the girl's clothes, which he puts on, swearing never to sleep with a beggar again

Beggar-Laddie, The [Child 280]: (7 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #119}

A girl asks the shepherd what his trade is. He tells her, then declares that he loves her "as Jacob loved Rachel of old." She decides to go with him despite his poverty. He takes her home with him and reveals that he is actually well-to-do

Beggarman (I), The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #3080}

On Monday morning the beggarman takes his meal, flail and staff and leaves his wife and daughter in Ballinderry. He stops at a farmer's home not welcoming to strangers. The mistress of the house makes him welcome to table and bed as long as he'll stay.

Beggars and Ballad Singers: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #5977}

The singer proclaims the advantages of begging and singing. He describes how he begs disguised as a "sailor from the wars," scarred and with a missing leg, or as a blind man with a dog, or a man with a hump on his back and mashed nose.

"Begone dull care, I prithee be gone from me, Begone dull care, thou and I shall never agree; long time thou hast been tarrying here, and fain though wouldst me kill...." The singer warns of how excess care can age and weary its victims

Behave Yoursel' Before Folk: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #6094}

The girl says "Behave yoursel' before folk." She would not be kissed in public though "it wadna gie me meikle pain, Gin we were seen and heard by nane." "I tak' it sair amiss To be teazed before folk." If you insist "get a license frae the priest"

Behind the Cold Iron Door: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #29055}

A poor man's sweetheart is locked in a cell by her father until she can marry a rich man. Poor man digs a tunnel to her cell and blows up the gate to rescue her. They will be married.

"We've got a sergeant-major Who's never seen a gun; He's mentioned in despatches For drinking privates' rum, And when he sees old Jerry You should see the bugger run Miles and miles and miles behind the lines!"

Behind These Stone Walls: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #2808}

The singer, although "brought up by good parents," tells of being orphaned at ten. He soon went rambling to seek work; jobs were few, and he took to robbery. He was taken and tried, and sentenced to a long prison term. He warns others against his mistake

Behind These Walls of Gray: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #27699}

"He' locked up in prison for (???) crime, He's locked up in prison to serve out his time, He's somebody's baby, he's some daddy's son, Oh please don't mistreat him for what he has done."

"The Cavan Urban Council sent the Sheriff for to take possession of the engine house that stands by Behey Lake." Joe, who "had always pumped a good supply," is evicted. The man driving the engine declares Cavan will have water only if Joe is brought back

Scots Gaelic. (The singer, gathering sheep, looks out and sees) (McNeil's) galley head for Kismul. (Those aboard are listed). The ship (survives a rough passage to) arrive at the castle, where there is joy and feasting

Belfast Beauty, The: (2 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #V2003}

The singer met "the beauty of sweet Belfast Town' in Donegall Street. He describes her "angelic beauty" If he were rich "all earthly treasure I'd resign To wed with this damsel" He ends with a riddle that will spell her name.

Cockabendy, a Belfast street fiddler, meets a girl. They drink, he plays, and the girl lifts his watch and chain. While he sleeps, drunk, she pledges his last coins for brandy. He asks her to advance the price of a pint. Instead, she hits him in the nose.

The singer comes to Belfast and falls in love with "the charming Belfast lass." He claims wealth and proposes. She preferrs "the heart that's true" to riches. Confounded, he leaves for America, returns, proposes again and "she gave consent at last"

(The singer hears a girl lamenting). She is "confined in the bands of love" by a "sailor lad that did inconstant prove." She begs for relief. (She meets her false love and begs him to change his mind.) (She curses him bitterly)

Belfast Riot, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #12462}

Election day, going to vote, Malcolm McKay is murdered by "bloodthirsty Irishmen"; "the Irish ... Each one with his weapon [blessed by a priest] ... Our noble Scotch heroes made them all run away"; 27 Irishmen and no Scotchmen are killed.

Belfast Sailor, The: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #20545}

A Belfast lass asks her sailor lover to stay at home. The ship sails for Newfoundland "till taken slaves to end our days all in a Turkish galley." They are tortured. The sailor writes "the Turks they are so cruel ... so fare thee well, my jewel"

Mary is keeping sheep when Prince Dermott rides out hunting. He sees her and falls in love. When he asks her hand, she says she is too poor. He persists, and asks her mother of her ancestry. The girl proves to be Dermott's lost cousin

"You wait and wait in vain standing shiv'ring in the rain If you want to be late again take a Belfast Tram." Suggest the tram to "a friend you'd rather miss." To get someplace on time "use your 'Shanks'" or take a taxi or sidecar.

Axe song with frequent interjection "Wo Lord" or "Hollerin' Wo Lord." The singer calls out to many: "Believe I'll call the Rider." "Call him with my diamond." "Let me call themajor." "Believe I'll call Mama." ""Believe I'll call Bertha." Many lines float

"Believe me if all those endearing young charms Which I gaze on so fondly today Were to change by tomorrow... Thou wouldst still be adores As this moment thou art." The singer says he loves her for herself; she didn't create her beauty anyway

"When the wind swells the canvas and the anchor's a-trip and the ensign's hauled down from the peak of the ship - Believe me dearest Susan, I will come back again!" Verses have same pattern "When (insert sailing procedure) -- Believe me dearest Susan ..."

Every alternate line is "Believer I know." The road to Heaven is narrow, "thorny an' ruggy." The road to Hell is broad. "Love everybody"

"I know member, know Lord, I know I yedde (heard the) bell da ring." "Want to go to meeting, bell da ring" (x2). Listeners are urged to go to church, and to listen for the bell; they are warned that heaven might be shut

Round. "The bell doth toll, its echoes roll, I know its sound full well, I love its ringing For it calls to singing WIth its merry merry bim bom bell."

Bell Goes A-Ringing for Sai-Rah: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #13656}

"If you please, you see I'm a domestic, Or what some would call a 'servant girl.'" She slaves for small wages, and so the bell is always ringing to call her, "from morning until night." It's hard life; she cannot be found talking; it's back to work

All the men in Fraserburgh are daft about Bell Hendry. "She thinks the lads they shouldna woo But leave that to the maids alane." "So mony a lad got a rebuff." She picks one she's "twined him roon her thoom ... She'll wear the breeks"

The singer, Bell Hendry, has cheated many young men of Fraserburgh. When she lived in her father's house she drank beer and lived "at a high rate." Now she's in the correction house. If she gets out she may be married yet "we the lad I daurna name"

Race-starting rhyme. "Bell horses, bell horses, Wht time of day? One o'clock, two o'clock, (Three/time) to away"

"Bell over yonder, ball-a la-vier." I plant corn, roseau comes up. I plant cane, okra comes up. I plant corn, pumpkin comes up.

"I danced with a girl with a hole in her stocking... All night by the light of the moon." He wants to take her to the woods, but she says it is accursed. They watch a wild party (witches' shabbat? orgy?). He perhaps keeps her from joining. They marry.

Bell-Bottom Trousers (II): (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #269}

"Now yer mother wuz a waitress in the Prince George Hotel," watched over by the owners. The 47th Fusiliers and Prince of Wales Hussars have no luck with her, but a sailor does. Now she sits by the shore waiting to entertain the Navy

In each verse a ship is put "on the dock" and painted black, but is white when it comes back.

When their parents left for a burial they charged Chris and John to stay near home, but the boys went out on the ice "in a flat" [to hunt seal]. The flat was found but they were never seen again. Ships and planes searched in vain.

French. "Mias si j'une belle ici, Belle." (Every line ends with the word "Belle.") The singer takes a train to Texas, spends three days, then hears his belle was sick. He sells his bronco so that he can afford the train fare home

"'Neath a tree by the margin of the woodland... There I saw the little beauty, Belle Brandon, And we met 'neath the old arbor tree." The singer tells of carving their names in a tree. Now she is dead, and "sleeps 'neath the old arbor tree."

French. A woman takes her baby and goes to find her lover. She asks the mother of angels for help. She is told her husband is nearby, drinking wine and playing cards. He wipes her tears away but says he will not stay. Then he changes his mind.

French. A soldier gives a girl a gold ring to wait for him. Her father marries her to an old man. One night her young lover returns and knocks at her door though knowing she is married. She dies in his arms. Her father mourns.

"Belle Gunness was a lady fair In Indiana State, She weighed about 300 pounds, And that is quite some weight." "Her favorite occupation Was a-butchering of men." "Now some say Belle killed only ten, And some say 42." At last she vanishes with the cash

Creole French. "Mo deja roule tout la cote Pancour ouar pareil belle Layotte." "Mo roule tout la cote, Mo toule tout la colonie." "Jean Babet, mon ami, Si cous couri par en haut." "Domestique la mison Ye toute fache avec mouin."

"Soon beyond the harbor bar, Shall my bark be sailing far, O'er the world I wander lone, Sweet Belle Mahone. O'er thy grave I weep goodbye." He misses her deeply, wishes her good rest, and says he will be with her when "eternal spring" comes

French. Nanon tells her lover that they cannot make love in the garden now. He must win over her father. He cannot. She says that they can kiss, and that love is certain, but that they cannot think of other things because her father stands in the way.

"I've been through Carolina, I've been to Tennessee, I've traveled Mississppi, For massa set me free." The singer has seen many women, but none match "The belle of Baltimore." She is dark, lovely, and sings well; he wants to give her his picture

French. The singer's unfaithful captain says he will marry her but then leaves. She follows him, dresses as a volunteer dragoon and rides a horse like a general. She kills him. The king gives her a gold pin and watch as a reward.

French. The singer left his mistress to work along the river. There he met another lover. When she cried he comforted her and said he would return after this trip. When it came to saying goodbye she cried.

A steamboat chant with the refrain "Oh, Belle! Oh, Belle!": "Belle-a-Lee's got no time, Oh, Belle! oh Belle! Robert E. Lee's got railroad time...." "Wish I was in Mobile Bay... Rollin' Cotton by the day...."

"Stay home with your mother, don't cause her to fret, And do not mix up with the downriver set." The girls of Renous look down at "a man dressed in homespun" and prefer "a dude from the city." The girls of Dungaren are the best at a ball.

"Kind friends give attention to what I relate, And ever remember those poor children's fate." A fire in the night kills almost thirty people, mostly children. The singer tells some of their stories; the firemen came too late

"(Eight) o'clock bells are ringing, Mother let me out; My sweetheart is waiting For to take me out." "He's going to give me apples, He's going to give me pears, He's going to give me sixpence, And kisses on the stairs."

"Bells in heaven just strike one My Lord's work has just begun. Oh, the old ark's moving...." Similarly, "Bells in heaven... two, Lord, what wilt Thou have me do?" through "...nine... turning the water into wine." "...ten, My Lord's saving sinful men."

Bells of Hell, The: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #10532}

"The bells of hell go ting-a-ling-a-ling For you but not for me; And the little devils how they sing-a-ling-a-ling For you but not for me. O Death, where is thy sting-a-ling-a-ling, O Grave, thy victory? The bells of hell go ting-a-ling-a-ling, For...."

Bells of Shandon: (15 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #9562}

"With deep affection and recollection I often think of those Shandon bells." Those bells are compared to those at the Vatican, Notre Dame, and Moscow, and the bells "in St Sophio the Turkman gets"

A young man on deck says "Farewell my beloved land; I'll see thee no more." He thinks of his youth and fighting "the tyrant" but now he is "prescribed as an exile"

The singer overhears a woman lamenting her love, warning others not to love "until she know that she loved be." She lists the "gifts" she has gotten: a cap of lead, a mantle of sorrow, "a belt wi' colors three": shame, sorrow, and misery, etc.

"Ben Backstay was our boatswain, A very merry boy." The captain serves out double grog. Ben gets drunk and falls overboard. They throw ropes to him, but he can't return because a "shark had bit his head off." Ben's ghost warns against mixing liquor

"Oh! don't you remember sweet Alice, Ben Bolt, Sweet Alice, with hair so brown She wept with delight when you gave her a smile, And trembled with dear at your frown." But Alice now lies in the churchyard, and the mill where they courted is dried up

"Facts, hoorah for the truth I've told you; Blow your life fand beat your drum; Lock up your spoons and hide your devils; Clear it away, Ben Butler's come."

Ben Dewberry's Final Run: (8 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #14015}

Ben Dewberry tells his fireman never to fear, and that there are two more roads he wants to ride, and otherwise forecasts disaster. After passing over a trestle and switch, without warning the train derails and Dewberry is killed

"Ben Fisher had finished his day's hard work, And he sat at his cottage door; And his good wife Kate sat by his side, And the moonlight danced on the floor." They look back on their twelve years of marriage; they are not rich but are as happy as anyone

The singer condemns the murder of Ben Hall. Hall is made an "outcast from society" when his wife sells his land. He refuses to shed blood, but is finally ambushed and, abandoned by his comrades, is shot repeatedly

The singer, going through Benbraddon hill, hears the sheepbells and the foxhunt. Stopping, he sees the boys and girls courting. He praises the beauty of the place, and recalls the parties among the fields and flowers

Singer recalls the places of his childhood with nostalgia. "There's a bower of roses by Bendemeer's stream." Singer says he'll never forget it, asking "Is the nightingale singing there yet? Are the roses still bright by the calm Bendemeer?"

Beneath the Barber Pole: (2 refs. 10K Notes) {Roud #24979}

"It's away! Outward the swinging fo'c'sle's reel, From the smoking sea's white glare upon the strand." The singer tells of the work of the "merry men beneath the Barber Pole" as they "wallowed outward bound from Newfoundland"

"Big ships we never cared for, Destroyers they can keep There is only one place that we know, That is deep down deep." The singer talks of the hard work and discomfort of submarine surface: "Underneath the surface We dream our dreams away."

Benjamin Bowmaneer: (3 refs. 4K Notes) {Roud #1514}

Enraptured with martial spirit as England goes to war, a tailor makes a horse from his shear board, bridle bits from his scissors, and a spear from his needle (with which he spears a flea) and a bell from his thimble (to ring the flea's funeral knell).

Benjamin Deane [Laws F32]: (8 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #2271}

Benjamin Deane, the singer, is successful in business but wants more. He turns to criminal activities on the side. When his wife leaves him, he shoots her in a jealous rage. Now he is in prison, warning others against his sort of behavior

The exploits of Benny (Benjie) Havens at West Point. After some time as a cadet and soldier, he turns to selling whiskey to his comrades. Chorus: "Oh! Benny Havens's, oh! Oh! Benny Havens's, oh! We'll sing our reminiscences of Benny Havens's, oh!"

Willie makes a boat of his coat and a sail of his shirt to visit Annie overnight. When he leaves she warns that her three brothers lurk in the brown grass. They waylay him. He kills them. Her mother appeals to the king, who rules in favor of the lovers.

The singer fees [hires for the season] to Benton. "Benton's study ever was His servants for to grind." He puts up with Benton's tricks but wouldn't work the harvest with a rusty scythe. That settled, he wouldn't leave until he was fully paid.

Benton County, Arkansas: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #7624}

The singer describes a life of surprises and mishaps since leaving (Benton County) at (18). The tavern offers a fine meal but a flea-infested bed. The listener is given advice on how to milk an old ewe. Etc. Uses the "Derry Down" tune

The Bentons from Heartshill go to feeing [hiring] "wi' a weel-trimmed hat and a braw topcoat. [Brother] John [for example]: "may the deevil get him ... he's ane o' the Benton crew"

French. The shepherdess makes cheese from the milk of her white sheep. In anger she kills her kitten. She confesses to her father and, for penance she will embrace men: not priests, but especially men of war with beards.

"Full many a sailor points with pride to cruises o'er the ocean wide, But he is naught compared to me, For I have cruised the Bering Sea." He has seen Alaska and knows the Arctic; not even Columbus or Noah or Nelson could say the same.

The rich Berkshire Lady falls in love with a young man. Disguised, she demands that he either fight her or marry her. He decides to risk it in hopes that the girl is rich. They are married and live happily ever after

"My name is Owen Riley, I have a son that sets me crazy; He come home every night singing blackguard songs." The boy goes out and fights, or comes home drunk and hits his sister, or pawns his father's pants. The father has no solution

Berryfields of Blair: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #2154}

Singer describes migrant workers' descent on Blair in berry-picking time; there are city folks, miners, fisherfolk, and Travellers. Some are successful, some not; some work as a family, some alone. The singer praises all

"Bervie's bowers are bonnie." The singer loves "the flower o' Bervie's toon." Her father locks the door at night and keeps the keys but she lets her lover in. She has a baby. "Lang lang tarries the yellow-haired lad that gaed oot by the break o' day"

Berwick Freeman, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #5988}

"An old freeman of sixty odd years" mourns the fading glory of "Berwick that old Border town." Don't speak of England and Scotland as nations; talk instead of "Great Britain and Ireland and Berwick on Tweed." Drink to her trade and wish God speed.

German (Plattdeutsch). Forebitter shanty. "So mennich leve, lange Joorn." Sailors spend months and years at sea and do their duty well -- but their favorite time is when the captain cries, "Here's your rum!" They go around Cape Horn and get their rum

"Beside the Brewery at St. Mihiel one bleak November day, Beneath a busted D. H. 4 a brave young pilot lay." He knows he is dying, and says he is going to a land where there are no enemies, where the planes work, and where the rocks drip Johnnie Walker

"They marched with Arnold at their head, Our soldiers brave and true." They travel the Kennebec as the autumn leaves turn. Hunger strikes the troops, and one unnamed soldier dies of it. The family still remembers him and preserves his relics

The singer, a besom maker, out gathering broom, meets "a rakish squire," "Jack Sprat, the miller," and "a buxom farmer" and has [coded] sex with each. She has a baby and gives up besom making for nursing.

The singer calls on the muses to inspire him in praise of "the star of Ballymoney." He sees her, falls in love, and asks her to marry. She is young and not ready to leave home. He takes her to a tavern. She agrees to leave home and friends and marry him

Jean tells Bess that her boyfriend Jamie had been kissing Maggie and, between kisses, told Maggie "that Bess was but a gawkie [fool]." Bess tells Jamie she won't be just another of his many girls and leaves him "to rue That ever Maggie's face he knew"

"It was one beautiful night in May, Sweet Bessie was singing in glee, She did not know it was in Reuben's heart To take her sweet life away." "O, Bessie, my darling, come home; Bid Reuben alone adieu. His hands are stained with your own blood."

Bessie appears to her former lover as he lies sleeping, saying that she is dead and he has led her astray. He goes to her home and learns that she is indeed dead. He admits to the betrayal, says he intended to marry her, and stabs himself to death

"O Bessie Bell and Mary Gray, They war twa bonnie lasses; They biggit a bower on yon burn brae, And theekit it o'er wi' rashes." Despite these precautions, they die of the plague. They had hoped to be buried in Methven kirk yard, but this was not allowed

Bessy Bell and Mary Gray (II): (10 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #237}

The singer loved Bessy yesterday but couldn't get her; now Mary's sly glance has his fancy. Bessy's beauty enthralls him as does Mary's wit and grace. The law allows him to have only one so he'll draw lots "and be with ane contented"

The best bed's a feather bed but the best bed in our house is "clean pease straw." That's dirty and will make a gown dirty. "Never mind my bonny lass Just lay the cushion down"

"The workmen in the Rhondda are wonderful boys, They go to their work without any noise." The singer mentions the people found in the mines: Daniel the sawyer, "always so cross," "Old William, the Lampman," girls with holes in their stockings, etc.

Best of Friends Must Part, The: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #24894}

Chorus: "When you lose a loving friend Keep up a cheerful heart, The proverb says that in the end The best of friends must part." The sailor leaves his wife for years; the dying soldier leaves wife and children. Comfort those left behind.

"Great men" sitting in a club discuss "the best thing in life." A general says "it is boys fighting for home and the flag." A millionaire says it is gold. "An old fellow" says it is mother's/sweetheart's/babies' love.

"The aul' year's deen an' the new's begun, Besoothan, besoothan, An' noo the beggars they have come." The beggars ask "charity to the peer" and, "In meal an' money gin ye be scant, We'll kiss yer lasses or we want"

"There's a pretty little girl, she lives downtown, Her daddy is a butcher and his name is Brown." Having met pretty Betsey Brown in the street, the singer courts her, meets her parents, and plans to wed her (and enjoy her family's money....)

The singer "never knew what it was to sigh / till I saw Betsy Baker." He tries to court her, but she consistently rejects him. He becomes sick with love, barely recovers, tries again to win her, and is once again rejected

"Oh my name is Betsy Bell, in the Overgate I dwell, Nae doubt you're wondring fit I'm daein' here, Well, I'm lookin' for a man... and anything in breek will dae wi' me." Betsy describes lads she has pursued without success; she'll keep trying despite age

Betsy Brennan's Blue Hen: (7 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #7289}

The singer bought "my beautiful little blue hen" from the widow McKenny for a penny. It was swiped by "some dirty crawler." The song is a set of curses on "the villain" who stole the hen, e.g. "And may he have bunions As big as small onions"

The singer picks up Betsy Brown in his cart. "Courting," he can't control the cart and gets into trouble with the police for breaking things. He sells the cart to pay the fine. Later he is hauled into court by Betsy for child support. They marry.

Betsy Gray goes to Ballynahinch battlefield. She finds her wounded fiance Willie and brother George. A Yeoman sword cuts off her hand as she pleas for her brother's life. Another Yeoman shoots her. The bodies are found and they are buried in one grave.

The son of the landowner is in love with Betsy, a servant. His mother, who opposes the match, has the girl transported to Virginia. The boy dies for love; (Betsy is drowned at sea)

"As I roved for recreation in the springtime of the year, I met a noble fisherman, the day was fine and clear." He asks the girl to go with him to sea. When a storm comes up, he and the crew abandon her. She is rescued by Frenchmen, and curses his home

"As I walked out one evening, I roamed for recreation" and provided us with classical allusions. He sees a girl fairer than Diana or Helen of Troy. He begs her come away. She says she must wait until her declining parents die, but after that they marry

The singer returns from the wars. He "from nymph to nymph resorted" but falls in love with Betsey. Her father discovers them and threatens him with transportation. When Betsey threatens to leave with the singer her father agrees to their marriage.

"I'm going up yonder to yonders town, Where the cannon balls flash round and round," there to spend "My weeks, my months, my wretched life." He will appeal to Betsy. He will love her until he dies, an bets her to come in

"Better be safe than sorry ... 'cause life's a funny thing." Stories of failed risk-takers: a flier's parachute fails, a non-swimming fisherman drowns, a hotel owner goes broke, and a man in a monkey suit attracts a female ape.

"Better git yo' ticket (x2), Train's a-comin', Lord-ee-ee, Lord-ee-ee! Um-um-um-um-um-um-um-um-um." "Hold your bonnet, Hold your shawl, Don't let go that waterfall, Shout, Sister Betty, Shout!"

Chorus: "Better live humble, Better live mild, Better live like some heavenly child." Unbelievers cried to be let onto Noah's ark. Green trees die as well as the parched. People with an elaborate grave die like those with a simple grave.

"Betty Botter bought some butter," only to find that it is bitter/bad. So if she puts it in her batter, it will make the batter bitter/bad. So she takes action to get some better butter

"Now, since he's gone, just let him go; I don't mean to cry. I'll let him know I can live without him if I try." She accuses him of slander. She despises "hateful Betty Brown," whom he is visiting. But at last she admits being wrong and wishes him back

Betty Mull's Squeel: (2 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #6105}

"She tauk's aboot Judas and said he was coorse, Bit a braw stock was Aul' Abraham; She thocht his graifstane was aye to be seen On a knap [knoll] up abeen Kaper-naum"

"Between Stanehive and Laurencekirk Last term I did fee." The singer gets along well with the master, and better with the serving girl, whom he courts. The master catches them in the stable. He blames the daughter, who wanted his attentions herself

Between the Forks and Carleton: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #4514}

"Last Saturday night young William Tate Enrolled his scouts, he would not wait, But galloping up though he was late Between the Forks and Carleton." The soldiers report that "for the French we've made a shroud" and "Middeton had made them run"

Jinnie meets a tailor lad whose "needle's stoot an's thimble's clear." Her mother warns her against deceiving men but Jinnie will "hae anither heat" and reminds her mother that she kissed men on the muir when she was young.

"I've reached the land of corn and wine, And all its riches freely mine... Oh, Beulah Land, sweet Beulah Land... My heav'n, my home forevermore." The singer rejoices at being at home with the Savior

A tinker comes to sell a servant girl a pen. The gentleman being out, the tinker "got this maid behind the door and gently laid her on the floor." She gives him 20 guineas and invites him back. Soon his gold is gone and he has to do as he'd done before.

"There's a tale I'll tell to you, It's remarkable but true, Of Sir Paulet St. John and his noble steed... Back in 1873." Paulet jumps a hedge and he and his horse fall into a chalk pit, but survive. He names the horse, a famous racer, "Beware Chalk Pit"

"I've had misfortunes ane an' twa, They're no worthwhile tae mention," but if you go on a spree, "beware o' an Aberdonian." "As I gaed doon intae Dundee," the singer met a girl from Aberdeen, she eats an amazing amount; and takes his purse and watch

Beware of Larry Gorman: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #9422}

Larry Gorman tells of how people react to his coming: "And when they see me coming, Their eyes stick out like prongs, Sayin', 'Beware of Larry Gorman; He's the man that makes the songs." He describes teasing a housewife who fed him poorly

Beware, Oh Take Care: (9 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #7619}

The young girls are warned about sporting men, who look handsome and speak well -- but have a deck of cards and a bottle hidden. "Beware, young ladies, they're fooling you; Trust them not, they're fooling you; Beware, young ladies... Beware, oh take care"

Bewick and Graham [Child 211]: (8 refs. 5K Notes) {Roud #849}

Two prideful old men, each claiming his son is the better man, demand their sons, who are sworn blood-brothers, fight a fight to the death. When Graham sees that Bewick is dying, he falls on his own sword so that both die

Love lyric in Scots Gaelic: "Sad am I without thee." The singer calls (her?) lover "the music of my heart," hearing (his) voice in the calling of the seals, and finds herself turning back to his home

Typical Alphabet song, with Biblical references: "A is for Adam who was the first man, B is for Bethlehem where Jesus was born," etc.

Bible Baseball Game, The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #12784}

"Adam stole first, and Eve stole second, St. Peter umpired the game; Rebeah went to the well with the pitcher, Ruth in the field won fame... And Noah gave out the checks for -- You know he gave out the checks for the rain

"The Bible is a holy and visible law" (or, "By the old Levitical law"), "I marry this (Indian) to this (squaw), By the point of my jack-knife, I pronounce you man and wife."

Humorous exploits based loosely on Bible stories. The creation and Noah's flood are described. A man in heaven rejoices; even though he drowned, he's free of his wife. Some versions of the song contain references to Freemasonry

The singer describes his love for Daisy Bell. His poverty being what it is, he cannot offer a fancy wedding or carriage, but proposes they ride a "bicycle built for two." In the original, she accepts

Singer bought a beautiful bicycle "I ran right in to an old, old woman, I nearly mangled a kid." A crowd destroyed his bicycle. The destruction is described, step by step. "I'm damned if I'll ride again"

"Biddy Rooney, you drive me looney ... where have you gone?" Anyone that finds her "may take her bag and baggage" It shouldn't be hard to find her: "As she goes walking ... she walks left handed with both feet"

The singer meets Biddy Small at a Donegal fair. The chorus says "if you'd only marry me sure I wouldn't care at all Should there never grow a potato in the town of Donegal." They marry happily, with a farm, animals and "lots of little children around"

"Biddy, Biddy, hold fast my gold ring, Hey, Mamma, hoo-ay, Never get-a London back again, John saw the island." "You drink coffee and I drink tea...."

Big Black Bull, The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #7612}

The big black bull comes down the mountain, spies a heifer, jumps the fence, jumps the heifer, then returns to the mountain.

Chorus: "O this union, this union band, this union. Big camp meeting in the promised land." Alternate lines in verses are "Big camp meeting in the promised land." Verse: "I ain't got time to stop and talk, The road is rough and it's hard to talk"

Singer describes the crew of "harvest stiffs" on the big combine (harvester) in Oregon, including Oscar (Nelson), an IWW member; the horse-puncher ("the things he tells the horses...I can't tell you") and the singer himself, who is head puncher.

"Here's an ugly brute from the cattle chute, Press along to the Big Corral, The big galoot's got a bottle in his boot, Press along...." "Press along, cowboy, press along...." Other verses are may be unrelated but are mostly about cows and cowboy life

"There was hoboes from Kerry, and hoboes from Cork, Some from New Jersey, and more from New York" who are hired by the Big Diamond Mine. The singer was hired May 1. He quits after four shifts, and mentions all the types of people who work the mine

Insults in rhyme to those who are fat. "Big fat hog, You look like a fish And stink like a dog." "Fatty in the teapot, Skinny in the spout, Fatty blew off And blew Skinny out." "Jenny fun, Jenny fat, Hit her in the tummy with a baseball bat." Etc.

"Lord, a big fat woman with the meat shakin' on her bones... Every time she wibble, a poor man's dollar gone." The singer has a sweet gal; he doesn't want a black woman to tempt -- or kill -- him. He speaks of the blues

Big Five-Gallon Jar, The: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #9412}

Jack Jennings, a boarding-master, and his wife Caroline are expert at finding sailors. Should the supply ever dry up, they haul out their "big five-gallon jars" of liquor and use that to round up sailors.

"The big gun toiled with his heart and soul Shearing sheep to make a roll, Out in the backblocks far away, Then off to Sydney for a holiday." Once there, he gets drunk and chases the girls -- and soon finds himself broke and having to scrape for a living

"Cold and chill is de winter wind, Big Jim's dead and gone." The singer regrets her man Jim, who is "good and kind to me," but is "a grinder." Jim is killed by another woman in a fight in a hop house; the singer hopes to join him soon

Big Jim in the Barroom: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #5011}

"My mama told me, Long time ago, Quit all my rowdy ways And drink no more." "Big Jim in the barroom, Little Jim in jail, Big Jim in the barroom, Drinking good ale." "Played cards in England...." "Don't dance her down, boys,,, Her man's in town."

Big Kilmarnock Bonnet: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #5861}

Jock quits plowing, puts on his hat, and goes to Glasgow. As a joke, Sandy Lane tells him to look up Katie Bain. He meets a girl who takes him to Katie. The girls roll him and get him drunk. He gets 60 days in jail for jumping into the Clyde.

"We was boomin' down the old Miss'ip', One splugeous summer day, When the old man yells, 'Now let 'er rip! I see the Maquotekay!" The sailors wonder what Captain Jones drank: "What? Water? Yes, water. Dry up... you liar... Cause his innards was a-fire."

Big Rock Candy Mountain, The: (18 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #6696}

The hobo arrives and announces that he is heading for the Big Rock Candy Mountain. He describes its delights: Handouts growing on bushes, blind railroad bulls, jails made out of tin, barns full of hay, dogs with rubber teeth, "little streams of alcohol"

Big Sam starts a job at the plant cutting seal fat. Tiring of that he starts skinning pelts. He has enough of that and works emptying a long boat until he's had enough of that. He decides at the end that "I'll work here no more, the work is too fast"

Big Ship Sailing, A: (5 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #4827}

"There's a big ship sailing on the illie-alley-oh...." "There's a big ship sailing, rocking on the sea...." "There's a big ship sailing, back again...."

"Big Stone Gap's gettin' mighty cold, honey, Big Stone Gap's getting mighty cold, babe, Big Stone Gap's gettin' mighty cold, Can't make a dollar to save my soul, honey." Police hauled the singer off the train. They can't bluff him. He doesn't need women.

"The rabbit is the kind of thing What travels in the dark, Never knows when danger's round...." "Big-eyed rabbit, Boo! Boo!" "The rabbit came to my house, Thought he'd come to see me, When I come to find him out, He'd 'suaded my wife to leave me."

"Now, some shearing I have done, and some prizes I have won, Through my knuckling down so close to the skin... For that's the only way to make some tin." The singer boasts of success with women and declares that his tally is never less than ninety-nine

Bigler's Crew, The [Laws D8]: (22 refs. 3K Notes) {Roud #645}

The Bigler sets out for Buffalo from Milwaukee. A number of minor incidents are described, and the Bigler's lack of speed sarcastically remarked upon: "[We] MIGHT have passed the whole fleet there -- IF they'd hove to and wait"

Chorus: "Boil them cabbage down, Bake that hoecake brown, Only tune that I can play is Boil them cabbage down." Fiddle tune, with floating verses from anywhere, e.g. "Raccoon has a bushy tail, Possum's tail is bare" or "Raccoon up a 'simmon tree"

Bill (a B&O brakeman) and his woman have a fight; he storms out. She begs, "Won't you come home, Bill Bailey... I'll do the cooking, honey, I'll pay the rent; I know I've done you wrong." (At last Bill shows up in an automobile)

In 1769 Bill Brown is shot and killed while hunting hare with his friends and their dogs. At trial gold frees his killers. Though the law supports his killers, Brown's blood "for vengeance cries"

"My name's Bill Cutlass, bold and free, I came into the world by piracy, And while I can steer a craft at sea, I'll be a pirate rover." He takes gold "by steel and blood" and makes women slaves but protects shipwrecked sailors. He won't be taken alive

"Come all you sympathizers, I pray you lend an ear. It's of a drowning accident as you shall quicklie hear." Hotel manager Bill Dunbar, liked by all, attends a race. On his return, he and (Bob Cunningham) go through the ice and drown

Bill Grogan's Goat: (14 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #4574}

Bill Grogan has a goat; "He loved that goat just like a kid." One day the goat, "Ate three red shirts from off the line." Bill angrily ties the goat to the railroad track. The goat "coughed up those shirts (and) flagged down the train."

Bill Hopkin's Colt: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #4156}

"'Twas over in Cambridge county In a barroom filled with smoke Where all the neighbors... Talk horse and crack a joke." Hopkins tells how his father planned to shoot an ugly colt, but Bill urged him to spare it -- and it has become a champion racer

"'Twas off the coast of Guinea Land, Full sixty leagues from the shore we lay." The sailors suffer horribly at the Captain's hands. Bill Jones calls for mutiny against the Captain. Bill is killed, but he curses the Captain, who is soon lost at sea

The song opens with chat about Bill Mason, then notes that he was called to "bring (down) the night express." His new wife, seeing vandals destroying the tracks, she brings out a lantern and saves him and his train

Bill Miller's Trip to the West: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #6625}

"When I got there I looked around; No Christian man or church I found." Alleged to describe the adventures of Confederate captain Bill Miller of North Carolina, but the two lines quoted above are all the text known

Bill Morgan and His Gal: (6 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #11344}

Bill Morgan takes his girlfriend out to eat; she orders such a huge dinner that he remonstrates with her, saying, "My name is Morgan, but it ain't J. P." Other examples of her profligacy follow; at last Morgan gives up on her

"Bill Peters was a hustler From Independence town...." "Bill driv the stage from Independence... Thar warn't no feller on the route that driv with half the skill." Bill drives faster, stops less, and kills more than anyone, but at last he stops a bullet

Bill Scrimshaw and the Scotsman: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #1089}

Bill Scrimshaw is ordered by his landlord to quit wrestling. He relents when a Scotsman calls Bill a coward. Bill and the Scotsman wrestle. Bill wins easily, and he and the Scotsman spend the night drinking.

"Come all you bold heroes who wear jackets of blue" to hear of two twins, Bill and Warren Seymour, who court the same woman. Warren wins her; Bill vows revenge. They take ship and fight; lightning strikes; somebody dies

Bill the Bullocky: (5 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #10221}

"As I came down through Conroy's Gap I heard a maiden cry, 'There goes old Bill the Bullocky, He's bound for Gundagai!'" Bill is said to be very honest, but has a difficult time doing his work

Bill/Paul hears that a band of Indians is coming, and rides to tell his love Bessie Lee and her fellow ranchers. Fatally wounded, he writes a warning in his own blood. The letter is carried by his horse, and the ranch is saved

"Oh Bill rode out one morning just at the break of day; He said he was sure of his bait-tub of squid up here in Hiscock Bay." The song ends "It's all about Bill Wiseman jiggin' his squid in Hiscock Bay."

Billboard Song, The: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #15715}

"As I was walking down the street" the singer sees a billboard damaged by weather, which now contains many odd ads: "Smoke Coca-Cola cigarettes, chew Wrigley's Spearmint beer," or try other unorthodox techniques

"Let's go a-huntin', said Risky Rob, Let's go a-huntin', said Robin to Bob, Let's go a-huntin', said Dan'l to Jo, Let's go a-huntin', said Billy Barlow." They hunt a (rat/possum), kill it, cook it, and divide it. All get sick except Billy, who feels fine.

William Barlow "come[s] before you with one boot and one shoe." He arouses the wonder of the girls, is given free entrance to the races, and is more unusual than any animal in the circus. He hopes some young lady will accept him as a beau

"Good evening, kind friends, how do you all do? 'Tis a very long time since I've been to see you." Billy has volunteered for the Union. He goes to Richmond, where Jeff Davis is jealous of him. He describes his hard times in the army

Billy Barlow in Australia: (6 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #8397}

"When I was at home I was down on my luck And I earned a poor living by driving a truck." Billy inherits a thousand pounds, but a merchant sells him a station and he is cheated of the whole inheritance. He returns to Sydney to beg a job

"Billy, Billy Booster Had a little rooster; The rooster died and Billy cried, Poor little Billy, Billy Booster"

Asked where he has been, Billy says he has been courting, and has found a girl, "but she's a young thing and cannot leave her mother." In response to other questions, he describes her many virtues, always returning to his refrain

John Webb was imprisoned and well guarded, but "Billy broke locks and Billy broke bolts, And Billy broke all that he came nigh." Billy and John Webb escape on horseback, then relax by organizing a dance

Billy Byrne of Ballymanus: (4 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #2376}

In (17)99, United commander Billy Byrne is caught in Dublin and brought to Wicklow jail. Informers Dixon, Doyle, Davis, and Doolin swear he fought at Mount Pleasant, Carrigrue and Arklow. He is hanged. The devil has a warm corner for the informers

Billy Grimes the Rover: (30 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #468}

The girl comes to her mother and asks if she can marry Billy Grimes. Mother refuses her blessing; Billy is poor and dirty. The girl points out that Billy has just come into a large inheritance; the mother suddenly praises Billy and gives her blessing

Billy Hughes's Army: (1 ref. 2K Notes) {Roud #10587}

"Why don't you join (x3) Billy Hughes's army? Six bob a week and nothing to eat, Great big boots and blisters on your feet, Why don't you join...."

Billy Johnson's Ball: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #2139}

On his first wedding anniversary Johnson throws a party to celebrate it (and the arrival of a baby six months earlier). Johnson dances with all the girls; Mrs. Johnson gets jealous; the singer can't tell how it ended; he woke next morning under the table

"Love is sweet and love is pleasant, Long as you keep it in your view." A man asks Missis Mary why she can't favor him. Her love is on the ocean. He says her Billy Ma Hone is dead. She screams. He reveals himself and shows her the ring she gave him

"Billy, my darling, Billy, my dear, When you think I don't love you it's a foolish idea -- Up in the tree-top high as the sky, I can see Billy, Billy pass by."

Billy sets out for Dublin and takes ship. Though a great storm blows up, Billy pays no attention. After he lands, a robber tries to hold him up, but Billy's shillelagh is quicker. Billy tells of his other adventures

"You may talk of your whisky or talk of your beer, I've something far better waiting for me." The singer describes the tasks he performs while waiting for the billy to boil. He even holds off on dinner until the tea is ready

Billy Pitt and the Union: (1 ref. 1K Notes) {Roud #V8767}

Billy Pitt convinced the British that Union with Ireland would solve their problems. Ireland would gain no more from union than the Sabines gained through union with Rome. "They may take our all from us and leave us the rest." Hibernia must reject union.

Billy Richardson's Last Ride: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #10440}

"Through the West Virginia mountains came the early mornin' mail Old Number Three was westbound...." Engineer Bill Richardson is "old and gray," but still wants to make good time. He dies when his head strikes a mail crane

Shanty. "Oh Billy Riley was a dancing master, O Billy Riley. Old Billy Riley, screw him up so cheer'ly, O Billy Riley O." Verses name members of Riley's family and/or their occupations. Refrain changes each time based on which Riley is named in the verse.

Billy the Kid (I): (11 refs. 4K Notes) {Roud #5097}

"I'll sing you a true song of Billy the Kid, I'll sing of the desperate deeds that he did." Billy "went bad" in Silver City as "a very young lad." He soon has 21 notches on his pistol, but wants Sheriff Pat Garrett for 22. But Garrett shoots Billy first

Billy the Kid (II): (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #5098}

"Billy was a bad man And carried a big gun. He was always after greasers And kept them on the run." Billy shot a white man "every morning." But one day he met a worse man, "And now he's dead and we Ain't none the sadder."

"Bustin' down the canyon, Horses on the run, Posse just behind then, 'Twas June first, '71." Billy and Alias Joe ride and fight for their lives until they reach Tombstone. Finally a chance shot by Pat Garrett kills Billy

"Come all you blades both high and low And you shall hear of a dismal go." Billy Vite/White falls in love with Molly Green, but she denies him. The devil comes to him with arsenic; he poisons her; a sheep's head accuses him of murder and takes him to hell

The singer swears by all things and people -- O'Connell, King Saul, Zozymus Moran, Dido, the Shannon, Brian Boru, dirty dealers -- that "I ne'er had a hand in King Billy's downfall." Billy will be rebuilt but had better not "dress as before" on July 12.

"I had a fight with Satan last night, As I lay half awake, Ole Satan came to my bedside, And he began to shake." He offers Uncle Billy riches in return for his soul. "Poor Black Bill" defies Satan; the Devil vanishes, and Billy is rewarded in heaven

Bingen on the Rhine: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #3517}

"A solider of the legion lay dying in Algiers, There was lack of woman's nursing, there was dearth of woman's tears." The soldier asks that messages be taken home, "For I was born at Bingen, at Bingen on the Rine." He recalls his history and died

"There was a farmer had a dog, And Bingo was his name, sir. B-I-N-G-O (x3), And Bingo was his name, sir." "That farmer's dog sat at our door, Begging for a bone, sir...." "The farmer's dog sat on the back fence...."

Ojibwe poem translated into English: HIgh in the sky I go, High above the way below, By my side a bird will go, Bird and I will sail the sky."

Bird in a Gilded Cage, A: (15 refs. 3K Notes) {Roud #4863}

A couple sees a rich young woman. When the girl envies the fine lady's wealth, her companion replies that "she married for wealth, not for love." He pities her; "she's only a bird in a gilded cage... Her beauty was sold for an old man's gold."

"Twas winter down the icy gulf, The Gulf St Lawrence wide." The Bird Rocks lighthouse keeper, his son, and helper are swept away. His wife keeps the light burning until spring. Like her we should "in sorrow's darkest night ... show the world our light"

"Shoo all o' the birds" "Out of master's ground Into Tom Tucker's ground Out of Tom Tucker's ground Into ..." and so on.

Various birds talk about their attempts at courting, and the effects of their successes and failures. Example: "Said the hawk to the crow one day, Why do you in mourning stay, I was once in love and I didn't prove fact, And ever since I wear the black."

"Fly across the ocean, birdie, Fly across the deep blue sea, There you'll find an untrue lover...." The singer bids the bird to remind him of his promises to her and how he betrayed her.

"Birdie, birdie, in the tree, See them, Mama, vun, two, three, See they spread their little wings, Oh, what darling pretty things. Snow white darlings look around, See your breakfast on the ground." They do not move, for "Papa made them out of snow."

"(The) spring (dove/once) said to the nightingale, 'I mean to give you birds a ball. Pray, ma'am, ask the birdies all.... Tra-la-la-la-la." The birds come in their best clothes. Wren, cuckoo, raven all dance, then go home to their nests

Game with two characters, the "angel" and the "namer." The name names birds, red bird, blue bird, etc. Then the angel names a bird type, which runs away: "Who is that? It's me. What do you want? I want some birds. What color? (Blue). Run, (blue)."

Birds in the Spring, The: (5 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #356}

Singer sits down to listen to the birds sing, and praises the pleasure of their notes. Chorus: "And when you grow old, you will have it to say/You'll never hear so sweet... as the birds in the spring" or "...as the nightingale sing"

"When but a lad of tender years my dear old dimpled dad This maxim would impress upon my mind:.... You'll find the lads sing sweeter, lad, at home." The singer has traveled far, and his father and mother are dead, but home is indeed sweeter

"Oh, lass, gin ye would think it right, To gang wi' me this very night, We'll cuddle till the mornin' licht...." The girl would like to meet him at the birken tree, but her parents watch closely. But she manages to sneak away; all ends happily

Birks of Aberfeldy: (5 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #5070}

The singer asks "Bonnie lassie, will ye go To the birks of Aberfeldy?" He describes the summer there, birds singing, cliffs "crown'd wi' flowres," and so on. He would wish for nothing more than to be "supremely blest wi' love and thee"

Birks of Abergeldy, The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #5070}

The singer asks his girl to go with him to the Birks of Abergeldy. She fears betrayal. He promises to marry if she becomes pregnant. She complains "Abergeldy is too near my friends ... their eyes are on me steady" but she would go with him to Edinburgh.

"(chatter)" Chanteyman: "Birmingham Road!" Fishermen: "LAWD, LAWD, BIRMINGHAM ROAD!"

"I've traveled east and west... But I've never seen a town like Birmingham. Oh, she has certainly won the prize, Prettiest little town in Alabam." The singer has been many places, but even the air is better in Birmingham (Alabama)

Birthday Cake, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #16808}

"It's a little round thing so nice and clean, Prettiest thin you've ever seen." "Get your hands off of it, 'cause it don't belong to you, And you'll never get a piece, I don't care what you do." "Make no mistake, This song here's about a birthday cake"

"We are waiting, brother, waiting, Though the night be dark and long. "They have herded us like cattle." The workers have been dragged from their homes, whether unionist or not. They are being separated from families and deported

The singer is invited to a party at Flanagan's. He is invited to try the biscuits. They looked good, and were attractively presented, but the singer had never had "such nuggets of lead." To cut them, he advises the use of an axe and wedge

""I went to church the other day To hear the bishop preach and pray. They all got drunk but me alone, And I had to take the bishop home. Didn't I seem to like it? (x3) Well, I rather think I did."

Bishop's Song, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #10905}

"O she was young and beautiful, the fairest of the fair," and she and Young John pledge their love. The Bishop sends John to spread Mormonism in England. Her father forces her to marry the Bishop (and her father will marry the Bishop's daughter). She dies

"Biting spider going around biting everybody But he didn't bite me." Biting spider left darling Liza in Birmingham. The singer saw her leave the mountain and she didn't stop

Jesus is sent out by Mary to play. He is snubbed by a group of rich boys. He builds "a bridge with the beams of the sun," and the boys who follow him across fall into the river and drown. Mary beats her child with a withy branch

"Their sparkling style we've come to know, since far-off days of yore, When first they blazed the victory trail in Nineteen hundred and four." Names and attributes of past stars of Kilkenny hurling.

Black Ball Line, The: (8 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #2623}

"I served my time on the Black Ball line, To me way-ay-ay, Rio... Hurrah for the Black Ball line." "The Black Ball ships are good and true" and fast. They will lead you to a "gold mine." The listener is advised to travel to Liverpool and see the Yankees

"Oh Lawd, Black Betty, bam-ba-lam (x2), Black Betty had a baby, bam-ba-lam (x2)." "Oh, Lawd, Black Betty... It de cap'n's baby." "Oh, Lawd, Black Betty... but she didn't feed the baby. "Oh Lawd, Black Betty... Black Betty, where'd you come from?"

""Kick out your fire, boy, Roll up your pack, Don't forget your billy, boy, Billy burnt and black... Black billy tea, boy, That's the stuff for me." It's better than beer. It keeps miners alive. It helps a man in a bog. It even helps catch game

"One day as I passed through a tavern door, I was... determined to pass by I'm sure," but the singer spots a bottle of grog. They converse; it says it does good; the singer says it does harm. He drinks it anyway -- but says he won't drink again

"I brought a black cat home one night, And I brought some steak home too...." While the singer is out, the cat eats the steak. Cat and human fight, with the human generally coming off worse. Similar escapades follow

One of three sailors, a black cook, has an idea to "rise cash." They sell his body as a corpse to a doctor. When the doctor goes to dissect the corpse it stands. The doctor runs to his wife, who bars the door and asks him to "leave off dissecting"

"'Twas early in the spring when I decide to go For to work up in the woods in North Ontario." The unemployed singer joins a survey crew under Black Toby. He suffers from the flies, and is helped only by the cook. He vows never to work up north again

"That old black gall keeps on a-hollering, Bout a new pair of shoes, buddy, bout a new pair of shoes." The singer gives her money, she comes back drunk. He hits her. She leaves (crying murder?). He visits her and is turned away; he ends up in prison

"Old coons look alike to me, I get another beau, you see, He's just as good to me As any nigger dared be -- And I don't like you nohow!"

Black Hawk War Song, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #10910}

"In our leaky tents we sit, Listening to the drip, drip, drip, Of the rain and snow that chills us to the bone." The singers long for home, or at least clear skies, as they sit in Sanpete. They wonder when they will be able to go home.

Black Is the Color: (12 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #3103}

"(Black, black,) black is the color of my true love's hair...." The singer describes the beautiful girl he is in love with. (He regretfully concedes that they will never be married)

Black Men Are the Bravest: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #13591}

The singer says "ye are black ... Bit I am white and bonny" and the colors complement each other. Black and white cocks crow but "the black cock crows the clearest" and "ladies say That black men are the bravest"

"It's O once I had a charming beau..." The singer describes his wealth and wooing. "And then there came a sour old maid, She's worth her weight in gold," whom the suitor prefers. She warns against "those stylish chaps that wear the black mustache"

"And then came black Phyllis, his charger astride, And took away Annie, his unwilling bride..." The singer sits in the storm and wishes his love Annie would be returned to him. Someone eventually kills Phyllis, but Annie is dead by then

The singer is a beggar, but "if I got the best of broth with helpings of cold tripe, I would rather have an extra reek of my black pipe." The singer describes how tobacco is better than fame or fortune or power, and hopes to be buried with his pipe

Singer's black mare can win against any horse; "ain't a horse in Kentucky my horse can't beat." He gives her gold teeth, earrings, and streamlined shoes. He rode her for days and she never broke her pace. He would follow her to any land.

"When all our work is done, and all our sheep are shorn, Then home with our Captain to drink the ale that's strong, 'Tis a barrel then of hum-cup, which we calls the Black Ram." The singer bets the Black Ram will make the hearer stagger and fall

"I shipped aboard of a lumber-boat, Her name was Charles O'Rourke, The very first thing they rolled aboard Was a barrel of Black Rock pork." They have to eat salt pork at all meals. The boat sinks on a chunk of coal.

Black Sheep, The: (11 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #4282}

A father has three sons, one honest, two vile. The bad sons convince the father to evict the youngest. Then -- urged on perhaps by their wives -- they evict their father from the house. The third son, the "Black Sheep," comes forth and rescues the father

Singing game in which a "black snake" tries to seize children who come too close to taunt it. "Black snake, black snake, Where are you hiding? Black snake, black snake, Where are you hiding? Don't you bite me!"

"Black socks, they never get dirty. The longer you wear them, the stronger they get. Some times I think of the laundry, But something inside me says: Don't send them yet."

Black Stripper, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #9755}

"I have but one cow and she has but one tit, But she's better to me than one that has six, One drop of her milk would make the house ring." All his barley goes to feed her. He'll take her to town "and if I meet the gauger, I will knock him down"

"The restless shadows by me flit, And day will soon be o'er." The digger sees black swans fly by as he digs gum. He's fifty miles from a town, ten from the nearest pub. As the black swans mark the end of a dull day, they will in time bring the end of life

Black Tail Range, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #5762}

"I am a roving cowboy Off from the western plains." Vignettes about cowboy life: One cowboy is rejected by a girl because he is poor. Another recalls leaving his family. Others tell of the dangers of mining and suggests hunting instead

"Black them boots an' make 'em shine, Goodbye, goodbye, Black them boots and make 'em shine, Goodbye (Liza/lazy) Jane." "Oh how I love her, ain't that a shame...." "See that snail a-pullin' that rail?"

A hairy, toothless, "wee black thing" sits on a cushion. A piper and two little drummers come to play. The piper goes in and "when he came out he hang doon his head"

Black Velvet Band (I), The: (23 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #2146 and 3764}

The singer meets and courts a girl with fine hair tied up in a (black/blue) velvet band. As they are out (walking) one night, she steals a gentleman's (watch). The crime is discovered; she plants the evidence on the singer; he is convicted and punished

In a form clearly based on the transportation song "The Black Velvet Band," the singer -- who has chosen to emigrate to New Zealand -- bids farewell to his girl and sails away. He tells how he is saving up to be reunited with his girl in the velvet band.

Singer loves a girl who wears a blue (black) velvet band. He leaves her to find work. She appears to him by firelight; he returns home, to discover or learn from his captain that she has died. She is buried wearing his ring and the velvet band

Black Water Side, The [Laws O1]: (8 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #312}

A boy and girl have long been courting. He offers to marry her; she objects that she is too poor. He says that, though he loves only her, this is her only chance; he has another girl in reserve. She gains her mother's permission and they are married

Riddle: "Black within, red without, Four corners round-about." Answer: a chimney

"Come here Black woman...ah-hmm, sit on Black daddy's knee." Singer asks if her house is lonesome with her biscuit-roller gone. He's going to Texas "to hear the wild ox moan. He asks where she stayed last night and threatens to tell her daddy on her

"Send for the fiddle and send for the bow, Send for the black-eyed Daisy, Don't reach here by the middle of the week, It's almost drive me crazy...." "Who'se been here since I been gone? Send for the... Pretty little girl with a red dress on...."

Susan boards a ship to seek William. He hears her voice and greets her on the deck, promising to be true wherever he goes. Susan bids a sad farewell as the ship prepares to leave

Black-Eyed Susie (Green Corn): (24 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #4954 and 3426}

Floating verses about courting and marriage: "All I want in this creation / Pretty little wife and a big plantation.... Two little boys to call me pappy, One named sup and the other named gravy. Hey, black-eyed Susie" (or "Green corn," or other chorus)

About the troubles suffered by American blacks, who must take poor jobs (if any are available) for poor pay. "If you're white, you're all right; If you're brown, stick around, But if you're black, O brother, git back, git back, git back."

The singer is eating blackberries when he spies a milkmaid. He asks to buy milk; she says the cow has kicked over the bucket. She hints that the loan of a shilling would be quickly repaid; he takes the hint, she takes the shillings, and he takes her

Blackbird (I), The (Jacobite): (25 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #2375}

A lady is mourning for her blackbird, who "once in fair England... did flourish." Now he has been driven far away "because he was the true son of the king." She resolves to seek him out, and wishes him well wherever he may be

"Once a boy who was no good Took a girl into the wood, Bye, bye, blackbird," and "Took her... To a place where he could love and grind her" -- then turns her over and continues. She then "Told her story to a court." He ends up in prison

Blackbird and Thrush, The: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #2380}

The singer hears two birds rejoicing because they are "single and free." The girl goes to meet Johnny, but "the dearer I loved him, the saucier he grew." At last he rejects her, and she says she can do better elsewhere

Alternate lines are a chorus, "Ay-ah." The shantyman sings "White bird get up... she break/shake she tail... Black bird get up... she do the same" "Donna ... Emmalina girl .. come go with me"

A fair maid mourns "Oh, where is my Blackbird of sweet Avondale." The fowler caught him in Dublin and he is behind "the walls of Kilmainham." She says "God grant that my country will soon be a nation And bring back my Blackbird to sweet Avondale"

Blackbird of Mullaghmore, The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #3474}

For money the singer will "supply you with a good friend" and a glass. The "loyal blackbird" of Mullaghmore has been driven away to some fine still. "Her offspring are well proven in America, France and Spain" She will return "but not to the same place"

Young man meets young woman; she laments her Jimmy, who is off to the wars. She fears he will be killed, but when he returns, he finds her dead instead. He regrets having left.

"Ay, lad! Sec a murry-neet we've had at Bleckell." The well-dressed folk are there to dance as the fiddle plays. They eat, drink, smoke, sing. The singer wishes health to Johnny Dawtson the clogger and hopes they will meet again

"Mount! mount! and away o'er the greenwood so wide, The sword is our sceptre, the fleet steed our pride...." The Blackfoot rangers will raid and bushwhack the Federals, who cannot hope to defeat them; God will support them

"It's in the even' after dark, When the black-leg miner creeps to work." "They take their picks and down they go To hew the coal that lies below." The singer warns against mining. Women avoid miners. Hearers are urged to join the union

""Curiosity caused me one evening to ramble"; by the Shoofly he hears two old ladies. One curses the blacklegs who are depriving union men of work. The other says the blacklegs are just trying to support their families. But times are still hard

Singer dreams of a mystical trip. At different points on the desert trip he is given colored garments to wear. He encounters the burning bush, a toad, armed strangers, mountains, a pyramid and a fountain and cup for toasting all that don't bow to Baal.

Blacksmith (I), The: (10 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #816}

"A blacksmith courted me, Nine months or better. He fairly won my heart, Wrote me a letter.... And if I were with my love, I'd live forever." Sadly, her love has departed (for the wars? To be married?); she wishes she were with him wherever he goes

Blacksmith (III), The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #6249}

"When I was a blacksmith An working in my shop I did kiss a bonnie lass Behind the working block." He describes her hair, eyes, teeth and skin. He compares birds to women. The last lines are enigmatic: "I winna lie in your bed Neither at stock nor wa"

"I am a blacksmith by my trade, from London I came down." "There's Monday, Tuesday Wednesday these are the days we smith... welcome Saturday night, Then we receive our weekly wage and pay our alehouse score." With or without money, he works cheerily

"The rebels' hall of meeting was the forge of sweet Cloghroe" where they learned the soldier's drill. Sean Magee, the blacksmith there, is now buried in Kilmurry. "Ireland lost a gallant son in the blacksmith of Cloghroe"

A Lowland girl is induced to follow a Highland lad home "to pick blueberries" (and get married). The girl is worn out by the time they reach his home -- only to discover that his poverty is a sham and he is a great lord whom she knew in childhood

Blair Festival 1969: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #21432}

"The festival has come again; they say it is the last. If it is, we still have memories...." The singer, evidently Belle Stewart, recalls the happy times the family has had there, and thanks Maurice Fleming for helping them as performers

French. A lady is taken home by a captain. They eat before making love, but she falls dead during the meal. She is buried in her father's garden. When her father comes, she calls him to open her tomb: She has pretended to be dead to save her honor.

The British frigate Blanche encounters the French frigate Le Picque. Although their Captain Faulknor is killed they repel a boarding party and capture the French frigate.

Blancheflour, a pretty servant girl, finds a place sewing for a queen. The queen warns the girl away from her son Jellyflorice, but the two fall in love. The queen would kill the girl, but Jellyflorice rescues and marries her

"In came a little man with a white hat; If you want a pretty girl, pray take that; Take your choice of one, two, or three; If you want a pretty girl, please take she. Blank and ladder! Halloo if you're far off, whistle if you're nigh."

Blankets and Sheets: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #6233}

"O ladies be wary for when that you marry There's twenty things more in a day you've to do, There's blankets and sheets and preens are awanting And oh to be married if this be the way"

It would be "treason" to accuse Colonel Barber of "murder." Those shot "were lads of good behaviour" but "O'Brien and Lynch" betrayed them for gold. Offered a pardon and gold themselves, those condemned as "united" chose death, and were shot.

Blarismoor Tragedy, The: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #13386}

"Oh, Lord, grant me direction To sing this foul transaction... Late done at Blarismoor." Three Irishmen are accused, and offered pardon and promotion if they list their accomplices. They refuse and are executed

Blarney Stone, The: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #4800}

Singer meets a pretty girl on the road to Bandon, who tells him she's lonely and asks "where I'd find that little Blarney stone." He shows her, to their mutual delight. The chorus points out there's a Blarney Stone in every town in Ireland

Swedish shanty. Sailor goes to sea at the age of 14. Sometime later meets a girl in Kalmar Harbour, convinces her to come along and marry him. Chorus after each verse line: "Det blaser kallt vader ifran sjon (The cold weather's blowin' in from the sea)"

Blawin' Willie Buck's Horn: (4 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #13062}

Seemingly unconnected couplets. "I've a cherry, I've a chess, I've a bonny blue glass." A hare, or dog, or nothing, is in the corn, "Blawin' Willie Buck's horn." Willy Buck may have a cow, or cat, jumping like a Covenanter.

The singer out late on a snowy night when he sees the girl. They meet again. He asks her dwelling. She says she is too young. He says he would treat her well if she would come away. He goes across the sea without her

"As I went out on a summer's evening," the singer meets a pretty girl in Kelvinhaugh. He asks what she is doing, then enquires if she will go with him. She refuses; she is waiting for her love, gone for seven years. He reveals himself as the missing lover

Bleaching Her Claes: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #6766}

The singer meets a shepherdess herding her flock and bleaching her clothes. He says he loves her. She continues bleaching her clothes because her mother has warned her to have no faith in young men. He kisses her. She says, "Laddie be true"

Verses can be on any subject, though usually military and often obscene. Many units had their own versions. The conclusion, either "Bless 'em all" or "Fuck 'em all," is diagnostic

"Blessed be that maid Mary, Born he was of her body," "Eia, Iesus hodie Natus est de virgine." Jesus is born in a manger. Kings come from "diverse lands." "To that child we sing, Gloria tibi, Domine."

Chorus: "Blessed be the name (3x) of the Lord." Verses: "If you don't like your brother (preacher, elder), don't you carry the name abroad. Blessed be the name of the Lord, Just take him in your bosom and carry him home to God. Oh, blessed be...."

"I love to tell the story As I've often told before How we fought in glory At the blessed Zulu war." The singer tells how Jack Smith is wounded in a bloody battle, and sends messages to mother and sweetheart before dying

"When one's drunk, not a girl but looks pretty, The country's as gay as the city, And all that ones says is so witty. A blessing on brandy and beer!" The singer praises the effects of drink -- letting him defy his master, beat his wife, chase girls, etc.

"Blest be the tie that binds Our hearts in Christian love, The fellowship of kindred souls Is like to that above." Believers pray to God and "share each other's woes." They grieve to part "and hope to meet again"

"Wha hasna heard tell o' Blin' Hughie the singer? The last wandering minstrel o' Scottish sang-lore." The song describes his odd appearance and tells how he enlivened the marketplaces. Now he is dead; "Scotland will greet for her true-hearted wean"

Pretty Betsy, the blind beggar's daughter, seeks a husband. Many court her for her looks, but when she reveals that her father is a beggar, all but one change their minds. This one is surprised when her father proves able to give a large dowry

"Pardon, friends and neighbors, if I intrude upon your time, Please stop and read these verses and see that I am blind." Singer Edward Brodrick was a boiler-maker. He lost one eye, then the other; now he is a broommaker but needs money to start a shop

"They tell me, father, that tonight You'll wed another bride, That you will clasp her in your arms Where my dear mother died." The child asks about the new wife, and hopes she will be kind. The child dies, and goes to heaven where no one is blind

Blind Fiddler, The: (5 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #7833}

"I lost my sight in the blacksmith's shop in the year of 'Fifty-six." The singer, with no other trade available, has had to become a wandering fiddler. Not even Doctor Lane of San Francisco could help him. He hopes his family is safe and well

"Blind man stood in the way and cried (x2), Wo, Lord, show me the way...." "Preacherman stood on the way and cried...." "My mother stood on the way and cried...." "My deacon stood on the way and cried...."

"Blind man lay beside the way, He could not see the light of day, The Lord passed by and heard him say: 'O Lord, won't you help-a me?'" "A man he died, was crucified, They hung a thief on either side, One lifted up his voice and cried, 'O Lord...'"

Blind Man's Regret, The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #6365}

"Young people attention give And hear what I do say...." "hen I was young and in my prime I used to go so gay, For I did not think right of time But idled time away." The singer laments wasting time and going blind

"My friends, I cannot labor, I will try and get along... I will try to sell my song... May heaven above preserve you From ever being blind." The singer lists the things he cannot see, and says he wants to work but can't; he wishes he had sight again

"Just a box of old buttons tired and worn... It wis played by a dame, Blind Mattie's her name, As she sang around old Dundee town." Even as she grew old, she repeated her slogan, "Count your blessings." Now dead, her melodeon and picture are in a museum

An old woman, who must relieve herself, empties her bowels out a window. A passing night watchman (or cowboy) looks up, and is blinded by shit.

Blinkin' O't, The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #6135}

"O it wasna her daddy's lairdly kin, It wasna her siller -- the clinkin' o't... 'Twas er ain blue e'e, the blinkin' o't... My heart an' a' she's stown awa' Wi' the lythesome, blythesome blinkin' o't." The singer praises the girl but is rejected

The little girl begs mother not to visit the still; the sheriff is watching. Mother says she must; they need money and father never works. Mother goes to the still and is shot; the child laments when the body is returned

The singer is arrested for moonshining.The singer claims the charge is false. The still is disassembled. The law officers take their turns with the captured brew (?). The singer complains about the conditions in the prison

"The Milit'ry Service Board Sat in state the other day To refuse or give exemptions"; they exempt a man with a wooden leg, "But the bloke that puts the acid on" wants him. The "bloke" takes the aged, even the dead -- but has no need for a healthy rich man

Jump-rope rhyme. "Blondie and Dagwood went downtown, Blondie bought an evening gown, Dagwood bought a pair of shoes, And Cookie bought the Daily News, And this is what it said, 'Close your eyes and count to ten.'" May have Ma/Dad for Blondie and Dagwood

A very simple hymn; consisting of little more than the title words: "Ain't you glad, ain't you glad, That the blood done sign(ed) my name." "In my hand, in my hand, Yes the blood done signed my name." "On the wall..." "In heaven..."

"O the blood, o the blood, the blood done signed my name (x3)." "Thank God the blood done signed my name") "Hallelujah, hallelujah,...." "Jesus told me, Jesus told me, ...."

Blood on the Saddle: (10 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #3685}

"There was blood on the saddle And blood all around, And a great big puddle Of blood on the ground. The cowboy lay in it All covered with gore, And he won't go riding no broncos no more.... For his bronco fell on him and mashed in his head."

Shanty. Characteristic lines: "Come/go down, you blood red/bunch of roses, Come down... Oh you pinks and posies, come down...." The verses generally refer to life at sea, with perhaps floating verses on other themes

"((In the wilderness) (x2) And the blood put a mark on me) (x3) O Lord, the blood put a mark on me." In that pattern, "On the forehead...." "In Canaan...." "In Galilee...." Also, "And the blood...signed my name... O Lord, the blood signed my name"

Blood-Stained Diary, The: (3 refs. 42K Notes) {Roud #22297}

"It's just a little blood-stained book, Which a bullet has town in two; It tells the fate of Nick and Nate...." The singer recounts the words of Nathan D. Champion's diary as he and his companion are attacked in the Johnson County War

"If you want to go to heaven, just over on the other shore, Keep out of the way of the blood-strained banders, O good shepherd, feed my sheep." Similarly, one should avoid "gun-shot devils" and "liars." Chorus: "Some for Paul, some for Silas...."

"Come all you folks and gather To hear the awful tale Of the bloody Breathitt farmer Taken from the county jail." Chet Fugate had murdered Clay Watkins (Christmas 1925?). Fugate is taken from prison by force and murdered, his body found by Jim Butler

A lord loves a shepherd's daughter. His mother pays the gardner to kill and bury the shepherdess. The mother confesses and reveals the body. The lord kills himself. The lovers are buried together and the gardener is hanged.

""This bloody town's a bloody cuss, No bloody trains no bloody bus, And no one cares for bloody us, In bloody Orkney." The weather is awful. The beer is bad and expensive. The music, the movies -- all are awful, and the women won't talk to the servicemen

"Who comes here? Bloody Tom. What do you want? My sheep. Take the worst, and leave the best, And never come back to trouble the rest." Alternately, Bloody Tom may be a fox seeking to catch a chicken

The singer comes upon a beautiful girl hard at work. Poor as she is, she vows to keep hard at work until her lover returns to her. The singer reveals himself as her lover; the two are married

The singier is a sailor. He courts blooming Mary Ann. Her father offers "a little money and a house and farm of land" if he'd stay on shore forever. They marry and are happy.

The singer prepares "to take farewell of famed Salthill"; he is crossing the sea to seek his fortune. He meets his darling. He fears she will prove untrue. She promises to be faithful. He sets sail; they watch each other as long as his ship stays in sight

About a heavenly wedding: "There's a wedding in an orchard, dear, I know it by the flowers, They're wreathed on ev'ry bough and branch, Or falling down in showers." "And though I saw... no groom nor gentle bride, I know that holy things were asked"

Blow Away ye Morning Breezes: (2 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #1025}

The singer curses her competitor: "thou shalt rue the very hour That e'er thou knewest the man." The singer will have the good (wheaten flour, crystal clear water, purple pall); her adversary the bad (bran, puddle foul, sorry clout).

Blow Below the Belt, The: (1 ref. 8K Notes) {Roud #30706}

In 1966 "the Government Plan was sent around" for resettlement from the outports. "When fifty percent... did sign The other fifty had no choice." Many found no one to buy their home. Many could not find work. Eventually, Premier Smallwood is voted out

For x=("Play", "Blow", "Root", "Dance"), "x boy, x boy, x fo' Ma Dogoma. Anansi oh! x fo' Ma Dogoma. See how them boys are. x fo' Ma Dogoma. Anansi oh! x fo' Ma Dogoma"

The leader tells the Archangel Gabriel to blow his trumpet and tell everybody "wherever they be On lan' and sea" ... "that they got to meet"

"Oh, when I was lost in the wilderness, King Jesus handed the candles down, And I hope that trumpet going to blow me home, To the new Jerusalem. Blow, Gabriel." Moses smote the waters. The Israelites crossed. Joshua stopped the sun. Jesus was there.

Blow High Blow Low: (2 refs. 3K Notes) {Roud #2069}

"Blow high blow low let tempests tear The mainmast by the board My heart with thoughts of thee my dear And love well stored Shall brave all danger scorn all fear...." As the sailor works and rests aboard ship, he remembers his love

"Blow on! blow on! we love the howling Of winds that waft us o'er the sea; As fearless as the wolf that's prowling Upon our native hills are we." "Flash on, flash on! We love the gleaming... The black flag still is proudly streaming...."

The singer comes to visit his love on a moonlit night. She lets him in. He points out that her parents are in bed in the next room; he suggests rolling into his arms and blowing out the candles. (Nine months later, when he is gone, she has a child)

Blow the Fire, Blacksmith: (2 refs.) {Roud #12869 and 2897}

The singer would rather have "a young man, With an apple in his hand, Than I would have an old man, With all his house and land." An old man complains of his weary life; a young man "comes jumping in" to kiss his wife.

Blow the Man Down: (52 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #2624}

A tale of a sailor's adventures. Perhaps he serves under a difficult captain; perhaps he meets a girl (and "[gives] her my flipper") who spends his money or sells him off to sea; perhaps his heroic exploits in port earn him a night (or more) in prison

"Blow the wind southerly, southerly, southerly, Blow the wind southerly, South or southwest." The girl hopes that her love will return to her quickly

Blow Ye Winds in the Morning: (18 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #2012}

The call is going out for whalermen in New England. The song warns of the conditions the potential recruit will face: Boarding masters, hard times at sea, the dangers of taking the whale. Chorus: "Blow ye winds in the morning, Blow ye winds high-o...."

"Blow yo' whistle, freight train, take me down the line...." "That old freight train movin' along to Nashville, Holds a charm that is a charm for me, Makes me think of good old boomer days gone by." The singer wants to ramble but cannot

"Paul and Silas, bound in jail." "Blow your trumpet, Gabriel, Blow louder, louder,And I hope the trump might blow me home." "There is a tree in paradise."

Blow, Blow, Bully Boys Blow: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #319 and/or 703}

"A sailor is a flirtin' man, Blow, blow Bully boys, blow.... A-breakin' a lassie's heart if he can." Sailors drink. The singer won't treat "Burma Pete" to a drink. The girls don't stand a chance with sailors

Blow, Boys, Blow (I): (31 refs. 3K Notes) {Roud #703}

Shanty. Characteristic line: "Blow, boys, blow... Blow, my bully bows, blow!" Often liberally sprinkled with floating verses, the basic version seems to be about a shining Yankee clipper on her way to China. It describes several members of the crew

"Blow, Gabriel, bow -- blow the righteous home! I belong to the band, Hallelujah! Hallelujah, hallelujah, I do belong to the band... Blow, Gabriel, blow....." "If my mother wants to go, Why don't you come along." "If my sister wants to go...."

Blowin' in the Wind: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #36094}

"How many roads must a man walk down Before you call him a man?" And other rhetorical questions, with the answer "blowin' in the wind"

Blue and the Gray (I), The: (2 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #4984}

"A mother's gift to her country's cause is a story yet untold, She had three sons...." All three boys died at war. Two died for the Confederacy in the Civil War; a third died for the Union in Santiago. The singer hopes mother and sons will meet in heaven.

"By the flowing of the inland river, Where the fleet of iron has fled... Asleep are the ranks of dead." In one grave, the Blue (Union) soldier, in the other, the Gray. Most mourners leave flowers for only one, but one day, flowers appear for both

The cowboy boasts of his skill, only to draw "that Blue Bell bull." He admits "I'm lucky I ain't dead." He tries to ride the bull, but ends up spending "Eight long weeks in traction, I ain't never been the same." He warns other cowboys against bragging

Blue Bells of Scotland, The: (13 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #13849}

"Oh where, please tell me where is your highland laddie gone? (x2) He's gone with the streaming banners where noble deeds are done...." He dwells in Scotland at the sign of the blue bell; he wears a plumed bonnet; if he dies, the pipes shall mourn him

"O friends, I have a sad story." The singer "married a man for his money, But he's worse than the devil himsel'. For when Mickey comes home I get battered." She vows to "get blue bleezin' blind drunk Just to give Mickey a warning" and hopes he reforms

"Many a banner spread, Flutters above your head" as the Jacobites enter England. "March! March! Ettrick and Teviotdale... March! March! Eskdale and Liddesdale! All the blue bonnets are over the border." England will long remember the fight

"Oh, boys keep away from the girls I say, And give them plenty of room... Oh the blue glass, oh the blue glass, 'Tis a great discovery sure"; the "blue glass cure" will help you when sick. "It can even make an old maid young."

"Wild roved an Indian girl, bright Alfarata, Where sweeps the water of the blue Juniata." She lives free in the forest, praising her gentle lover. But now "Fleeting years have borne away the voice of Alfarata; Still sweeps the river of blue Juniata."

"I went uptown last Saturday night, Intending to get one drink," "But it's always the same blue Monday, Blue Monday after pay, Your shots are bad...." The singer ways he won't have any more blue Mondays; he'll stop drinking and give his wife his pay

"My home it was in Texas, My past you must not know.... Blue Mountain, you're azure deep... Blue Mountain with a horsehead on your side, You've won my love to keep." Moments in the life of a cowboy: Drinking, wandering, wishing for mother

The singer recalls the "racket" on Blue Mountain Lake when Jim Lou and "lazy Jimmie Mitchell" fought. The song concludes with a joke about Nellie the camp cook, "the belle of Long Lake"

Blue Ridge Mountain Blues: (13 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #11758}

"When I was young and in my prime, I left my home in Caroline, Now all I do is sit and pine, For those folks I left behind. I've got the Blue Ridge Mountain blues." The singer longs for home, and dreams of the aged parents at home whom he will soon see

Blue Velvet Band (II): (2 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #3764}

Singer leaves home and his sweetheart, the girl in the blue velvet band. Five years later he still dreams of her every night. He returns home and "the old colored people" tell him she has died and been buried wearing his ring and the blue velvet band.

The Triton, fishing the Grand Banks, hears that the Cape Dolphin and Blue Wave are sinking in a storm. They join the search for Blue Wave but "no sign of their missing boat was anywhere to be found"

Fragments, mostly from Jimmie Rodgers Blue Yodels, with yodeling. See notes for examples.

(Willie/Jimmy) has gone ("He never died so suddenly before"). After undergoing horrendous medical treatments..."he sneezed and smiled and died/He blew his nose and smiled and died again". Singer vows to plant a bunch of whiskers on his grave

Blue-Tail Fly, The [Laws I19]: (27 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #1274}

A young slave is made into a household servant, with the particular task of keeping away the (stinging) blue-tail flies. One day the master goes out riding; a fly stings his pony; the master is thrown and dies.

Bluebells, Cockleshells: (6 refs.) {Roud #19213 and 19426}

"Bluebells, Cockleshells, Evy ivy over, (You buy salt and I'll buy flour, And we'll bake a pudding). (Up the ladder And down the wall, A penny an hour Will serve us all.) Salt, mustard, vinegar, pepper"

Blueberry Ball, The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #9945}

The Jubilee lands its freight at Daniel's Harbour and stays three days. The crew and sharemen dance all night, have a good "scuff" and leave to "prepare for a time in the bay"

"Here comes a [blue]bird through my window, Oh, Johnny, I'm tired! [or "Hey, diddle, hi dum, day"] ... Take a little dancer and hop through the garden ... Take a little partner, and pat him on the shoulder"

About Captain Moar's water-boat Bluebird. If you "come to Merrimashee, You will see the noble Bluebird, Through the waters she will fly, And the Captain says he'll run her Till the tank runs dry"

"I was born in Bluefield, a city you all know well.... My name is Walter Summers, the name I'll never deny, I'm now behind the prison walls to stay until I die." Summers admits to murdering Ethel Sullivan. He now loves the song "Convict and the Rose"

"I'm gonna build myself a raft An' float dat ribber down, I'll build myself a shack In some ol' Texas town... 'Cause de blues ain't nothin... But a good man feelin' bad." The singer will go to the levee and rock until her sweetheart comes -- if he does

"In eighteen hundred and forty one, They put their long red flannels on (x2), To work in the bluestone quarries." Stories of the Irish immigrants who became bluestone miners, and faced poverty, uncaring bosses, and cruel conditions

Bluey Brink, "a devil for work and a devil for drink," walks into Jimmy's bar and demands the closest available liquid -- the sulfuric acid used to clean the bar. Brink stomps out, and Jimmy fears for his life. But Brink returns next day asking for more

Bride Mary Bell blushes as she walks down the aisle: "Every boy in every pew/Knows how she can bill and coo/No wonder she's a blushing bride." Even the preacher remembers her in her younger days; so does the best man.

Blushing Rose, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #9068}

"Hold me to you, closely, darling, As you did in days of old." "Life is from me fastly fleeing... Place my head beneath a rose." "Take me back, for I am dying, I can love no one but you." "Lay me where sweet flowers mingle, Where the drowning lilies blow"

Blythe Mormond Braes: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #4598 and 6152}

"O, wat ye wha's in yon wee hoose Beneath blythe Mormond Braes?" It is where pretty Nellie sits bleaching her clothes. The singer is poor. Her parents are opposed but the singer says he "will tak' her frae them a' And love her till I dee"

"Phemie was a bonier lass Than braes o' Yarrow ever saw." The singer describes her. "Phemie was the blythest lass That ever trod the dewy green." "Blythe [joyful], blythe and merry was she, Blythe was she but [outside] and ben [inside]"

"Blythe, blythe and merry was she Blythe was she butt and ben Blythe when she gaed to bed And blyther when she rose again."

Blythesome Bridal, The: (5 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #5889}

A call to a wedding: "Fy let us a' tae the bridal, For there will be lilting there, For Jock's tae be married tae Maggie, The lass wi' the gowden hair." The elaborate feast is described in extravagant and nauseating fullness, as are the guests

"On the thirteenth day of may, You could hear old Bo-Cat say, 'Get my deed and policy....'" His wife Catherine asks Bo-Cat what he has done. He murders his wife, is caught, and now awaits execution. "It's a shame how Bo-Cat done he wife."

A fragmentary ballad in which the old woman condemns the old man for "flashing," then has sex with him.

Boar's Head Carol, The: (19 refs. 5K Notes) {Roud #22229}

The singer brings in the boar's head, "bedecked with bays and rosemary," to help celebrate Christmas. Chorus: Caput apri defero, Redens laudes domino."

Johnny disports one after the other with "two boarding-school maidens, charming and bright."

Boardman River Song: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #8857}

Singer tells of his work, skills and history on the Boardman River (and many others), saying he will never waste his money on drink, but will save it for his old age.

To the tune of the "Sailor's Horrnpipe": "Hey there Jack, have you ever seen the Queen, Have you ever seen a Blue-Jack kissing a marine? If you go to Gibraltar take a flying trip to Malta, And we'll have another dance until the boat comes in"

Round: "A boat, a boat across the ferry, For we are going to be merry, To laugh and quaff and drink old sherry." Cf. "The Ferry" ("A boat, a boat to cross the ferry, We'll float and sing and all be merry, Sing, sing, sing and be merry")

"O weel may the boatie row, And muckle may she speed! And weel may the boatie row, That wins the bairns's bread." Short images of the boat as it goes out fishing. The singer wishes it good fortune in future

"Across the silver'd lake The moonlit ripples break, Their path a magic highway seems. We'll send our good canoe Along that highway, too, And follow where the moonlight beams. Ho, good fairies all, Hearken to our call, Come and frolic with us...."

"When I was young and about sixteen, none was more light and gay." The singer lives happily, "a merry boatman's boy." He saves his money to buy a pocket knife, which he learns to use

The boatsman's wife is being visited by the tailor when he comes home unexpectedly. The tailor hides in a chest. Knowing its contents, the husband deliberately takes the chest back to his ship. He tells the tailor he abducted him to keep him from his wife

Boatswain Call the Watch: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #27982}

Just past midnight the captain has the boatswain "call the watch, Sound your whistle shrill" to turn out the men. The mate objects that it's Sunday but the captain says it's just "another day." Before the dawn Jack turns out and curses the captain

"All hands on deck, the boatswain cried, His voice like thunder roaring... To heave your anchor to the bow. And we'll think of the girls when we're far away (x2)." The boatswain gives other orders for sailing; the crew leaves Mobile Bay

"Stout seamen, come away, never be daunted, For if at home you sray" then the fleet cannot be manned. "Lewis, that Christian Turk" (Louis XIV) is preparing to invade. If they succeed, they will earn promotion; at worst, the sea will be their final home

"Ho'way and aw'll sing thee a tune, mun, 'Bout huz seein' my lord at the toon, mun... Nyen them aw cut a dash like Bob Cranky." The singer sets out for a celebration in town, gets drunk and dirty, and tells of the exploits of Cranky

Bob Cranky's Adieu: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #3148}

"Farewell, farewell, ma comely pet! Aw's forced three weeks to leave thee; Aw's doon for parm'nent duty set." The singer must obey the sergeant during the long parting -- but if the girl wishes to see him, they can always meet in the "yell-house"

Bob Ingersoll and the Devil: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #11736}

"Some dese days gwine hit 'im. Ingersoll sing anudder song When de debill git 'im. Debbil watch fo' sich as him." The singer describes with seeming relish how the Devil will gather Ingersoll and dance as the dead man suffers

Bob Vail is a butcher who would "rather fight than eat." He is bald on top and uses marrow to grease his hair. He courts Codfish Lize. When he asks her to marry "Her teeth fell out and she lost her wig"

"Well oh bob-a needle bob-a needle, And oh bob-a needle." "Bob-a needle is a running, Bob-a needle ain't a-running." "And oh bob-a needle, bob-a needle... You got bob-a"

Singer is horrified that "my Biddy darling ... had bobbed her hair." She says "'Tis all the fashion now.'" She says it was started by Black and Tans. He leaves her: "your neck is bare, like Paddy McGinty's drake." The asses, goats and swallows protest.

"Hurrah for Bobby Bumble, He never minds a tumble, But up he jumps and rubs his bumps and doesn't even grumble."

Bobby Campbell, though he weeps for the dead, hears the pipes "calling the clans to war," and remembers how his father told him not to dishonor the clan. He goes to war and is killed; his Mary grieves for him

"Bobby Shaftoe's gone to sea, Silver buckles on his knee, He'll come back and marry me, Bonnie Bobby Shaftoe." The singer praises Bobby's appearance. (In some versions she ends by noting that he is "getting a bairn")

Bodies o' the Lyne o' Skene, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #5996}

The singer says "better never hae I seen dwals into the Lyne o' Skene." He names places from which "I've drawn mony a shinnin' groat." "May health and peace their steps attend ... the open-handed, kindly-hearted bodies o' the Lyne o' Skene"

"Bonnie lassie, come my road and gangna through the Boggie O." The singer says her Boggie road down the river is scraggy and wet. His road is "up the waterside." He would have her go with him.

A group of cowboys is hired for an expedition away from home. Mistreated by their boss, they eventually rebel (and kill him)

Boghead Crew, The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #5406}

The singer joins the Boghead harvest crew. The crew are described by name, task, and characteristics. The meals seem happy enough. "Noo, I mysel comes in the last My heart it is richt glaed To follow up the merry crew And wag the hinmost blades"

Sandy meets a girl by Boggie Banks and would not give her up "for a' the lands o' Alexander." He takes her to a parson's house and they marry. He takes her to his home and his father says "she'll be my daughter dear" Now she has many farm animals.

"I hae a housie oh my ain ... On the bonnie banks oh the Bogie" The singer lives there with grannie at her wheel, a cow, hen and duck and "a laddie leel an true" He knows every step and stone "frae Craig tae Huntly" He will soon sleep in the churchyard.

Bogie's Bonnie Belle: (5 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #2155}

Singer meets Bogie and goes to work for him; his daugher Isabel meets him by the river. She delivers a son, and Bogie sends for the singer, who promises to marry her. Bogie says the singer's not worthy of his daughter. Bogie's daughter marries a tinker

"By Bogie's streams that rin sae deep, Fu' aft wi' glee I've herded sheep... Wi' my dear lad on Bogie's braes.... But waes my heart the days are gane... While my dear lad maun face his faes." She laments all that she will do alone in his absence

Singer recalls a hunting accident "a-coursing on the bogs of Shanaheever": he killed and buried Victor, a fellow hunter, and fled to "the wilds of the prairie; I watch for the Red man, the panther and beaver" He hopes to return "when the time is right"

Old Grimes, "the good old man," was always dressed in a long black coat and was widely respected. He had two sons, (Tobias) and Bohunkus. "They has a suit of clothes... Tobias wore them through the week, Bohunkus on a Sunday."

French. Let's go to the woods together, marionette. We will gather apples and hazelnuts. Marie has a marionette; Marie has us both, we will sleep in the same little bed. Chorus: "Sipping is pleasant. Sipping is gentle. Swigging makes the spirit sick"

Bold Abraham Munn: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #23381}

"Come hither now grandchildren And listen to me" to learn about when people talked "of nobody But dashing Abraham Munn." None could stand before him. He was a great fisherman. But now he's old. He hopes his grandchildren will still respect him

Bold Adventures of Captain Ross: (1 ref. 28K Notes) {Roud #V21104}

"Come listen a while with attention, You seamen and landsmen likewise," to the tale of Bold (John) Ross. They sail to the "Pacific Ocean." They haul in the Fury's stores. They will see the North Pole or die. They find where the "magnet does bend."

Bold Benjamin, The: (8 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #2632}

Admiral Cole/Captain Chilver sails for Spain on the Benjamin with five hundred men, to gain silver and gold; he returns with sixty-one men. On their return to Blackwall, mothers and widows lament the lost sailors.

"Says Lloyd George to MacPherson, I give you the sack To uphold law and order you haven't the knack." The English create the Black and Tan army, which commits atrocities, but the Irish vow they will defeat the English

Bold Daniels and the "Roving Lizzie" meet a pirate ship which calls for their surrender. Though outnumbered, Daniels and the "Lizzie" fight so effectively that they capture the pirate and take it to (Baltimore) as a prize

The singer loves a girl. "She first advised me for to list and afterwards desert" He is hiding, thinking of those he left behind, terrorized even by "the bird that flutters on each tree." He will return. If they "pardon me, I would desert no more"

Bold Dighton [Laws A21]: (8 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #2209}

The French on Guadeloupe have imprisoned hundreds of seamen. Dighton offers 500 guineas to relieve their distress and is himself imprisoned. He manages to free all the prisoners and, fighting off a pursuing ship, escape to Antigua

Doherty loves drink and women. He fools his mother into giving him money. He passes two tinkers fighting over the effect of Doherty on his wife. Doherty goes home. His mother has locked him out. He doesn't mind "for I can get lodging with Nora McGlinn"

Bold Fenian Men (I), The: (5 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #V8282}

"See who comes over the red-blossomed heather, Their green banners kissing the pure mountain air...." Fenians come from all over Ireland, boasting of their victories (!) over the English. Refrain "Out and make way for the bold Fenian men!"

Bold Fisherman, The [Laws O24]: (23 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #291}

The fisherman comes to court the lady. Having tied up his boat, he takes her hand and removes his coat. This reveals three golden chains. Seeing that he is rich, the lady asks forgiveness for calling him a fisherman. The two go home and are married

"A bold fusilier came marching down through Rochester, Off to the wars in the north country, And he sang as he marched the dear old streets of Rochester, 'Wha'll be a sodger for Marlbro' and me?'"

Sir Edward Hawke takes Royal George out of Torbay December 18 and December 28 fights a French fleet of five ships. They sink Lily and burn Rising Sun and Glory.

The singer sadly recalls the death of Donahoe. He and his companions are overtaken by three policemen. Walmsley refuses to fight, and Donahoe is left alone. He is shot and killed

Bold Kidd, the Pirate: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #528}

The singer's ship is newly put to sea when she spots a pirate. The mate identifies the ship as Captain Kidd's. The captain turns about and flees. After a long chase, she escapes

Bold Larkin (Bull Yorkens): (6 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #4420}

In 1855 the Elizabeth runs for land in a heavy sea. Andrew Shean/Sheehan, a sailor, falls into the sea. Captain Bull Yorkens reluctantly orders the rescue attempt abandoned. At St John's he consoles the parents and offers a prayer for Sheehan.

The young man wins shy May's heart with promises of an easy life and fine clothes. He takes her to his home across the sea. His promises prove false; a year later she is homesick and pregnant, with no fine clothes

The pirate Bold (Manning/Manan) captures a merchant ship. To prevent the sailors from fighting over a young woman found on board, Manning kills her. But (the next day) Manning encounters a warship and the pirate ship is sunk

Bold McCarthy sails from Liverpool (as a stowaway) on the City of Baltimore. An argument with the mate turns into a fight, and the Irishman handily defeats the mate (and several others). The captain appoints McCarthy an officer

Bold McDermott Roe: (6 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #3021}

McDermott Roe heads the Roscommon Defenders but is taken, tried and convicted. He is taken to Dublin to hang in spite of his parents' wealth. "To back the poor against the rich with them did not agree, And so McDermott Roe must die in shame and misery"

"In County Kildare on Hibernia shore Lived a fam'ly of John McIntyres. There was Mike and Tim, the twins, as they stand upon their pins; We're the elegant bold McIntyres." The song continues through the rest of the family

"Bold Nelson's praise I'm going to sing, Not forgetting our glorious king, He always did good tidings bring." A song in praise of Lord Nelson and other English heroes. Details are sketchy.

The robber Nevison is found at an alehouse and taken by a constable. At trial he says "I've neither done murder nor kill'd But guilty I've been all my life." He always gave to the poor. "Peace I have made with my Maker... I'm ready to suffer the law."

A band of Indians, come to sell furs, find weapons aboard the "Lady of Washington"; they try to capture the ship. Eventually they are defeated, losing some sixty/seventy of their number. The Europeans raid the Indian village to reclaim their property

"Well, here I am from Paddy's land... I've broke the hearts of all the girls for miles round Keady town." The singer boasts of his ability to court, wishes his love were a rose so he could rain on her, and speaks of courting Queen Victoria's daughter

Robin Hood and Little John meet a pedlar. Neither Robin nor John can out-wrestle the pedlar. They exchange names, and the pedlar (Gamble Gold, a murderer) proves to be Robin's cousin. They celebrate the reunion in a tavern

A British ship is overhauled by pirates. Though outnumbered, the sailors beat off the pirates. A broadside prevents the pirate's escape. The pirate ship is hauled back to England, and the sailors are made rich by the spoils

"Still pirates bold, we'll be, boys, Upon the chainless sea, boys, We'll rove and plunder free, boys, Beneath our sky-blue flat. All dangers still we dare.. True to our guns we'll stand, boys, And ere they shall command, We'll sink with our sea-blue flag"

Bold Poachers, The: (7 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #1686}

Three brothers go poaching one night in January. The sound of their guns brings the gamekeepers. One shoots a gamekeeper, then another. The brothers are taken prisoner; two are sentenced to be transported, the third is hanged

The Princess Royal is overtaken by an unknown ship which tries to come alongside. The captain realizes that the other is a pirate, and safely outruns the other.

Bold Privateer, The [Laws O32]: (17 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #1000}

(Johnny) tells (Polly) that he must go to sea. She begs him to stay safe at home. (He points out that her friends dislike him and her brothers threaten him. He offers to exchange rings with her), and promises to return and marry her if his life is spared

Johnny meets Sally at Culgreany chapel. He promises to marry her. They spend two nights and all her money together and he decides to leave. Johnny will confess to his clergy; if forgiven he will "go home to Longacre and live with my own lawful wife"

The huntsmen go out to seek the fox: "Come and hunt Bull (Ranger) (Reynard?) Among the hills and rocks." Along the way, they meet various people, who may tell them where the fox has gone

Bold Reynard ("A Good Many Gentlemen"): (9 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #1868 and 190}

"A good many gentlemen take great delight in hunting bold Reynard, the fox, for he... lives upon fat geese and ducks." The hunters give chase, and catch and kill the fox. They go home and rejoice at having taken the rogue

"The first morning of March in the year '33" the King's County fox hunt finally takes Reynard. He asks for pen, ink and paper to write his will. He leaves his estate and money to the hunters and backs it up by giving them a check on the National Bank.

The "Phoebus[?] frigate Young Richard" cruises the French main with the Shannon. They encounter two merchants and "the finest frigate that did sail out of Brest." They sink all three, rescue their crews and land in Kingston where they enjoy drinks.

"The struggle is over, the boys are defeated, Old Ireland's surrounded with sadness and gloom... And I, Robert Emmet, awaiting my doom." Emmet, "the Darling of Ireland," recounts the failure of his rebellion and awaits execution

"You land-lubber rogues play a cowardly game, And skulk in false jackets, but we, Tho' we glory in plunder, we fight for bold fame, The brave roving thieves of the sea." They take orders from no captain or middie; no ship can catch them; they fear nothing

"O! There's not a trade that's going, Worth showing or knowing, Like that from glory growing For the bold sodger boy." The singer describes how the girls watch the marching soldiers, and urges the listeners to follow the soldier's trade

Bold Soldier, The [Laws M27]: (43 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #321}

A father threatens to kill his daughter because she loves a soldier. He settles for sending (seven) men to kill her lover. The soldier fights the brigands off. The frightened father is then negotiated into making the soldier his heir

Bold Tenant Farmer, The: (3 refs. 4K Notes) {Roud #5164}

Singer, drinking in Ballinascorthy, overhears a landlord's son and a tenant farmer's wife. He threatens eviction. She says the National Land League protects the tenants and they are members. She praises Father O'Leary, John Dillon, and Davitt. He leaves.

Girls "anxious for courting" should see Thady Quill. He is a champion in field events, a partisan for Ireland, and a star at hurling. At the Cork match a rich and sickly lady remarked that she would be cured by "one squeeze outa bold Thady Quill"

The singer is seduced by Trainor who is studying at Trinity for the priesthood. She asks him, in vain, not to become a priest. She would avoid the marriage her parents would arrange. "To the way of Religion myself I will incline"

Boll Weevil, The [Laws I17]: (44 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #3124}

The boll weevil, which is just "a-lookin' for a home," inevitably comes in conflict with the cotton farmer. The farmer tries many techniques to drive the weevil out; the weevil, far from being inconvenienced, is often represented as thanking the farmer

Bollochy Bill the Sailor: (24 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #4704}

A dialogue song in which Bill -- who "just got paid and wants to be laid" -- seeks to get the fair young maiden into bed.

A "goo-goo" "went down to bare ass to get a fuck on... got bit on the leg... he'd ought ta been boloed"

"There's a red light on the track for Bolsum Brown, for Bolsum Brown, for Bolsum Brown... And it'll be there when he comes back." "Hop along, sister Mary, hop along.... There's a red light on the track And it'll be there when he comes back."

"Bombed last night, bombed the night before, Gonna get bombed tonight." The singer curses the German bombers, and notes that there isn't enough shelter for four men. Similarly, "Gassed last night, gassed the night before...."

"Hey listen and I'll tell ye hoo The Jocks spent their New Year": they were in the trenches fighting the Kaiser. Now the Germans are "sorry they made that bombin raid," since they faced the men of Dundee. The Scots repel the German raid

French (often mangled by American soldiers, who are trying to hook up with women): "Bon soir, ma cherie, comment allez-vous? Bon soir, ma cherie, je vous aime beaucoup. Avez-vous un fiance, ca ne fait rien, Voulez-vouz couchez avec moi ce soir...."

French. We drink and a friend sings [the chorus] in my ear. Be careful of this beautiful woman. She had three captains, one in Bordeaux, one in La Rochelle and the other in Versailles. Chorus: "Good wine makes me dead, Love wakes me again."

"Come all you natives far and near Come listen to my story... Boni would not be content Until he was master of the whole world." He divorces his wife, fights the church, fights England, fails at Waterloo, and is exiled

Bonaparte's Farewell: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #V21130}

Bonaparte bids farewell to France which has abandoned him because of its weakness: "Decay'd in thy glory and sunk in thy worth!" "But when Liberty rallies Once more in thy regions, remember me then ... and call on the Chief of thy choice"

Bonavist Line, The: (5 refs. 11K Notes) {Roud #5206}

An old man tells of the workers' hardships imposed by the "red roaring devil" management while building the line. Outrageous amounts are charged for trivial services. Awful food: pork can drive you mad and flour is like lime. The old man will quit

Bonavista Harbour: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #7290}

"They started to make a harbour here quite early in the Spring; The people came from Canada with all kinds of machines ...." A list of people doing all the jobs but now that they've finished they'll surely have to come back and patch it every year.

Napoleon's story in the space of a shanty: "Boney was a warrior, Way up! A warrior and a tarrier, John Francois!" He fights the Russians, comes to Waterloo, is defeated, goes to Saint Helena, and dies

Boney's Lamentation: (2 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #2547}

"Attend, you songs of high renown, To these few lines which I pen down, I was born to wear a stately crown." Napolien beats Bealieu and Wurmser, he wins in Egypt, but his men are lost in Moscow. After Leipzig, he is forced to lament/abdicate

French. Willie goes hunting for partridges. He goes up in a tree to see his dogs running. The branch breaks; Willie falls and breaks his thigh. All the girls in the village hear his cries and run to bandage his leg.

French: "Bonhomm', Bonhomm', sais-tu jouer?" "My friend, my friend, can you play this? Can you play the violin... flute... drum... horn... jug."

Bonnet o' Blue, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #6225}

"I'm nae for a lass that rins hame to her mither Whenever it comes on a skelp o' ill weather, If she couldna gang bare leggit thro' the long heather She wadna dee weel wi' a bonnet o' blue"

Bonnets o' Blue, The: (2 refs. 6K Notes) {Roud #6006}

"I'll sing ye a sang in praise o that land Whaur the snaw never melts ..." Culloden is recalled: "nae traitors were there mang the bonnets o blue" The "brave Forty Twa" in Egypt, Waterloo, Lucknow and "avenging Cawnpore" is recalled.

Bonnie Annie [Child 24]: (16 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #172}

A ship's captain seduces (Annie) and takes her to sea with him. The ship they are sailing is caught in a storm which will not die down. (The crew) decides that Annie is the guilty party and throws her overboard. (The captain may order her rescue)

The singer seduces a maid on Ugie banks. She tells a church session he is the father. He is called to appear at church and is scolded and fined. He pays the fine and promises the parson that he won't do it again.

Bonnie Bell the Bravity: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #6163}

"The Davidsons and their heigh heids There wisna word o' lammer [amber] beads, There wisna word o' auld pleugh [plough] heids, Wi' bonnie Bell the Bravity [elegantly dressed], She's bonnie braw baith neat and sma' She's bonnie Bell the Bravity"

Lord Ross marries Belleen of Avonwood and takes her to gloomy Todecliff Tower. Ross marries again; a voice heard at the revelrie threatened Ross. Belleen is drowned by a water spirit. Her brothers kill Ross whose ghost "still howls by the Warlock Tree"

The singer dreams about Mary, far away in Scotland. "The gowd is gained, the gems are won" and he would give them to her for a smile. He asks her to write "To say ye mind on me." He wishes he were home.

Bonnie Blue Flag, The: (18 refs. 3K Notes) {Roud #4769}

"We are a band of brothers, and native to the soil, Fighting for the property we gained by honest toil... Hurrah for the bonny blue flag that bears the single star." The states which joined the Confederacy are chronicled and praised

She says Bogie is cold and bare. He says it is not. She fears he will steal her heart and tempt her to follow far away to Bogie. He says he would keep her from care. She agrees to go. They marry and she's "ne'er had cause to dree"

The singer says "Once I loved a bonny boy ... the more that I loved him, the sacerer [saucier] he grew." He left her, but then sent a rose to win her back. She returned his rose: "her's to you and your love and hear's [sic] to me and mine"

Bonnie Breist-knots, The: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #5888}

"Hey, the bonnie, ho, the bonnie, Hey, the bonnie breist-knots, Blythe and merry were they a' When they got on their bonnie breist-knots." "There was a bridal in the toun" to which many came; the song tells of their happy and wild adventures

Bonnie Brier Bush, The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #1506}

"There grows a bonnie brier bush in oor kailyaird, And sweet are the blossoms on't in oor kaildyaird. Beneath the... bush a lad and lass were scared... busy courtin'." The singer tells of the joys of courting in the kailyaird, as was first done by Adam

The singer asks, "Quhilk o' ye lasses will go to Buchairn (x3) And be the gudewife o' bonnie Buchairn?" He turns down the pretty girls, wanting "the lass wi' the shaif o' bank notes." He describes his plans for the wedding

Bonnie Dundee (I): (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #8513}

"To the Lords of Convention 'twas Claverhouse spoke, Ere the King's crown go down there are crowns to be broke." The Jacobite army gathers and prepares to fight for James II and VII

"O whar gat ye that hauver-meal bannock? O, silly blind boyd, o, dinna ye seee?" It came from a soldier. She hopes the soldier will be well, but he is "Awa' frae his lassie and bonnie Dundee." She will dress her baby like his daddy

""Sweet is the vale where the Mohawk gently glides... But sweeter, yes, dearer far than these... is Blue-eyed, bonnie bonnie Eloise, The belle of the Mohawk Vale." He remembers home and love, but regrets the crumbling away of his old home

Bonnie Fisher Lass, The: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #5881}

The singer meets and is captivated by "a bonny fisher lass" on her way "to get my lines in order" and get bait. Her father's "on the ocean wide, a toiling on his boat" and she worries "when a storm arises ... lest he should meet with a watery grave"

Bonnie George Campbell sets out on his horse. The horse comes home, but he does not: "High upon Hielands and low upon Tay, Bonnie George Campbell rade oot on a day; Saddled and bridled and gallant rade he; Hame cam his guid horse but never cam he"

Bonnie Glasgow Green: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #6262}

"As I went out one morning fair On Glasgow green to tak the air, I spied a lass wi' yellow hair And twa bewitching e'en, O." The girl will not betray her mason. He asks if she can trust a mason. She decides to turn to the singer. He praises Glasgow Green

"Of all the seasons of the year, I like the autumn best, Ere winter comes with giant strength Or Flora gangs to rest, I am joyfu'." The breezes blow. There is a harvest moon. The reapers sing. The fields are golden

Bonnie Hind, The [Child 50]: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #205}

A sailor, new come from the sea, sees a girl and sleeps with her. After the deed is done, they exchange names, only to find they are brother and sister. The sister stabs herself; the brother buries her and goes home grieving

Argyle sets out to plunder the home of his enemy Airlie while the latter is away (with Bonnie Prince Charlie?). Argyle summons Lady Airlie, asking for a kiss and threatening ruin to the house if she will not. She refuses; they plunder the house

Bonnie Jean meets Robie, "the flower and pride of a' the glen." He courts her and asks her to "leave the mammie's cot And learn to tent the farms wi' me?" "At length she blush'd a sweet consent And love was aye between them twa"

"Oh, there was a farmer's daughter And she longed for a baby And she rolled up a big grey hen And she put it into the cradle ... she rocked the cradle, saying: If it wasn't for your big long neb I would gie ye a draw of the diddy, oh"

Bonnie Jean o' Foggieloan: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #7264}

"Bonnie Jean o' Foggieloan ... As sure as a gun, she'll get a son"

Bonnie Jeanie Cameron: (1 ref. 2K Notes) {Roud #13082}

"You'll a' hae heard tell o' bonnie Jeanie Cameron, how she fell sick... And a' that they could recommend her Was ae blythe blink o' the Young Pretender." She sends a letter to Prince Charlie, who arrives soon after and takes her in his arms.

"I'm far awa frae Scotland, Nae lovin' voice is near, I'm far frae my ain folk... I'll wander hame to Scotland An' my bonnie Jeaanie Shaw." The singer misses the sights, sounds, people of home, and repeatedly promises to go back

Bonnie Jeannie Deans: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #6129}

The singer is far from Scotland but thinks of "Auld Reekie" [Edinburgh] "home of Scotland's bonniest lass, my bonnie Jeannie Deans." She wins a pardon for her sister from the Queen. "Sir Walter Scott's immortalized you"

Bonnie John Seton [Child 198]: (5 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #3908}

Forces from north and south prepare for battle at the Brig o' Dee. John Seton, with great foresight, makes his will. He is killed in the battle, and the highlanders routed by cannon. The leaders of the enemy forces despoil Seton's body

The singer complains that her parents have "ta'en frae me my dearest dear He's over the seas and far far awa'." They'll give her no money unless she gives him up. She will work for money and go to join him, and tell him what she has gone through.

Bonnie Lass Among the Heather: (1 ref. 1K Notes) {Roud #2894}

Singer meets a shepherdess and offers to buy her sheep if she would live with him: he has cattle and lives on "level ground," not in the cramped highlands among the heather. She tells him to keep his land and money; she is happy at home with her parents.

Bonnie Lass Come Owre the Burn: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #3359}

"O bonnie lass, come owre the burn, I'm the lad'll dae your turn." He tells the bonnie lass, he's the one to help her out. He asks why she is crying; he tells her he is the father of her child, she should come to him

Bonnie Lass o' Benachie, The: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #6737}

William Graham was secretly married to Lady Jean. Her father has him sent to war. Her father intercepts his letter and tells her that William is slain. She goes to Germany to find his grave. She finds him alive. Her father accepts the marriage.

A troop of soldiers comes to town. The (captain) falls in love with (Peggy). He asks her to marry; she says she will never marry a soldier. When ordered to leave, he asks more time to persuade her. It is denied. He departs, and dies for love

The singer says: "bonnie lassie o'er the street" [is she a street-walker?], don't weep; I'm your baby's father. He asks what "sorra ails ye?"

A man meets a maid "gaun to the greenwoods for to milk kye." He says he would lay with her if the grass weren't wet. She says the sun will soon dry it. "He laid her doon ...." She becomes pregnant.

"Farewell to Glasgow city, likewise to Lanarkshire, Farewell, my dearest parents, I'll never see you more." Poverty forces the young man to sea. The girl wishes he would stay, or that she could come along, "the bonnie lassie's answer was aye no, no."

Bonnie Light Horseman, The: (16 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #1185}

The singer calls on listeners to hear of a "maid in distress" who wanders forlorn; "She relies upon George for the loss of her lover." She tells how he went to fight Napoleon and was slain. (She wishes she could join her lover at his grave, and die there)

The singer recalls "bonnie Lyndale, My dear and early home." He recalls the glens, peaceful homes, the robin's and milkmaid's songs. He thinks of the plowman: since leaving "I've plowed the sea. I've sailed with sailors ... Far from bonnie Lyndale"

Bonnie Mally Stewart: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #5789}

"The cold winter is past and gone, And now comes on the spring, And I am one of the King's Life-Guards, And must go fight for my king, my dear, And must go fight...." She offers to go with him. When he leaves, she follows; (when they meet, he denies her)

Bonnie Mason Laddie (I), The: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #5540}

"Simmer's gaun awa'... And the bonnie mason laddies They'll be comin' home... And the bonnie mason laddie He will marry me." The singer describes all the men she will not have (sailor, ploughman, blacksmith, weaver), "But I will hae the mason."

Bonnie Moorhen, The: (2 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #2944}

"My bonny moorhen's gane over the main" and won't return before summer. Her feathers are red, white, green and gray, "but nane o' them blue" "Ronald and Donald are out on the fen, To break the wing o' my bonny moorhen"

"On the south side o Perth there lived a fair maid, She wandered late and ear' and never was afraid." A young man stops her and lays her down. Her father comes out and demands that the lad marry her. He agrees, and she becomes lady o' Kilty

"The breath of spring is gratefu', As mild it sweeps alang... Yet the bonnie Redesdale lassie Is sweeter still to me." The singer praises each season, but loves the girl best; he would not trade her for kingdoms

"Bonnie Sandy's red and white And he's a' my heart's delight." Sandy did "vow and swear" to make the singer "his dear" but "cruel fate" has interfered. She still hopes to "get him for my portion"

Bonnie Ship the Diamond, The: (8 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #2172}

"The Diamond is a ship my lads, For the Davis Straight she's bound." The ship goes whaling near Greenland, "Where the sun it never sets." The singer toasts various ships, and promises to return home. When the ship returns, sailors and girls go on sprees

"After long years of absence... In far distant countries" the singer is returning to Tyneside. He recalls his youth and friends no longer there to greet him. His lover has waited for him and they'll marry and build a new home.

"O Udny, bonnie Udny, you shine whaur you stand." The singer praises the land and its people; he recalls walking the land and going out to meet his beloved. "Wherever I wander, I'll still think on you"; he hopes to return to the place and its people

The singer goes "up to a neat little cottage" and is amazed at the beauty of the girl living here. When he courts her, she accuses him of flattery and deception, and says she is too young to marry. He wishes her happiness and hopes to change her mind

Piper MacFarlane will wed the daughter of a grocer in Gouroch. He's "popped her the question and bought her the ring." Everywhere the couple go she causes a stir among men. In "a first-class hotel" they show they are not city folk.

Singer invites a lass to drink with him; she accepts; she is the "bonnie wee lassie who never said no." She says to take the night's rent from her pocket, but he'll owe half a crown for laying her down. He reaches in, finds 5 pounds, and takes off with it

Bonnie Wee Tramping Lass, The: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #5129}

The singer passed the carter's mill on a Saturday night and meets "a bonnie wee tramping lass", She explains her job "winding hanks of yarn." They discuss love and go home together. They marry happily and now have three children.

The singer and his Annie must part; he is a soldier and has been called away. His regiment goes into battle and he is wounded. He says he would recover better if Annie were there. He regrets leaving the collier's trade. (He thinks of deserting)

"Ye comrades and companions... To my sad lamentation I pray ye give an ear." The singer courted a beautiful girl, but at last she bid him depart. Now he prepares to leave home, still remembering her in Hatton and hoping that she will regret her decision

"The sheep's in the meadows, The kye's in the corn, Thou's ower lang in thy bed, Bonny at morn." "Canny at night, Bonny at morn, Thou's ower lang in...." The parents complain of the children's laziness: "The lad winnot work And the lass winnot lairn."

Bonny Baby Livingston [Child 222]: (13 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #100}

Glenlion carries Bonny Baby Livingston off to the Highlands. She refuses to show any favor unless she is returned. At Glenlion Castle, Glenlion's sister helps Baby get a letter away to her true love. He arrives with armed men, and carries Baby back home.

Bonny Barbara Allan [Child 84]: (173 refs. 9K Notes) {Roud #54}

A knight lies dying for love of Barbara Allan. His servant summons her, but she scorns him. As she returns home, she hears the death-bell, repents, and in turn dies. Buried close together, a briar grows from her grave, a rose from his; they entwine

The sailor fondly recalls his home, knowing that in a year he will be able to settle down with his love: "Of all the harbors east or west, There is one place that I love best, So whichever way the wind doth blow, I'll steer for the bonny Bay of Biscay-O"

Bonny Bee Hom [Child 92]: (4 refs. 3K Notes) {Roud #3885}

The lady sits lamenting her absent love. She vows to wait seven years. Meanwhile, her love has received a talisman which will tell him if his love is dead or untrue. (After a year), the talisman turns dark. He sails for home, but his love is already dead

A bird tells a knight that his wife is unfaithful. The two speed to his home, to find his wife in the arms of another man. He slays the intruder.

Bonny Black Hare, The: (8 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #1656}

A hunter goes out to shoot at the bonny black hare (hair), meets a willing maid, and beds her until his "ramrod is limber" and he cannot fire more.

Bonny Blue Handkerchief, The: (11 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #378}

The singer meets a girl with a blue kerchief under her chin. She says that it is a local fashion. Entranced by her beauty, he offers her marriage and wealth. In some versions, she accepts; in others, she refuses; the handkerchief is a token from her love

Leaving his native home, the singer will think of "my blooming girl, my bonny blue-eyed Jane." The girls from sunny Spain may win his friendship but not his love. If he gets rich he'll hurry back to marry Jane.

Bonny Blue-Eyed Lassie, The: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #3870}

If the singer were at the top of the mountain with gold in his pocket and money for counting he would give it all to have his fancy and marry blue-eyed Nancy. Some say she's too low in station and will be his ruination but he would marry her.

Bonny Boy (I), The: (16 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #293}

The girl says, "I once had a boy, a bonny bonny boy, A boy that I thought was my own." But the boy has taken another girl. She adds, "Let him go... I never will mourn." The ending varies; she may unsuccessfully seek another or refuse to do so

"A bonny braw lad an' a swagg'rin' A bonny braw lad an' a swagg'rin' Gin ever I marry a man in my life, He maun be a braw lad a' a swagg'rin'"

The singer's brown hen is missing. He tells how it laid six eggs a week and never strayed. He gives the bird's pedigree. He offers a reward for the return of the hen

Bonny Bunch of Roses (II), The: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #12980}

"Father, mother, may I go?" The singer is allowed to go [to the ball? wall?] for "the bonny bunch of roses." She dresses, goes, and meets her lover on the way. They kiss, and, in some versions, part.

Young Napoleon promises his mother that he will capture "The Bonny Bunch of Roses" (Great Britain). She warns him of his father's disaster in Russia and of the strength of the British. They sorrowfully prepare for the lad's death.

He: Sit by "the bonny bush o broom" and don't be afraid of me. She: I'm afraid you would kiss me. He: "a desenter young fellow ye ne'er did see." She sits, he kisses her, and gives her three guineas.

"On a mossy bank Jenny was sitting She had on a gay gown sae new And busily she was a knitting A yarn of bonny sky blue" "Last night ... He fed me with gingerbread sweet, He called me his dear and his honey And everything else that was neat"

The Earl of Huntly slays the Earl of Murray (in his own bed?) as a result of the violent feud between them. The largest part of some versions is devoted to describing how noble Murray was

Bonny Flora Clark, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #13986}

"Six sporting youths" borrow Donald's Bonny Flora Clark "in the chilly months of autumn" and sail up Grand River Harbour. They go through ice to a party and drink and fight. As Donald dreams, Bonny Flora Clark is wrecked in the ice on the way home.

On March 1, 1845, the singer leaves his comrades in Garrydoo. He crosses the seas (? or to Ballydoo?). He joins (departs?) a Masonic lodge, where McCracken is the master; there are 31. He praises the Orangemen and their girls, "Orange flowers."

"There are three lads into this braes... They made an oath to take her frae us, I do mean Helen Symon." They want her not for money but for her beauty. They take her away on a horse. She eventually marries (one of them,) George

Hodge leaves his plow for a kiss from Dolly who is milking her cow. Dolly flirts but refuses. The impatient cow kicks over the stool and pail. Impatient Hodge says he'll go to Betsy. Dolly calls him back, they kiss, and go off to be married by a parson.

"His name I love to mention, in Ireland he was born." The girl recalls her Irish boy, now gone to America. She follows him, seeking him in New York and other cities. She dreams of him -- and finds him at her door. They marry and live free and happy

The singer overhears two lovers beside the canal in Kilwarren. He is leaving and he'll miss her sweet smile. He says birds must leave -- "gone to their nest" -- in their time. "Make few words excuse me for I must away"

A rich girl loves a working boy. Her parents try to prevent the marriage by locking up the girl and exiling the boy. Both manage to escape; they flee to (Belfast) and prepare to take ship for America

The singer waits for her lover to come to her this night. "Come he late or e'ar when there's ne'en to see He's welcome aye in the mark to me." She will spin at her wheel and think "wi mirth and glee" of his coming. He arrives and promises to marry her.

A group of lords is come to "dance and win" the crown away from the king (?!). The king, knowing he cannot prevail, summons the Bonny Lass of Anglesey, who easily out-dances all comers

"A bonny lass, a happy lass, On one rainy day, I took my true love by the hand And led her far astray." The girl offers to let him do it again, "But baldy he won't stand." Grandma said that a young girl's maidenhead "would bring the dead to life."

Bonny Lizie Baillie [Child 227]: (8 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #341}

Lizie goes to Gartartain to visit her sister, and there meets Duncan Grahame. She falls in love, and declares that she will have a Highlander rather than any lowland or English lord. Her family tries and fails to change her mind

"Bonny Mary Hay, I will lo'e thee yet, For thine ee is the slae and thy hair is the jet." After praising Mary's looks, the singer asks her to come away with him. He says it is a holiday for him when she is with him. He begs her not to refuse him

"I have heard the mavis singing His love song to the moon... But a sweeter song has cheer'd me At the evening's gentle close"; it is the voice of Bonny Mary of Argyle. She may lose her looks and her voice, but he loves her for more than that

Bonny Moor Hen, The: (2 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #2944}

Hard times and "almost starving" Wardhill miners, as in the past, hunt the moorhen. "The fat man of Oakland ... lays claim to the moors," preventing the miners from hunting. An army of gamekeepers is driven off by the miners in a battle at Stanhope.

The singer regrets "leaving of my sweetheart In Paisley behind." He wishes he were in Paisley where the weavers "are clever young blades" and lasses "despise all other trades." He'd build her a bower and be her weaver.

"The bonny pit laddie, the canny it laddie, The bonny pit laddie for me, O! He sits in his hole as black as a coal, And brings the white siller to me, O!" "He sits on his cracket, and hews in his jacket, And brings the white siller to me, O!"

The singer mourns the loss of Portmore's trees which have been cut down and floated away by "the long boats from Antrim" The birds weep saying "Where will we shelter or where will we sleep?"

Bonny Sailor Boy, The [Laws M22]: (10 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #843}

A rich girl and a poor sailor are in love. The girl's father hears them courting in the garden, bursts in, and threatens the boy with transportation. The girl swears to remain faithful

"Where have you been, My bonny Saint John? You've bidden sae lang (x2)." "Up on yon hill... And I couldna win hame." "Now, what will you give me Unto my supper?" "A clean dish for you And a clean spoon, For biding sae long."

Bonny Tavern Green: (2 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #3110}

The singer falls in love with a girl in Tavern Green. Her killing glances wounded his heart. "If I was Queen of England as Queen Ann was long ago ... she never would want money while I would rule as queen"

The singer goes out and meets a shy girl on the road. He cajoles her into talking to him; they talk of her work and of love. They are married and live happily ever after; he looks fondly on the road where he met her.

Bonny Wee Window, The [Laws O18]: (13 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #989}

Johnny comes to visit Nellie, whose window lacks a pane. The two talk until Nellie must go to bed, when Johnny sticks his head through the window for a kiss -- and finds himself stuck! Nellie's grandmother beats him till he pulls out frame and all

Singer enlists at Kells Barracks "to fight for my Queen" and leaves Nellie behind in Wood Green. He leaves in a troop ship from Larne Harbour. He is shot in Flanders and asks his comrades to take a message to Nellie in Ireland near Portaballintree.

The girl is sorely hurt when her Irish boy leaves her to cross the ocean. She follows him across the sea, only to learn that he has married another. She dies of a broken heart and asks to be buried in Ireland

The singer, or his love, recalls his beautiful home and situation. But now he has been taken by the press gang and serves aboard the Nightingale. He will depart soon, and expects once more to be pressed

Bony Lost it Fairly: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #5823}

"Lord Wellington long kept him down, And boldly did advance, He drew his armies out of Spain, And then invaded France. For all his quick and warlike tricks, They tossed him from his station, No more to rise and reign again The scourge of every nation"

The singer courts a girl unsuccessfully. He dresses his friend Boodie Bo in white one night. They meet his girl. She is frightened and goes to the singer's chamber "for fear of Boodie Bo." They have sex. When she rues her action he marries her.

The Booger Man talks with the children: "What are you doing down there?" "Eating grapes." "How big are they?" "Big as your head...." "What would you do if you saw the Booger Man coming?" "Run like a turkey."

Booker T. Washington: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #11342}

"Old Booker T. Washington, the big Black man, To the White House went one day. He wanted to see the President in a quiet sort of way." "Teddy" invites him in. "And you can't blame Booker for making those goo-goo eyes." The singer insults both

"Got to sleep, little baby, Before the bookerman catch you, Turkey in the next Can't get a rest, Can't get a rest for the baby."

"I (like/love) the mountains, I love the rolling hills, I love the flowers, I love the daffodils, I love the fireside, When all the lights are low, Boomdeada, Boomdeada....." (Repeat as needed, possibly with the text lines repeated over the "Boomdeada"s

"Boorowa was Boorowa when Young was a pup, And Boorowa will be Boorowa when Young is buggered up."

Booth Killed Lincoln: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #16990}

"Wiles Booth came to Washington, An actor great was he, He played at Ford's Theater And Lincoln went to see." Booth sneaks up on Lincoln and shoots him, then flees. The dying Lincoln says "'Of all the actors in this town, I loved Wilkes Booth the best'"

Lauding the clever fisherfolk of Boothbay. One-legged Skipper Jake sets out to catch a whale, even though it is too big for his boat. He jumps on the whale's back, sticks his peg in its blowhole, and causes it to blow out its brains as it tries to exhale

"Hee-haw, hee-haw, Blind Jack is my name, I romp, I paw, I snort, I snooze, For I am in the business of selling booze." But the police are after him; he hopes to escape, but apparently is punished -- and hopes to win a prize for his poetry about it

"I'm a howler from the prairies of the West! If you want to die with terror look at me!" The boozer boats of all the things he is: "I'm the snoozer from the upper trail! I'm the reveler in murderer in gore." "I can snatch a man bald-headed while he waits"

"Oh, We're boozers all, you can tell us by our nose; We're from the land where beer and whisky flows... We belong to the Salvation Army. Could you go? (x2) If a feller came up to you... Could you go a glass of beer? Yes, my word, could you go!"

The singer wanders by Bordon's Grove and hears a girl lamenting. He courts her; she says she is waiting for Johnny. He asks about Johnny, and (s)he says he was wounded in Flanders. She sees his love token, and declares they will never meet again

The singer goes boring for oil with his "auger," and in some versions contracts a venereal disease.

"Boris was a gentleman In the Tsar's regime... Boris had a lady fair... And ev'ry night she'd wake in fright, And this is what she'd scream: Boris, Boris, save me, save me." He sags in the middle and rides a horse. He dies and leaves his beard to the girl

"Born free, as free as the wind blows." The animal (or person) is urged to "live free" and "stay free"

Mike Cahooley, an Irish immigrant, goes to work on the railroad; he advances to boss of the section gang. When the company president comes around, he shakes Mike's hand; his workers fear him. He is going home to his wife, but hearers are welcome to visit

Boston Burglar, The [Laws L16]: (63 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #261}

The youth is brought up by honest parents, but turns wild. At last he is taken and, despite his parents' entreaties, sentenced to transportation (in American texts, prison). He dreams of release, plans to give up bad ways, and warns others to do the same

"From Boston Harbor we set sail, The wind was blowing the devil of a gale." The captain gives cruel orders, curses the sailors, demands drink, and goes to his cabin to avoid the storm. They hope he dies; (when he does, they threaten his son)

Boston Tea Party (I), The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #24153}

"As near beauteous Boston lying on the gently swelling flood" were "three ill-fated teaships." "This was Hampden, that was Sidney, with fair Liberty" and tools of vandalism. "Tell you masters they were dreamers when they thought to cheat the brave"

"I snum [declare] I am a Yankee lad, And I guess I'll sing a ditty." The singer describes all that his people would have done then had America been free (e.g. crossed a bridge that wasn't built yet). Failing that, they dumped the tea

Bosun's Story, The: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #9141}

Exaggerated story about a whaling voyage. The crew nails the ship to a whale's tail and thus sails to the North Pole and back. Each stanza ends with "'And that's the truth', said he."

The singer is paying for his life of crime by being transported to Botany Bay. He describes the miserable fate of the convicts on board the prison vessel, warns others against such crimes, and wishes he could return to his love at home

"Let us drink good health to our schemers above, Who at length have contrived from this land to remove Thieves, robbers...." who are sent to Botany Bay. The singer describes all the sorts of people who will be transported and hints at their life there

"Come all you young fellows Whoever that you be, Who delight in a song, Join chorus with me." The singer describes "some poor lads Who were sent to Botany Bay." One girl tries to buy a man release. But they are put on the coach to start their journey

"The Currency Lads may fill their glasses And drink to the health of the Currency Lasses, But the lass I adore... Is a lass in the Female Factory." Having met Molly (who was "tried by the name of Polly"), the two plan marriage

"Bows and flows of angel hair And ice-cream castles in the sky": the singer has seen clouds that way -- but having seen them from both sides, her view is different. Similarly with life and with love: one may win or lose

Bothwell Bridge [Child 206]: (7 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #337}

Earlston bids farewell to his family and sets out for Bothwell Bridge (to join the Covenanters). Monmouth, who commands the enemy, welcomes him but orders him to disarm. The two sides cannot agree, and a bloody battle ensues

"Where yoy git dem bongee shoes? Git 'em from Mullally. Where Mullaly keep he store? Corner King and Bottle Alley." Similarly, one singer inquires of the other where he acquired that "mookum," "pongee shirt," "dog-bed suit," etc.

Jump-rope rhyme. "A bottle of pop, a big banana, We're from southern Louisiana, That's a lie, that's a fib, We're from Colorado."

"She may be old, ninety years, But she ain't too old to shift them gears. You got to bottle up and go... All you high-power women." The singer encourages women to have fun, and appreciates their existence

"Well, I'll tell you, boys, There is something gone wrong; From the way I feel, I won't be here long..... Don't drink nothing but that bottled in bond." The singer advises using a chair to drive off a quarreling woman; she'll come back when she's hungry

"At Boulavogue, as the sun was setting... A rebel hand set the heather blazing And brought the neighbors from far and near." Father Murphy's rebels for a time defeat the English, but at last are defeated and Murphy executed

French. Singer's mother wakes her at dawn and has her fetch water from the fountain. She talks with a cavalie. She asks, "What shall I say to mother?" "Just say to your mother / The fountain boiled today". Refrain: "Boum-ba-di-boum tra-la-la-la!"

The Irishman every night spends what he earns each day on Walker's "Bounce upon Bess." English porter and ale grow bad as they grow stale; this whisky improves with age. It's good in all weather. Give your sweetheart some and her heart will grow soft.

"Bounce, bounce, ball, ball, Twenty lassies on the wall, One boy among them all, Bounce, bounce, ball, ball."

Bouncing Girl in Fogo, The: (7 refs. 3K Notes) {Roud #2800}

"There's a bouncing girl in Fogo that I am going to see... She is the sweetest colour of roses a soldier ever knew... You may talk about your Scotland girls, from Boston or the Strand, But you'll get no girl to suit you like the girls from Newfoundland"

Bound Away on the Twilight: (2 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #19839}

"She's an iron ore vesel, a vessel of fame, She sails from Oswego and the Twilight's her name." The singer tells of saiing west to Marquette, where the singer's hands get sore loading ore. He proceeds to describe the voyage back east

Young Captain Stafford Nelson of the Abilene falls sick. Unable to get up on deck, he cannot navigate the ship, and none of the other sailors know the coast. Unable to reach Halifax, they wind up in Arichat, where the captain dies

The singer is a "really saved" carter "wha loves the Lord and hates the drink." He used to whip and kick his horse. He was known by police "when drink set me aflame." "Withoot an oath I couldna speak." He's "bound for glory noo"

Bound for the Promised Land: (16 refs. 3K Notes) {Roud #11897}

"On Jordan's stormy banks I stand And cast a wishful eye To Canaan's fair and happy land Where my possessions lie. I am bound for the promised land...." The rest of the song describes the wonders of the promised land.

Bound Steel Blues: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #10627}

"I'm gonna leave you honey, I ain't gonna ride no train. I'm walking out, crawling, calling your name." "You'll see my picture on the wall ... won't be your daddy at all." "Some day you'll miss me but I won't come home no more"

Bound to California: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #11253}

Shanty. "Good-bye my lads good-bye, no one can tell me why. I am bound to California, to reap the shinning gold. Good-bye, my lads, good-bye."

"I built my house upon the rock, O yes, Lord, No wind, no storm can blow it down, O yes, Lord. March on, member, bound to go; Been to the ferry, bound to go...." The singer builds a stout house, picks sweet berries, and gathers in brothers and sisters

"Drooping souls, no longer grieve; Heaven is propitious. If in Christ you can believe, you will find him precious." "From his hands, his feed, his side Flows the healing balsam." "Boundless mercy, how it flows; Now I hope I feel it."

Bounty Jumper, The: (3 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #1976}

"Friends and jolly citizens, I'll sing you a song... It's all about a jumper, Old Donald was his name." Captured at last, he prefers death to revealing where his money is hidden. The jumper is condemned, executed, and buried.

"From Portsmouth Harbour we did set sail, The glass was high and foretold a gale, For fair Tahiti we sailed away...." They stop at many places before they reach Tahiti. Bligh forces the men to leave. Fletcher Christian rebels against Bligh

"Bow low, Elder, Jesus lis-a-ning, Bow low, Elder, Jesus died." "When you see me on my knees, Raise me, Jesus, if-a you please." "When you see my coffin come, Then a-you know my soul's gone home."

Primarily as tune used for various broadsides and late folk songs, recognized monotonal measures followed by arpeggios on a pentatonic scale. Chorus something like "Bow wow wow, all the dog did say to them was, Bow wow wow."

A dance song: "Bow-legged rabbit, A box ankle Joe, Flea bite me so bad I can't dance no mo'."

"The Bowery... They say such things and they do strange things... I'll never go there any more." Misadventures of a "new coon in town" who doesn't understand the street talk. He tells a babbling barber to "cut it short" and has his head shaved.

"Let Carthage Queen be no more The subject of our mournful song."Roger Wrightson of Yorkshire courts Martha Railton. The parents oppose the lovers and keep them separate. After a year, he dies of love. She dies soon after. Parents are warned

"I'll sing you a ditty Of a fair maid so pretty Who lives from the city Some seventeen miles." The singer went to court "Mariar" in a briar. When he asked to wed, she smashed a bowl of green peas over his head. Now his friends are always offering him peas

"Wish I was in Bowling Green sittin' in a chair, One arm 'round my pretty little miss, the other 'round my dear." The singer offers to let her man go, wishes she were a bumblebee who could settle on her man, and sets out to ramble because she has no home

"Let's go bowling on bowling green, We can't go bowling on bowling green, Why can't we go bowling on bowling green? Because of the king. What king?"

A boy enters King Arthur's court wearing a rich mantle. He offers the mantle to whichever woman proves virtuous (the appearance of the mantle will show who is chaste and who is not). Only one woman in the court proves virtuous.

"A boy, he had an auger, It bored two holes at once; A boy, he had an auger, It bored two holes at once. And some were eating popcorn, And some were eating pickles (Spoken:) And the 'G' is silent as in 'fish.'"

Young Isaac Alcott, newly arrived in Hartford, goes riding. He goes to "cut some timber for a sled" and is hit by a falling branch. Found many hours later, it is too late to save his life. His funeral is described; the song ends with a moralizing stanza

"Boy meets girl, hold her hand, Visions of a promised land." They sleep together. They get married. They have children. The wife is cranky. The children are cranky. But he "can't forsake those sexy habits, Breeding kids like bloody rabbits."

Boy on the Land, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #520}

Little boy, working on the land, is given an old coat, "old stiff collar button'd to the throat." Second, he's given an old gun; "Sometimes she gave fire, sometimes she gave smoke, She gave my shoulder the devil's own poke"

The singer, born in Gallowa', has taken to rambling when he sees a beautiful girl. He courts her urgently until he must return home. He asks her to marry him before he takes to the road. After some hesitation, she agrees; they marry and live in Gallowa'

"My name is Floyd Eddings the son of old Dock, He truly disowned me but I am one of his flock." Eddings turns robber, is arrested, and is imprisoned. His father won't help. The jail catches fire; the jailor does not rescue him; the jail burns around him

"While plodding on our way, the toilsome road of life, How few the friends that daily there we meet" but "A boy's best friend is his mother," "So cherish her with care, and smooth her silvery hair." All will eventually learn this lesson.

"The year 1803 Our gentlemen did all agree To make a live road o'er the lea Out through the haughs o' Boyndlie." When nothing was being done Forbes made a plan and he and a few men fought "our esquires ... to make the roads thro' Boyndlie"

"Boyndlie's banks and braes are steep And decked wi' flo'ers o mony a hue...." "There does dwell my bonnie Nell... And I cam' ower frae Aberdour To lat her taste my fruits sae rare." He is young and poor, but they expect to keep company in the future

Boyne Water (I), The: (7 refs. 6K Notes) {Roud #795}

"July the First in Ouldbridge Town there was a grievous battle...." The song describes William's attack on the Irish positions at the Boyne. The listeners are reminded that the "Protestants of Drogheda have reason to be thankful"

Boyne Water (II), The: (10 refs. 3K Notes) {Roud #795}

"July the First, of a morning clear, on thousand six hundred and ninety, King William did his men prepare...." The forces of James and William clash; Schomberg is killed; William's forces win the battle; Protestants are urged to plaise God

Boys and Girls Come Out to Play: (5 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #5452}

"Boys and girls come out to play, The moon doth shine as bright as day. Leave your supper and leave your sheep... Come with a good will or not at all... A halfpenny loaf will serve us all... And we'll have a pudding in half an hour."

Boys at Ninety-Five, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #9802}

Mike takes the Bonavista Branch to Deer Lake and is sent to lumbercamp 95 "with not a decent tree." The skipper, foreman, and cook are named with comments on drink and dawn-to-dark hard work

Boys Can Whistle, Girls Can Sing: (5 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #7012}

"Grandma (Gruff/Grunt) said a curious thing, Boys can whistle but girls must sing." Various people confirm this observation: "[Papa] said to me, 'It's the usual thing For boys to whistles and girls to sing.'" Whistling girls will reportedly meet a bad end

Boys from County Cork, The: (2 refs. 9K Notes) {Roud #9774}

"You've read in history's pages of heroes of great fame...." The singer notes that the heroes of Ireland's history are those who died in the 1916 rebellion. The singer lists heroes from old Ireland, noting that the Boys from Cork beat the Black and Tans

The singer invites listeners to drink to the boys of Coleraine. He recalls the exiles, and calls for another drink. He looks over the sea, and the thought saddens him. He once again toasts the boys of Coleraine

The boys of Fair Hill love the girls, hunting with the Harrier Club, drinking water at Fahy's well and porter at Quinlan's pub, and spending "a day with our Hurling Club." "Here's up 'em all say the boys of Fair Hill"

Boys of Kilkenny, The: (12 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #1451}

"Oh the boys of Kilkenny are brave roaring blades." They kiss and coax every girl they meet. The singer remembers a "pretty dame" from Kilkenny. Now he's in exile; if he were in back there, he could get "sweethearts but here can get none"

When honouring "the martyrs who have long since died," remember the boys of Kilmichael who "conquered the red white and blue." The Tans left Macroom November 28 with two Crossley tenders and were wiped out by the Column. The Column returned to Glenure.

Boys of Mullabawn, The: (6 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #2362}

"A vile deceiving stranger ... has ordered transportation for the boys of Mullabawn." The women lament and "without hesitation, we are charged with combination And sent for transportation from the hills of Mullabawn"

"Step forth, ye sons of freedom, Who strangers are to fear, Repair unto your quarters, And enter volunteers." The singer promises to obey his officers when fighting Indians and British, and cheers presidents and other officials

"Concerning that terrible battle, Where bloodshed and battery was seen, With the beef-eating bullies of England And the boys of old Erin the Green." The boys stop at an alehouse and head for the English in the market. The "cowardly English" are banished

Orangemen, remember King William who "ended Popish sway." Presbyterians, defend your rights "from Fenians and Papists vile." At Sandy Row we made the Papists "fly like chaff before the wind." Toast Johnston. Remember the Boyne and Derry Walls

A wagon train from Sanpete County, headed by Captain (William Stewart) Seeley, must cross the Green River. The wagons are safely ferried, but as the crew attempts to bring the cattle over, six of them are drowned

The singer, from Prince Edward Island, warns against life in the logging camps. Many Islanders have headed for the Maine woods, to be instantly spotted by the old hands. In an place of bad drink and hard work, he must suffer without recourse to the law

Boys of Virginia, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #1451}

"Oh the boys of Virginia are brave roaring blades, Deceiving young maidens is part of their trade...." "I'll build you a castle on Virginia's free ground... And if anyone asks you whatever's my name, My name is Joe Thorpe, from Virginia I came"

Boys of Wexford, The: (6 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #3015}

"In comes the captain's daughter, the captain of the yeos Saying 'Brave United Irishmen, we'll ne'er again be foes.'" They win at Ross and Wexford, lose at Vinegar Hill. "For bravery won each battle But drink lost evermore"

"The boys are very pretty, And sweet as they can be... But now you'd better watch them For they won't do to trust." The girl describes the tricks boys use, and the fine letters they write, but experience shows that none (at most one) can be trusted

Gullah dialect song: "Bra' Rabbit, wa' 'ere da do dere?" "I da pickin' oyscha' fa' young gal. Da oyscha' bite mah finger, Da young gal tek dat fa' laugh at."

"It was of a young ssea captain, on Cranberry Isles did dwell, He took the schooner Arnold" and drove her aground. Various people have adventures aboard. They make a living smuggling. Captain Bracey is warned to stop drinking and chasing girls

"It was our hard general's false treachery Which caused our destruction that great day." The singer tells how Braddock attacks his own men (?). Other generals take command, but it is too late; the forces across the river are slaughtered.

Braemar Poacher, The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #373}

The singer is "a rovin' Highlander, a native of Braemar." He recalls poaching, his capture in Benabourd, and trial in Aberdeen. He wishes success to poachers: "May they always be at liberty, with money at command." Now he is bound for Van Dieman's land.

Braes o' Abernethy, The: (1 ref. 1K Notes) {Roud #3784}

The singer sees a lass behind her father's locked gates. If she were cold he would give her his "plaidie to rollabout her." If he were rich he'd give everything for one night with her. There's another girl he likes better but she's far away.

In winter Maria sang "Fareweel the braes o' Ballochmyle." While the birds, silent now, will sing again in spring, she won't be here to hear them.

The singer says "Let us go lassie, go To the braes o' Balquhither." "I will twine thee a bower" and cover it with flowers. In winter "we'll sing As the storm rattles o'er us" in our dwelling. "Summer us in prime ... Let us journey together"

Braes o' Birniebouzle, The: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #3343}

"Will ye gang wi' me Lassie, To the braes of Birnibouzle?" The singer details all the things he will supply if the girl will wed, and promises that she will be content

Braes o' Broo, The: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #5572}

"Get up, get up, ye lazy loons, Get up, and waur them a', man, For the braes o' Broo are ill to ploo." "But the plooman laddie's my delight." The plowman must work very hard on the poor land, but the girl loves him enough to support him even so

"Whare hae ye been saw braw, lad? Whare hae ye been sae brankie, O?" The hearer is asked if he has been by Killicrankie. He fought "the devil and Dundee On the braes o' Killicrkanie, O." Casualties are listed and King William evaluated

The singer meets a maiden lamenting that she has been deserted by "false deluding" Johnny the schoolmaster. His education made her think him a man of honor while she, a servant and poor shepherd's daughter, has "neither gold nor breeding"

Braes of Balquhidder (I), The: (7 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #541}

The singer asks a lass to "leave your father and your mither" and join him "on the braes o' Balquither" She refuses. He wins her over and she agrees to "leave acquaintance a' for thee"

Singer: "let us go, lassie, go To the braes of Balquhither." He'll make a bower covered with flowers. In winter they'll sing in the bower protected from storms. Now in summer flowers are blooming and "wild mountain thyme A' the moorlands perfuming"

The singer prepares to leave Carnabane for America, and will praise it as he leaves. He recalls the beauties of the land and the girls; it pains him to leave, but he has no choice. He blesses Carnabane

Braes of Killiecrankie, The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #3874}

A soldier asks a maid to go with him to the "Braes of Killiecrankie"; he'll buy her a silk gown and fine coat. She won't go because her mother would be angry and her father would follow them. The soldier sleeps alone with his pack.

Braes of Strathblane: (20 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #1096}

Singer meets a girl. He wants to marry her; she says her parents would be displeased if she married a rover. He'll go court another. She begs him to come back; she's changed her mind. She regrets slighting him, fearing she'll never find another

The singer asks his listeners to hear him sing of Kilhoyle. He describes how all the boys and girls play there, admits that "Sometimes I work, more times I rest" there. He describes all the towns you can see, and says the locals are always friends in need

Braes of Yarrow (I), The: (5 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #5838}

A man tells his bride-to-be to forget Yarrow where he killed her lover. She had warned her lover against the fight. Now her brother Douglas wants her to marry. She thinks of the dead body and won't marry. The groom tells her: "dry thy useless sorrow"

The April sun is shining, the larks singing, when the singer sees Mary as he heads off to work. His heart is ensnared as he watches her braid her hair. Others report that he is never the same cheerful worker again; he is distracted by dreams of Mary

Brakeman on the Train: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #8587}

(O')Shaughnessy takes a job as brakeman. He doesn't know the signal to stop the train. The train is derailed though no one is killed. They tell him to throw a switch; the train goes in the ditch. He gets the blame. And it's a hard, cold, dirty job.

A girl wishes to marry a man her family disapproves of. Her brothers take the lad hunting and kill him. They claim to have lost him, but he appears to his lover in a dream and reveals the truth. Accused by their sister, the two brothers are forced to flee

"Thy fruit full well the schoolboy knows, Wild bramble of the brake, So put forth thy small white rose, I love thee for his sake." The singer tells how the tame flowers fade or are put aside; the wild bramble still blooms and lets the singer feel young

A fisherman meets Betsey and convinces her to sail with him to "that place called Branch up in St Mary's Bay." A gale blows them off course and they land who-knows-where. Betsey says, if the listener meets that fisherman then toss him overboard.

"But here it lies why blast my yes, You've often heard I'll pledge my word Of what they call Japan boys." A tale of hunting whale in the Pacific -- a whale is spotted, pursued, killed, all in tedious detail

Branded Lambs [Laws O9]: (10 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #1437}

A girl, seeking her branded lambs, sees Johnny asleep under a thorn and asks if he has seen the flock. He tells her to seek them in a distant meadow. She seeks them; Johnny follows. They are not there, but he takes the chance to woo her. They are married

"(See that ship Maria, branded on the forehead)(x3), Coming up (3x)." The half line changes in every verse. For example, "See my loving savior," "Yonder comes the liar," "John saw the number," "See Paul the apostle," "See my dear grandmother"

"Oh, brandy leave me alone (x3), Remember I must go home." "Oh, brandy, you broke my heart (x2); Oh, brandy, leave me alone; Remember I must go home."

Brannan Fair o' Banff: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #5913}

The people at the fair -- Cocker, Shusie, "Geordie Raeburn an' Willie Beer, But noo I see they're wantin there"

Brannigan's pup fought "seventeen hours of battle." The dog was ugly to begin with, and scarred, but it would attack anything -- clothes, other dogs, a young girl's leg -- until at last it attacked an organ grinder's monkey and choked on the tail

The singer meets a maid going to milk her "brannit [streaked brown] coo." They greet and she asks how far he's going; she's going a mile or two to milk her cow. He asks "what harm could I do love, to come along with you. And I will wait ..."

Brass-Mounted Army, The: (6 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #6693}

The soldier complains of the unfairness of Army life and the abuse he suffers at the hands of officers: "Oh, how do you like the army, The brass-mounted army, The high-falutin' army Where eagle buttons rule?"

Brave Engineer (I), The: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #255}

"Georgie's mother came to him with a bucket on her arm." She warns him against trying to run his train too fast in order to make up time. He says he will heed her, but he drives too hard at Big Bend Tunnel and he crashes and is killed

A fireman, mortally injured while rescuing a child, makes his last request: "Break the news to mother gently, Tell her how her son had died, Tell her that he done his duty...." His family and colleagues grieve but honor his memory

Brave General Brock [Laws A22]: (4 refs. 7K Notes) {Roud #2210}

Brock leads his men on a forced march against the Americans. The surprised U.S. commander surrenders soon after the fighting begins.

"Little boy went out to shoot one day, He took his arrows and boy, For guns are dangerous things for play." A little bird (sparrow, cuckoo) declares he can't shoot it. The boy can't hit the bird, and cries; the little bird laughs

Brave Lafitte, The: (2 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #V28306}

"Each young land bird I'm sure has heard Of the ocean lamb and wolf," for Lafitte/Laffite is known by both titles. His piracy makes him rich, and he brings a girl to his island home. He is attacked near home, and his girl killed; he vows revenge

French. A brave sailor returns from war and stops at an inn. The hostess cries; she recognizes him as her husband. He asks why she has more children. She had reports that he had died and so remarried. He leaves silver and returns to his regiment.

The oak "ruled the greenwood long." "In the days of old" maidens "frolicked with lovesome swains" but they are dead and the tree remains. Now gold is king "but he never shall send our ancient friend To be tossed on the stormy sea"

"Belfast may boast ... of its far-famed ships." "May the name of Harland and Wolff still stand At the top of the ship-building trade" "The Island Boys are marvels .... With their 'White Star Liner.'" If a "Greyhound" is needed Belfast gets the contract.

"The waves dash high against the rocks with a mighty thund'ring roar." A ship is in distress. On shore, a man declares, "I must save them." He takes his boat out to the reef and rescues the sailors

Brave Volunteers, The: (5 refs. 8K Notes) {Roud #9784}

Henry leaves Margaret, his wife, and baby to volunteer "to fight 'neath a monarch of Portugal's banner." All 500 volunteers from Ireland and Scotland are lost with his ship on Galway's coast, outbound from Greenock, on Wednesday, November 28/29.

Brave Wolfe [Laws A1]: (31 refs. 22K Notes) {Roud #961}

Disappointed in love, Wolfe gives his beloved a ring and leaves her. He lands at Quebec to battle the French. Wolfe is mortally wounded, but when he learns that a British victory is assured, he says, "I die with pleasure."

"Bravo, Bravo, Bravo, Bravissimo, Bravo, Bravo, Jolly well done, Bravo, Bravissimo, Bravo, Bravissimo, Bravo, Bravissimo, Jolly well done." The last word may well be replaced by a set of nonsense sounds, or more "bravos" instead of "Jolly well done"

Braw Servant Lasses, The: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #5597}

"Ye decent auld women, I'll sing you a song" to complain about the follies of the young. They dress up, go out "like a ship in full sail," visit the church but ignore what is said -- and end up pregnant. The singer admits being a 63-year-old bachelor

Rope-skipping rhyme/game. "Bread and butter, For my supper, That is all my mother's got."

Bread and Cheese to Rorie: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #13571}

"Bread and cheese to Rorie, For doin o't, for doin o't And cheese and bread to Rorie, To do't again, to do't again again"

Break the News to Mother: (7 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #4322}

"While shot and shell were screaming Across the battlefield, The boys in blue were fighting, Their noble flag to shield." The flag falls. A boy volunteers and rescues the flag; he dies asking that someone "break the news to mother"

"I am a bold undaunted youth from the county of Tyrone," now in prison because "a girl against me swore." Soon to be sentenced, the singer makes a plan to escape, and manges to flee. He goes over the sea to escape his punishment

The singer's parents lock her in a room but she goes out the window when they go to town. She meets her sweetheart who tells her "he was listed in Bredalbane's Grenadiers"

Brennan on the Moor [Laws L7]: (53 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #476}

Irishman Brennan, perhaps in revolt against the English, turns robber in the hills. After various escapades, he is captured, only to be freed by a blunderbuss smuggled in by his wife. At last, betrayed by a woman, he is taken and hanged

Brewer Laddie, The: (8 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #867}

"In Perth there lives a bonnie lad... And he courted Peggy Roy." "He courted her for seven long years... When there came a lad from Edinborough town." The girl goes off with the stranger, but ends up deserted; the brewer rejects her when she returns

Brewer Without Any Barm, A: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #1357}

"A brewer without any barm, he makes the most pitiful beer (x2)." Other workers are also condemned if they done make the right products or use the right tools.

Brian O'Lynn (Tom Boleyn): (41 refs. 3K Notes) {Roud #294}

Vignettes about Brian/Tom. Each describes a situation he finds himself in and ends with his comment, e.g., "Tom Bolyn found a hollow tree / And very contented seemed to be / The wind did blow and the rain beat in / 'Better than no house,' said Tom Bolyn."

"The beam of joy's in every eye" to see "a bonny bride To grace the Banks of Bogie." A toast to "'Huntly and his bonny Bride': 'They're welcome to Strathbogie.'"

A bride bids farewell to her mother, father, sister and brother. She has reservations about her groom: "he may deceive me... he may wound who should caress me."

"I stood on the bridge at midnight, As the clocks were striking the hour, And the moon rose o'er the city, Behind the dark church-tower." As the waters flood, the singer's eyes flood with tears. He wishes the flood would take him back home across the sea

"Sez I, me boys, don't you want to go fishing? I'll ship you off in the Bridget Ann." Captain and crew take many fish and salt them in the hold. They sail until the hold is full, despite bad weather, then head for home

The singer tells of the pretty town of Kelorgan, noting "what makes it interesting Is my Bridget Donahue." From America, he asks her in Ireland, "Just take the name of Patterson And I'll take Donahue."

The singer laments that Bridget has left him heartbroken. He describes her beauty most fulsomely, and says his Sundays are now lonely and full of another. (She is now married, but) he bids her meet him on the road to Drumsleve

Bridgwater Fair: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #1571 and 17807}

"Come all you lads and lasses dear, That like to revel at the fair. The fiddle's merry on the green." Singer tells of the delights of Bridgwater Fair and the colorful characters to be found there. "Master John" is warned: don't kiss the girls

Bridle and Saddle, The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #3666}

"The bridle and saddle hang on the shelf, Fol an day chine day cheer an Cheerily an cherry (x2); If you want any more you can sing it yourself."

Brigade at Fontenoy, The: (4 refs. 5K Notes) {Roud #9758}

"The green flag is unfolded" before the battle. "There are stains to wash away." "Thrice blest the hour that witnesses The Briton turned to flee" from the French and Irish. God "grant us One day upon our own dear land Like that at Fontenoy!"

Brigantine Sirocco: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #1814}

The Sirocco/Sorocco/Sinorca/Sirorca springs a leak and lays aground at Shelburne. The leak is found and fixed.

Singer goes to Brigg Fair expecting to meet his sweetheart; she arrives and he takes her hand, rejoicing, and hopes they will never part.

"Brigham the Prophet he is our head, He is our Seer since Joseph [Smith] is dead, The keys of the Kingdom of God he now holds... For the lion of the Lord Is Brigham, is Brigham, is Brigham Young." Young has rescued the Mormons from disaster

"Now Brigham Young (is/was) a Mormon bold" with "five and forty wives." He leads the Mormon citizens of "Great Salt Lake, Where they breed and swarm like hens on a farm." Most of the song describes how Young's wives have sapped his vigor

"Oh, dear, I'm sad, I've got the blues; I've lately heard some dreadful news. I really tremble in my shoes; It's all about the Mormons." They live in Deseret, they serve Brigham Young as a king, they have many wives and raise children to fight the U.S.

"I'd like to take a pleasure trip To have a little fun, Get on the Utah Southern And go see Brigham Young. Nice little family, Nineteen wives or more, A lot of good old mother-in-laws To cheer him up also." The singer declares, "I haven't long to stay"

Brigham Young (IV): (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #10902}

"Brigham Young saw the lights Of the Saints a-burning blue, And he sent for Brother Jeddie, Who was always firm and true, To stir up the watchmen... To find us a-noddin', anid, anid a-noddin', To find us a-noddin' To our mountain home."

"The opening seals announce the day By prophets long foretold, When all in one triumphant lay Will join to praise the Lord. Brigham Young is the lion of the Lord, the prophet and revealer of his word, The mouthpiece of God and to all mankind."

"There's a bright and shining city in the land beyond the sky, Where the good shall be happy and be free." "We drifting down the rugged streams of time." Sinners are warned. Judgment is coming. Jesus died on Calvary. The singer is drifting home

"Spend it in the winter or die in the cold, One a pecker, Tuapecka, bright fine gold." "Some are sons of fortune, And my man came to see" but found no gold. "I'm weary of Otago... Let my man strike it rich, And then we'll go. Bright fine gold...."

"I hear the Savior calling (x3) (For the) day is a-breaking in my soul." "How I long to meet him...." "The golden bells are ringing...." "I want to see my father...." "I want to meet my Jesus...." "Bright morning stars are rising...."

Marching song. The singer describes the celebrations on the twelfth of July. The marchers celebrate to the memory of William (of Orange). The singer praises Coleraine, and intends never to forget William's triumph

"Bright Phoebe was my true love's name, / Her beauty did my heart contain." The singer and his love agree to marry when he returns from sea. By the time he returns, she is dead. He promises to spend the rest of his life mourning

The convict recalls leaving Britain in chains, saying, "I'd left all my joys in those bright shades of blue." Once in Australia, he prospers, and at last returns to Britain -- to find that he misses Australia. He is old and alone far from his new home

The singer hopes the Lord "will be glad of me." At the tomb among summer flowers (and fireflies?) she thinks of her mother, and how she rocked her in the cradle; she hopes her mother in heaven will rejoice for her.

The singer loves Mary, a widow's daughter, and praises her as the bright star of Derry. She is beautiful, sweet, and gentle.

Brightest and Best: (6 refs. 4K Notes) {Roud #5743}

"Hail the blest morn when the great Mediator down from the regions of glory descends." The song describes the baby Jesus's humble birth and the feeble gifts they offer him. "Brightest and best of the sons of the morning, Dawn on our darkness...."

Brilliant Light, The: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #V30261}

Singer asks "a brother" to be "admitted." He passes a test and is taken to a door. He is admitted. He begins his ordeal. He meets Moses at the burning bush, casts his own rod as serpent, and is shown a great light. He swears not to reveal the secrets.

Fisherman's shanty for hauling the nets, refrain "Lampabbo! Lampa!" Verses revolve around drinking.

Bring Back My Johnny to Me: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #1422}

"He's gone, I am now sad and lonely, He has left me to cross the salt sea, And I know that he thinks of me only, And will soon be returning to me." The singer misses (Johnny), and asks, "Blow gently, sweet winds of the ocean, And bring my Johnny to me."

Bring Him Back Dead or Alive: (1 ref. 1K Notes) {Roud #11205}

"Gannon killed a man in Texas in the year of forty-five, Bring him back dead or alive!" The sheriff follows. Gannon kills the sheriff, then realizes it is his brother he has killed. He gives up: "If you will hang me quick I'll escape my brother's voice!"

"I've got a mother who's gone to glory (x3), Bringing in that new Jerusalem." "It's all free grace and never-dying love (x3), Bringing in that new Jerusalem." Repeat with father, brother, sister

"Give me a rose in the wintertime When it's hard to find Give me a rose... I've got roses on my mind A rose is sweet Most any time, and yet... How easy we forget." Repeat with "Bring me a smile," "a friend," "a kiss," "love in my autumn years"

"Bring me little water, Sylvie, Bring me little water now, Bring me little water, Sylvie, Ev'ry little once in a while." The field worker, toiling in the hot sun, calls on Sylvie to bring him something to drink. (She points out that she is coming.)

Chorus: "Bring me my shotgun and shells...." Singer's lover has left or kicked him out.

Three hundred supporters cheer for the Newtown football team at Enniskillen. The critical plays and players are named as Newtown defeats Irvinestown. "We've conquered two great teams: Lisnaskea and Roslea and "brought the gold cup for the second time"

Bring Us Good Ale: (16 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #32821}

The singer, "for our blessed Lady's sake," demands that the server "Bring us in good ale." Other foods are rejected (e.g. "Bring us in no brown bread, for that is made of bran, And bring us in no white bread, for therein is no gain.")

"Come all you folks of the timberlands and listen to my song About a guy... so gallant, green, and strong. He said he'd battle any bear," so the loggers send him out to find one -- but unload his gun. He soon returns, claiming "I'm bringing him in alive"

Bringing in the Sheaves: (8 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #14041}

The farmers go out "sowing in the morning (evening, sunshine, shadows, etc.), sowing seeds of kindness." In the end, "We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves"

The singer bids farewell to the Brisbane Ladies, promising, "We'll rant and we'll roar like true Queensland natives...." He describes the trip he and the boys make from town "to the old cattle station. What joy and delight is the life in the bush!"

Cheerful description of the life of a farm girl. She wakes at dawn and milks the cows as the larks sing; at haying time they go dancing, At harvest they work, then celebrate; even in winter, all are happy; she declares herself content to be a country lass

Brisk Young Bachelor (I), The: (14 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #1572}

Young man, recently married, laments the hard work his wife forces him to do and counsels other bachelors, before marrying, to reflect on his fate.

A (butcher) stays at an inn; he offers a serving girl money to lay with him. She does. Given his bill, he says he gave the girl the money and didn't get change. A year later, he comes back. She shows him her child and says it is his change

"There cam' a young man to my daddie's door... a-seeking me to woo." The singer feeds him while she bakes. He just sits there. At last she bids him depart. He trips over the "duck-dub"; they shout and laugh at him as he departs

"Come all you jolly ploughboys, come listen to my lays... I'll sing the ploughboy's praise." Early in the morning, he cares for his team, then sets out to plow. The farmer feeds them well for their work. The corn is growing and all celebrate

The singer enlists in the army, is sent to Scotland, and falls in love. He gives her a ring and "she gave me her right hand." He is sent to the Indies. At sea, "still I thought on yon weel-faured maid The bonnie lass I loved most dearly"

"In Chester town there lived a brisk young widow, For beauty and fine clothes none could excel her." "A lover soon there came, a brisk young farmer." She wants a "lively lad" who has money. But when a "sooty collier" courts her, she marries him

In Bristol City the singer hears Polly singing about her sailor, "so true to his love": sailors are honourable and courageous in war. The sailor praises Polly. He will build her a castle. "You shall be my shepherdess, and I'll be your dear swain"

A coachman is enticed home by a girl. Her husband catches him. The coachman proposes "if I have slept with your good wife, I'll let you sleep with mine." The husband demands forty or fifty pounds.

"Bristol Town, as I heard tell, A rich merchant there did dwell." His daughter loves a sailor. The father tells a servant to kill the sailor. The servant instead tells the sailor to hide. When the father dies, the girl and the sailor marry.

"A wet sheet and a flowing sea And a wind that follows fair... Away our good ship flies and leave (Columbia/Britannia) on our lee." The singer hopes for a good wind and rejoices in the life at sea

Britannia Sat Weeping: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #V7898}

Britannia weeps as pleasure is replaced by war and sailors fight for "country and king"; "John Bull has been ruin'd by pension and place." Rich and poor are brothers and we can never kindle war and still flourish with liberty in our happy home.

British Grenadiers, The: (11 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #11231?}

"Some talk of Alexander, and some of Hercules... And such great men as these..." but none can compare, "with a row- row-row, row-row-row To the British Grenadiers." The prowess of the Grenadiers is praised, and toasts are offered to them

British Man-of-War, The: (19 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #372 and 4616}

The singer hears a sailor telling his love that he must leave her; he must go into battle. She begs him not to go. He says that he might win glory. He has fought before; he will fight again. He tears his handkerchief in two and gives her half as a token

"The war was all ended, And the stars were shining bright" as a soldier lies dying. He sends messages home, telling mother he has kept her gift and promising to meet in heaven. He bids his sister not to weep. He recalls home and the old beech tree

Britons, Strike Home: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #1187}

"Our ship carried over 900 men, And out of 900, 500 were slain, For range the wild seas, where the wind blows so strong, While our rakish young heroes cry, 'Britons, strike home, my boys,' Cry, 'Britons, strike home.'"

The laird of "Broadlan'" hunts in the south where he falls in love with and has sex with a local girl. He would take her home. Her parents say "he's nae the laird o' Broadlan'" but she goes with him anyway. Now she's "the lady o' Broadlan' lan'"

John leaves Mary "to take a trip strange lands to explore." He promises to be true and leaves for Belfast. He sails. When he lands at Greendock [sic] he is told to return home. He does, and returns to Mary. They marry and settle at Brockagh Brae.

"'Twas a very cold night in December, ANd the winds were driving the snow," as a "warm-hearted young brakeman" is going off-duty after three days on the job. He dreams of his family, then is called back to work and killed

The broken bread of Auchentumb and the burnt scones of Braka displease the singer.

The girl asks her fiancee if he truly loves another rather than her. He says he does. She releases him from his promise, and says they will be strangers henceforth. She dies; (he realizes as he stands by her coffin that she was his true love)

"You may go and win another, Go and win her for your bride." The singer says he has "broke the trust you've plighted." She says not to think of her, though she is true. They will meet as strangers. She will return his letters, and wish they never met

"Dearest one, don't you remember The last time we did part? My feelings of[t]times have been tender While piercing pains roll through my heart." The singer recalls how they loved each other; she says troubles caused them to part. She still dreams of him

"The church bells they were ringing... Just two short years ago... Two hearts had been united, Fair (Lillian) and Joe." All was well until a former lover showed up and stole Ann away. Now Joe is left lamenting with a broken home and a child in the cradle

"Good Christians all, come and lend an ear... It's of Barney Gallagher so bold and thrue, Arrah that broke me shovel." Neddy Kearn asks why Gallagher did it. Gallagher says he will break the jaw of those who question him. He and McGlynn fight.

"It would have been better for us both to have never In this wicked world never met." The singer recalls how the other once loved (her?); when she is dead, she asks if he will come and shed a tear on her grave

Broken-Down Squatter, The: (9 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #8392}

"For the banks are all broken they say, And the merchants are all up a tree, When the bigwigs are brought to the bankruptcy court, what chance for a squatter like me?" Tales of a (bankrupt and now wandering) squatter's life in depression times

"They have given you to another; They have broken every vow; They have given you to another." The singer complains that gold has caused her lover's mother to turn to another man. He wishes he had loved her as a brother; he loves her yet

Broken-Hearted Gardener, The: (1 ref. 2K Notes) {Roud #7966}

"I'm a broken-hearted gardener and don't know what to do, My love she is inconstant and a fickle jade too." The singer calls her his myrtle, geranium, and other flowers. He botanically describes his misery, but rejects suicide because she wants him dead

"I'm a broken-hearted shearer and ashamed to show my face." Having earned a good cheque, he heads to Sydney and falls in love with a barmaid. He spends freely and ends up broke. She tells him she is married, so he is left with neither money nor girl

"I've been upon the prairie, I've been upon the train, I've never rid a steamboat" but he has ridden many treeless trails. Now he sees wire fences enclosing the land. Soon all will be gone and the "cowdogs" will be in hell

"I once knew a guy that thought he was swell... He tooted and spouted... He could ride any critter that ever wore hair." A group of cowboys bring a horse, Sue, to test him. He is thrown: "The evidence shows that he didn't make good."

"'Twas this time jest a year ago on this Thanksgivin' Day That me and' Bronco Jack stood up, an' pa gave me away." This though she had been warned that Jack was wild. They have twin children. He is a good husband but hopes there will be no more children

Brookfield Murder, The [Laws F8]: (5 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #2257}

Joseph Buzzell, who is being sued by Susan Hanson for breach of (marriage) contract, hires [Charles] Cook to kill her. The body is discovered by the family. Young ladies are warned against "reptiles" such as Buzzell

A large audience is in the Brooklyn Theatre (to watch a performance of "The Two Orphans"). The scenery catches fire and the crowd panics. The next day the theatre is a charred ruin packed with bodies. A mass funeral is planned

"There is a bark, a gallant bark, which lies in Boston Bay, Awaiting there her orders... She is bound for the coast of Cuba." She encounters a Spanish-speaking "private" (pirate?). The Brooklyn sinks her; the singer drinks success to her

"How blythe each more was I to see My lass come ower the hill, She tripped the burn and ran to me, I met her wi' good will." The singer is exiled for loving the girl (who is above his station?). "To wander by her side again Is a' I crave or care."

A gentleman sees a pretty (shepherdess), and lies with her (without her leave). She becomes pregnant. Some weeks or months later, the gentleman returns and claims her for his own

Broomfield Hill, The [Child 43]: (32 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #34}

A girl wagers with a boy that "a maid I will go to the Broomfield Hill and a maid I shall return." At home she regrets her error, but a witch tells her how to make her love sleep on the hill. She arrives on the hill, leaves a token, and wins her wager

"'Twas at the summer feeing time, When ploughmen lads they fee, That I engaged with Broomhill His foremost lad to be." The daughter of the place steals his heart; he tries to win her; she agrees, saying she loved him at first sight also

"Some lads are ne'er at rest Till wi' crowds o' lassies press'd... But pleasure mair I find... Wi' ae lassie true and kind, And her broon cloak on." Relatives warn the lad of falling in love too young or wrongly, but he still loves the brown-cloaked girl

The brown/blue cow broke its pen and ate the corn, "And oor gudeman's hitten me." The singer will leave in the morning to follow Hielan' Donal "ow're Urie, ow'r Gadie, .... An carry's powder-horn"

Brother alligator come out tonight, "te-la lallah bam." Plenty of guinea hen here tonight, "te-la lallah bam." Plenty of pigeons here tonight, "te-la lallah bam."

The dying singer asks Brother Green to write a letter to his wife, "For the southern foe has laid me low." He prays for his family, tells his wife not to grieve, and remembers his brothers who are fellow soldiers for the Union. He prays (and dies)

"If you got Jesus, hold him fast, Brother, I got Jesus. If you got Jesus, hold him fast, Brother, I got Jesus. I had a mighty struggle, but I got it at last. Brother, I got Jesus...."

The singer would give claret wine, good and fine, to Brother Jack. "Through the needle-ee, boys"

Brother Jim Got Shot: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #16643}

Singer and brother Jim start a fight in a restaurant; Jim is shot and killed. Jury says singer is innocent. Singer's wife gets scared one night, and a mouse runs down her throat. Later, she swallows a rat, cat, cheese. Jury still says singer is innocent.

Brother Jonah is called to duty, but is reluctant and goes to sea; the winds begin to blow, and the whale swallows him. The whale feels ill, and eventually throws Jonah up. Refrain: "Yessir, the whale he swallowed Brother Jon-oh. Oh! Brother! Jon-oh!"

Brother Moses Gone: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #12006}

"Brother Moses gone to the promised land, Hallelu, Hallelujah."

"Brother Noah, Brother Noah, May I come into the Ark of the Lord, For it's growing very dark and it's raining very hard." Noah says that the other cannot come aboard. The rejected man curses Noah and predicts light rain. Noah says it will rain like hell

Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?: (1 ref. 1K Notes) {Roud #23551}

"They used to tell me I was building a dream...." The singer worked to build a railroad, a tower. He was a soldier in the war. The listener used to cal him "Al" and be his pal. Now, it has all come crashing down; he begs, "Brother, can you spare a dime?"

"Brother, guide me home an' I am glad, Bright angels biddy me to come;" "What a happy time, children (x3), Bright angels biddy me to come." "Let's go to God, children, Bright angels biddy me to come."

The singer recalls the sentencing and execution. The informer watches. The verdict is guilty. "One day between the sentence and the scaffold." No sword is raised to save them. They are beheaded. The bodies in their coffins are "life-like to this day"

"We are Two Irish Maltese." "We're the twins, tinga linga ling (x2), We're the Brothers St. John and you know where we're from. When we're out, There's no doubt, We're so much alike in our figure and height." They often visit the seaside together

Broughty Wa's [Child 258]: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #108}

Burd Helen, heir of Broughty Walls, is being visited by her beloved when she is abducted by armed Highlanders. Her kidnappers try to console her, but she refuses comfort. At her first chance, she swims to escape, while one who pursues her drowns

The singer recalls watching the lambs play by sunset on Knocklayd. Now she (?) must leave friends and parens behind "to cross the ocean to some far-off foreign shore." The song ends with the moon rising over Knocklayd

"Brow-bender, Eye-winker, Nose-dropper, Mouth-eater, Chin-chopper, Tickle, tickle." Mother's rhyme used to teach babies about body parts. Also used as a tickling rhyme. Reportedly it has developed pub and rugby versions

Brown Adam is a smith, banished from his kin. He builds a bower where he lives with his love. He goes hunting, returns to overhear a knight attempting to woo his love, finally threatening her life. He rescues his love, defeating the knight.

The singer and his wife are walking when they meet the Brown and Yellow (Ale/Earl). He asks to take the wife aside. When she returns, he is so ashamed that he dies and is buried

"One evening when the sun was low, Brown Eyes whispered, 'I must go.' Not one moment would she wait. She kissed my cheek and left the gate." He meets her with another man. She dies; he says she will be waiting for him in heaven

Hard times on Fogo. All we get is brown flour from Russia that won't rise, makes you "merry" and smells like banana. Merchants say we owe them money. You trade work for government rations: "you must shovel snow, This will help 'em reduce the taxation."

Brown Girl (I), The [Child 295]: (7 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #180}

The Brown Girl's former lover tells her he cannot marry her because she is so brown. She cares not. He writes again, saying he is sick and asking her to release him from his promise. She comes slowly and releases him, but promises to dance on his grave

Brown Jug, The (Bounce Around): (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #7644}

"I (took/sent) my brown jug down to town (x3) So early in the morning (or "Tra de al de ay," etc.)." "It came back with a bounce around (or "all flounced around")...." "Just us four to bounce around...."

The (king's) daughter loves lowly Brown Robyn, informs him so by song, sneaks him in to her bower, sneaks him out again by dressing him as one of her ladies. (His is shot by a suspicious porter who is hanged for it/They are allowed to marry.)

Brown Robyn and his men go to sea and meet a fierce storm. They cast lots to learn who is to blame, and Brown Robyn himself is thrown overboard. He sees the Virgin Mary, who offers to let him come to heaven or return to his men. He chooses heaven

"Kind friends, if you will listen, A story I will tell, About a final dust-up...." The singer courts Brown-Eyed Lee; her parents disapprove. He says he will win her anyway, but she proved untrue. He curses the day he met Lee but can't forget her

The singer bids farewell to country and to the brown-haired lass. He describes courting the girl, and their sad farewell. He says he will never be happy until he marries the girl. As the ship sets sail, he offers a toast to her

Brown-Skinned Woman, A: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #11639}

"A brown-skinned woman and she's choc'late to de bone, A brown-skinned woman and she smells like toilet soap...." The woman can make a train slide, or make a preacher "lay his Bible down"; "I married a woman, she was even tailor-made."

About a "hard-luck papa," etc.; "Hard-luck papa counting his toes... smell his feet wherever he goes"; "Hard-luck papa standing in the rain/If the world was corn, he couldn't buy grain"; "Refrain: "Lord, lord, got those Brown's Ferry blues."

Motion song. "I have something in my pocket, It belongs across my face, I keep it very close at hand, In a most convenient place. I'm sure you couldn't guess it... So I'll take it out and put it on It's a great big Brownie smile. Cheese!"

The singer told Annie that he was leaving for the Highlands to be a shepherd for a while. He said they should be true. "He had in the Highlands But a short time to be But ere he came back O married was she." He warns young men "never love a rose too much"

Scottish Gaelic. "Lying in a French prison... No order from England To send me home free...." The singer thinks of his lost love, "the maid of thick tresses ... In the braes of Glen Broom"

Two men from Brule go to St Peter's to bring back rum in winter. They become lost in a storm and drift until Captain Harvey and his crew save them. They are taken to Marystown and from there return home. Moral: wait till spring to go to St Peter's.

Brush Creek Wreck, The: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #4137}

The singer tells of a wreck near Bevier. As the train, moving at high speed, crosses a bridge, the switch "flew backward And sent them through the bridge." The engineer finds several fatally injured; the people of Brookfield mourn their dead

Brush Ye Back My Curly Locks: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #7286}

"Oh, brush ye back my curly locks, An' lace my midle sma', And nan'll ken by my rosy cheeks That my maidenheid's away. " When she returns to Dundee, the singer will look bonnie, and who will question whether she's a maiden?

Brushy Mountain Freshet, The: (2 refs. 7K Notes) {Roud #6643}

"In the month of July, in the year 'sixteen, Came the awfullest storm that's ever been seen." The song describes the progress of the storm, and presumably details the various people killed or rendered homeless

"Voters come and hear my ditty, What was done at Kansas City, David Hill, the New York Lion, Nominated Billy Bryan." "Get out of the way, you Grand Old Party, You're so old, you're getting warty." Other details of the 1900 convention are summarized

"Most blackly looked the weather, The showers down did gush As Joe and I together Were tramping to the rush" on Bryant's Ranges. The trip is slow; Joe drinks too much; the sun is hot; the mining pays very little

Singer meets a crying maiden. She says she once loved a boy from Tralee and she would "give all the riches in North Germany" for one of his kisses. He reveals that he is that boy and asks her to marry. She agrees. They marry and go to Tralee.

Gaelic. Singer claims great wealth and would marry a girl without a dowry. He doesn't work but drinks and plays with women for a short time each. He warns not to marry an old man; a young man who lives only one year can give her a son or a daughter.

Buachaill Roe, The: (6 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #5730}

The singer's lover, at twenty three, fought "for the cause of Ireland ... He never once retreated though his wounds were deep and sore." He was killed and his remains are at Inniskillen.

The singer describes her lover as being "like a war eagle fearless and free" of "the race of O'Connor"

Jump-rope rhyme. "Bubble gum, bubble gum, Chew and blow. Bubble gum, bubble gum, Scrape your toe. Bubble gum... tastes so sweet. Get that bubble gum off your feet." Alternately, for counting-out: "Bubble gum, in a dish... How many pieces do you wish?"

"Bubbo le' me 'lone." "Me no a-married yet." "When me married oh Bell go ring ... Shell go blow."

Buccaneer's Bride, The: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #25993}

"Away, away, o'er the boundless deep, On merrily (we/they) roam." A "gallant band" of sailors bring the sailor's love over the sea. He welcomes her to Hihgland home. "Thy brothers" will wait for the buccaneer "till the dew on the twilight falls"

Buccaneer's Song to His Love, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #13939}

"Do you ever think of me, love, Do you ever think of me? When I'm far away from thee, love, With my bark upon the sea." The sailor thinks of her often, and of home, and imagines her being with him, and hopes she does the same

The singer complains that she hung her pork by her fireside and a Buccoo Bay girl stole it.

McQueen, raised in Buchan, courts Nancy who won't have him unless he has a non-farming job. He joins the Aberdeen police. When he returns to marry Nancy he finds she'd wed a farmer. "There are better quines in Aiberdeen, Now she can go to...."

"In Buchan forrest as we hear A hunting day was set." The hunters are named. The "din dog that we did seek" led the hunters "thro Straiton and Carpshairn" but "the Buchan dog ... gripit him" and tore him limb from limb: he'll worry no more ewes or lambs.

Buchan Turnpike, The: (2 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #5961}

In 1808 "a road thro' Buchan was made straucht And mony a Hielan' lad o' maucht Cam' owre the Buchan border ... To put the road in order" Some of the workers are named. "This turnpike it will be a boon"

The singer loses a fight to a billy goat while digging potatoes. "Now Wilcox he thinks he's a boxer, Joe Louis he thinks he's just swell, But they'd all lose their bout in a hurry, If they had to fight that old bill"

"I wanted sugar very much, I went to Sugar Town, I climbed up in that sugar tree And shook that sugar down. Buck-eye rabbit, Shoo! Shoo!" "I went down to my sweetheart's house... She fed me out of an old hog trough And I don't go there no more"

"Way up yonder above the sky, A bluebird lived in a jaybird's eye. Buckeye Jim, you can't go, Go weave and spin, you can't go, Buckeye Jim." Vignettes of the lives of odd creatures in odd places

A girl is in love with a bronco buster who has promised to give up his trade for her. She warns others not to rely on such promises; most breakers will leave their women to head up the trail on their horses

"You barons bold, marke and behold The thing that I will write." The Duke of Buckingham "flourished" in the reign of Edward IV. Buckingham, scorning Richard III's usurpation, rebels, is defeated, and is betrayed by Banister; Banister goes un-rewarded

German. "Marjets wann ich uffschteh, Schau ich an de Wolke." When the singer gets up in the morning, he asks if the work is done. Everywhere he goes, the little hump-backed man is there doing the work or scolding or getting in the way

"Last night I met him on the train, A man with lovely eyes," who had "jet black eyes," a "grand mustache," and a "buckskin bag of gold." He makes a splash -- and eventually flees town once "Papa's bank Is robbed of ev'ry cent"

"'Twas a calm and peaceful evening in a camp called Arapahoe." There is music, drink, dancing. Hankey Dean, who hates losing at cards, grows enraged at a stranger. The stranger pins the 5 of spades to the wall and shoots out the spades. Dean shuts up

Bucktail Boys, The: (1 ref. 11K Notes) {Roud #15022}

"When first our country was beset By rebels strong and bold," Pennsylvanians enlisted to fight. The regiment is led by Kane, then Biddle. They fight in Western Virginia, then return to Pennsylvania, then to Virginia proper

"Francois de bully man, Way oh! Francois de bully man, Bud Francois!" He stole Mrs Clement's cock, hid in a cellar and hung himself on a mango tree, but John Thomas cut him down. The singer would bury him.

A tramp stops at the home of "a snug little farmer that earns his bread ... and some dinner requested." The farmer agrees to trade dinner for work. After a hard luck story about why he can't work the tramp agrees to turn a ram. The ram does not agree.

Singer tells of working as camp cook at Frank Young's lumber camp on Budd Lake plains. He is stuck with bad provisions. Eventually he's jailed for twelve days; on his release, he vows not to return

"You and me, we’re going to be partners You and me, we’re going to be pals You and me, we’re going to be partners Buddies and pals," Repeat, but with openings such as "From now on, we're going to be partners...." "Till the end, we're going to be..."

Buddy Won't You Roll Down the Line: (13 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #17485}

First verse describes leasing out of convicts to act as scabs in a miners' strike; rest of song describes bad conditions for the convicts.

On Saturday morning people (men and women?) gather "to finish the yarn... and then we'd go dancing to Boduran's Ball." There was dancing after dinner and drinking until morning. Of all the parties and picnics "I never saw better than Buduran's Ball"

"From the Rio Grande's waters to the icy lakes of Maine Let all exult for we have met the enemy again." Details of battle sung, regiments and commanders named, "our brave old General another battle won"

The girl asks the Buffalo Boy when they will wed. He suggests soon. (Assorted stanzas follow.) She asks who he will bring to the wedding. He suggests his children. She didn't know he had children. When assured he does, she calls off the wedding

As requested, the Buffalo [Bowery, etc.] girls promise to come out tonight, to dance or otherwise disport themselves by the light of the moon.

"Now list tot he song of the buffalo hunt, Which I, Pierre the rhymester, chant of the brave. We are Bois-Brules, Freemen of the plains." The scouts find the "herd"; the "hunters" silently attack. There is meat forall

"Come all you pretty fair maidens, these lines to you I write, We're going on the range in which we take delight...." The singer describes hunting buffalo and other animals in the west, then heads off for a drink

The singer declares "I wouldn't exchange the buffalo range For the world and all of its gold." It is where he makes his home, and where he'll "live and die." He describes the beautiful wildlife. He "thank[s] the Great Boss in the sky" for creating it

A promoter named (Crego) hires a group of men to skin buffalo. He consistently cheats and mistreats them. Eventually they kill him

"What ups and downs and bobberies, what changes we do see"; life changes uickly. The singer is "doomed for seven years" because he "took a gemman's ticker." He bids farewell to many. He bids farewell to Hannah and says how much he loves her

"Bugger Burns has gone to rest, WIth a forty-four (caliber) in his breast." He is killed on the fourth of July. The bullet in his head proves his death. He is kicked out of heaven. The singer says if Burns were his brother, he'd kill him and do the time

Corn-husking song. "Goin' down the country, bugle, oh (x2), Red breast horses, bugle oh!, Red breast horses, Bugle, oh! Oh, bugle, oh!" "Comin' in a canter, meet my darlin'." The lovers court, marry, dance, have a baby

"Bugs go wild, simply wild, over me, I'm referring to bedbugs and the fleas." The singer refers to all the insects and arachnids that show up (in camp?): Daddy-long-legs in his clothes, ands, mosquitos, etc.

Build a Brick House: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #14050}

"I went down town to build a brick house, To get a pail of water, Threw one arm around the old man, The other around his daughter. Fare you well, my darling girl...." "I went down town to build a brick house... Every room... Was lined with punkin pie."

"My brother build a house in Paradise, Build it without a hammer and a nail."

"Come all you young fellows from near, far, and wide, And I'll tell you a story of buliding a slide." The singer describes the loggers on the crew, thinks they are nearly done with work, and joins them in drinking

A Masonic ballad referring to Solomon as a "freemason king"! The ballad details the building of the Jerusalem temple, including the vast crews which worked on it. The end of the ballad concerns modern Freemasonry

(Gaelic.) The singer laments to see the dead buinnean (bittern) upon the shore, and conjectures "Not want of food," but rather lack of liquor, killed the bird. He laments the bird. His wife wants him to drink less, but he cannot live without drink

"Down in Alabama, In the land of Jim Crow, There is a place where Lots of folks go. Birmingham jailhouse, Birmingham jail, Waiting for freedom in Bull Connor's jail." How three thousand peaceful protesters were harassed and imprisoned by Connor

Bull Dog Down in Tennessee: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #7879}

Parody of "The Girl I Left in Sunny Tennessee." Singer goes to court his girl, but her father sics a bulldog on him. As the dog attacks him, he flees over the hills and hollers back to his home

Bull Fight on the San Pedro, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #4048}

"Under command of Colonel Cooke, While passing down San Pedro's brook... While on the road to California," the soldiers camp and encounter a bull. They kill the first, but more follow. In the battle, many bulls and two of the soldiers' mules are killed

"Bull frog sitting on a river bank on a pallet leaf looking up in the sky.... Pallet leaf give way, Bull frog got water all in his ole eye, Hi, hi, hi, hi, hi... He can't see me any more But I see him, He's got water in his ole eye"

Bull Run (War Song): (1 ref. 3K Notes) {Roud #5459}

"Away down in Belden Green... The whole earth shook in a quiver; Every devil had done his best To outrun the rest To get back to Washington to shelter." After the Union defeat, Abe Lincoln laments the cost of the battle

"Oh, the bulldog on the bank, and the bullfrog in the pool (x3), The bulldog called the bullfrog a green old water fool." Animals interact, with unusual results: A snapper catches the bullfrog's paw; a monkey gives an owl ink to drink; etc.

"Bullfrog jumped in the middle of the spring, And I ain't a-gwine to weep no mo'. He tied his tail to a hick'ry limb...." "He kicked an' he rared an' he couldn't make a jump." Chorus expresses a wish to go to heaven

"The funniest sight I've ever seen Was a bullfrog sewing on a sewing machine, He sewed so fast and fine and wide, He sewed a polecat to a tomcat's hide."

Bullhead Boat, The: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #6590}

Singer, a mule-driver, gets work steering a canal boat. One pilot is killed by a low bridge. The singer spies a low bridge, but fails to warn the (drunken) captain, as he's busy tumbling end over end. He warns listeners never to drive a bullhead boat.

The bullock drivers hear word that there is to be a ball. They descend in great numbers. The drink flows freely, and the girls are not shy. Soon a brawl breaks out, and many of the partygoers wind up covered with loose food and/or bruises

"I draw for Speckle's Mill, bullocky-o, bullocky-o, And it's many a log I drew, bullocky-o... I'm the king of bullock drivers, don't you know, bullocky-o." The singer describes all the other (less competent) workers he competes against

"Bill has took it in his noddle For to take a little toddle Up the river where some gold he might be earning. For he took his pick and shovel And he closed his little hovel, For B.S.B. is leaving in the morning." He'll hunt gold rather than bet on horses

A failure as a coal-yard worker fails as a Liverpool policeman also and finally "shipped as a mate with Bully Brown." The captain kicks him out of the cabin and the sailors do not allow him in the bunk, so he "steals a pound of bread"

Every year the sealer Ranger, commanded by Henry Dawe, joins the "heroes of the slaughter with 18,000 prime young harps." Food aboard will "make the stomach rattle": flipper stew and whitecoat's hearts. And "no napkins"

Bully in the Alley: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #8287}

Shanty. Refrain: "So help me bob, I'm bully in the alley, Way-ay bully in the alley. So help me bob, I'm bully in the alley, bully down in Shinbone Al." Verses involve courting, being rejected by, and/or leaving Sally.

"I am the bully of Lot Eleven, My name is Robert Ramsay." "Mr. Yeo, don't you know, Is sure of his election" to the Ottawa parliament. The singer declares that "When the battle it is won, Surely I'll get something"

Bully of the Town, The [Laws I14]: (25 refs. 6K Notes) {Roud #4182}

The bully has terrorized the entire town, including even the police. At last a hunter catches up with him and kills him. The people rejoice; all the women "come to town all dressed in red."

Alternate lines are a chorus, "Bully yea-ay-ay bully boys/Bully long time ago" The shantyman sings: We catch him. Must not let him go deep. Hell of a long time he's moving but we hold him.

Liza grabs the singer, demanding sexual gratification. The singer responds appropriately.

"Listen all kind friends of mine, I want to move a motion, To make an El Dorado here... Bump me into Parliament... On next election day." The singer says he is clever; some can talk for an hour, but "I can talk forever." He offers other odd justifications

The watchman calls "4" but we have to finish one more bottle. Anyone who wants to leave: "out of the window at once with him." Our whisky is from a still. Let's toast the sun rising as we did when it set. Then we'll go out and "leather" the watchman.

Bumpers, Squire Jones: (2 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #6532}

If you like claret, or pine for female companionship, "don't pass the good House Moneyglass." Bumpers Squire Jones's claret will make you forget Cupid. Soldiers, clergy, lawyers, and foxhunters should forget their chores and dogs and stop for this claret.

Bunch of Bastards: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #29395 and 29949}

"We're a bunch of bastards, bastards are we, We of the Air Force are assholes of the earth... 'Cause we're a bunch of bastards, Morphidites [?] are we, We'd sooner fuck than fight for victory." Or "We're a bunch of bastards... We're the dockyard cavalry"

"Little bunch of roses, Big bunch of roses, I'se Mist'iss' house gal, Wait on de table."

The day before he is to go to war his sweetheart gives a soldier a bunch of violets, vowing to be true. He is killed. A comrade returns the violets to his sweetheart on her wedding day. "An old man's gold had won her from her lover far away"

Bundle and Go (I): (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #3329}

"Frae Clyde's bonnie hills, whaur the heather is blooming... I'm come, my dear lassie, to mak' the last offer.... " His father (and mother?) are dead, his house eerie; he loves none but her. She decides to leave her parents and "bundle and go" to his home

Bundle and Go (II): (5 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #3330}

"The winter is gane, love; the sweet spring again, love, Bedecks the blue mountain." "For far to the west, to the land of bright freedom... I would conduct you." They will leave home for a better place; "then hey, bonnie lassie, will you bundle and go?"

Bundle of Truths, A: (6 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #19760}

"Barney Bodkin broke his nose" is followed by truths, more or less: "without feet we can't have toes," "crazy folks are always mad," "a taylor's goose will never fly, ... And now, good folks, my song is done, Nobody knows what 'twas about"

Singer praises his girlfriend, Kitty, and tells of a rowdy dance he takes her to where (Long Tom/Silver Jack) "bossed the whole shebang", Big Dan plays the fiddle, and Tom (Jack) eventually "cleans out" the joint. Chorus: "Bung yer eye! Bung yer eye!"

Parody of "Fifteen Men on the Dead Man's Chest": "Sixteen men in a pine-slab bunk/Waken with grunt and growl...Coffee and flapjacks, pork and beans/Are waitin' to fill your snoots". In other words, yet another account of life in a lumber camp.

How the cowboys have a dance: "It' the best grand high that there is within the law When seven jolly punchers tackle 'Turkey in the Straw.'" The dance lets the cowboys forget their troubles, their aches, and the women they pretend not to miss

Bunnit of Straw, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #3728}

"A buxom young damsel a stage-horse was approaching, Cried 'Help' from afar for her bunnit of straw, For the horse he reached forward, without any addressing, And he seized her straw bunnit in her hungery jaw!" The girl laments the ruined hat.

Burd Ellen is at her knitting, crying over her baby. Young Tamlane, apparently the father, bids her rock the child. Rock the child she will not, and he departs with her curse.

Patrick promises to marry Isabel if the child she bears is a son. He delays until his parents die, then delays again and plans to wed a noblewoman. (His wife) wishes to see his son; Isabell will not give him up, and curses Patrick. The curse takes effect

"We're the lads fae the tap o' the hill, We never worked, we never will, We're on the Bureau." SIngers from many places (Gelly Burn, Mid Craigie, etc.) say how they lost or could never find work, and their adventures with their unemployment pay

"The day is hot, we will leave the spot, And together we will roam, We'll find a spot in some cooler cot Within fair Buren's grove. Each morning fair to take the air I walked to Buren's Grove"

Rose Blanche men are sent by boat to Burgeo jail for sixty days. On the trip, "good food and good comfort, no passage to pay." In jail they did't work in the rain, had tobacco, and lights out at midnight. Burgeo jail is the place to rest in the fall.

"I'm glad that I am born to die, From grief and woe my soul shall fly, And we'll all shout together in that morning, In that morning, in that morning, And we'll all shout together in that morning."

"We buried him darkly at dead of night" without a funeral, in a narrow grave, without a coffin. "The foe was sullenly firing." "We carved not a line, we raised not a stone, But left him alone with his glory!"

Burial of Wild Bill, The: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #11542}

Singer describes how he and his comrades buried their friend Wild Bill, reminiscing about his good character and talents. Characteristic last line of each verse: "As we covered him with the sod"

Burke's Confession: (2 refs. 31K Notes) {Roud #5640}

Irishman Burke comes to Scotland looking for work. He and McDougall join Hare who kills poor lodgers and sells the bodies to doctors; "sixty men and women I willingly did kill." They are taken, Hare turns state's evidence and Burke is hanged.

Burke's Dream [Laws J16]: (6 refs. 3K Notes) {Roud #1893}

[Thomas] Burke, the singer, dreams he has rejoined his comrades to fight the British. They win a great victory, and he returns home. The scream his mother makes when he returns to her wakens him, and he finds he is still in his cell

"Burn, Fire, Burn, Stoke your inner fire, Let the coal inside you rise Blow that flame to life."

"A paradise for racketeers and they call it Burnfoot Town." Shops, stores, petrol pumps, and sign posts "springing up like mushrooms overnight ... one day will all come down, And when Ireland's free prosperity will leave the Burnfoot Town"

A stream turns a mill wheel and runs through the rocks. Flowers bloom on its banks. It joins a river and runs to the sea. "Nae vain repinin' at the hardness o' its lot"; good and ill "it took as micht be"

"Come all you rambling young men and listen unto me, While I relate a story that happened in seventy-tree...." The men in Robinson's logging operation see their camp, food, and clothes burn. But they are able to rebuild after three hard days

Burning of Rosslea, The: (1 ref. 1K Notes) {Roud #2937}

The rebels march to Rosslea and start burning houses of RIC B's in the center of town. In return B's "pillaged and looted and carried away, The stuff of poor Catholics" A month later the B's "three houses they burned for each one in Rosslea."

Workers in a Fall River factory are routinely locked into their workplace. The mill catches fire and the workers -- who could have been saved if conditions had been better -- die in agony

(Robert) Burns meets Mary on the banks of the Ayr. Mary is returning to the Highlands to visit friends, but promises to return quickly. Both promise to be true. Mary departs, but soon falls sick and dies. Burns "ne'er did... love so fondly again."

Robert Burns, dying, asks Jean to pray with him "that the widow's God may saften the road For my helpless bairns and thee." He dies. She wears a lock of his hair and will work for the family until she joins him. He is buried in St Michael's churchyard.

The singer arrives in the logging camp to find horrible conditions: "The floors were all dirty, all covered with mud; The bed quilts were lousy, and so was the grub." The very first night, a fight erupted, "And thus I was greeted at Burns's log camp."

In March, a ship stops at Burnt Islands, Channel, Port aux Basques, and Cape Ray; they go by sail. At each port the crew goes ashore and they stay a short time. We don't know their business, but they have a good time.

Irish Gaelic: Younger woman complains about her old husband; he sleeps too much, and sports with too many ladies. She sends him to town, then spots him with various women. If she could, she'd lock her old man up and keep company with young men.

Bury Me Beneath the Willow: (38 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #410}

The singer has been abandoned by (her) lover. Tomorrow was to be their wedding day, but now he is off with another girl. The singer asks her friends to "bury me beneath the willow... And when he knows that I am sleeping, maybe then he'll think of me."

"Bury me in the garden, mother, mother, Bury me in the garden, mother, mother, mother dear, Bury me in the garden." "O, the moonlight... shines so bright... way down in the garden 'neath the sycamore tree."

A cowboy is dying. He asks to be taken home and buried in his family home. His request is ignored; he is buried in a small and isolated prairie grave

"List, shipmates, list that solemn call Falls heavy on the ear. Tread lightly, ye that bear the pall; a noble heart rests here." The sailors knew the dead man only briefly. They wrap him in his hammock and cast him out to sea -- a fit grave for the sailor

A man offers a doctor extra payment for services. He explains that it is on behalf of his baby who nearly died unbaptized. His wife had tried to take the child to a church, but no water was available. Had not a doctor chanced by, the baby would have died

"Caught a fellow in my corn patch. He had a bushel; His wife had peck. The baby had a roasting ear Tied around his neck."

Rhyme for counting time or selecting a person: "Bushel of wheat, bushel of rye, All ain't ready, holler 'I." Bushel of wheat, bushel of clover, All ain't ready can't hide over."

"Through bushes and through briars I lately took my way." "Long time have I been waiting for the coming of my dear." "Sometimes I am uneasy... Sometimes I think I'll go... And tell to him my mind." But she fears being too bold

"When the merchant lies down, he can scarce go to sleep" because of worries about his trade. Soldiers worry about promotion, sailors about wind, but bushmen have no worries. "So him alone we'll envy not, who true bushmen are."

"Queensland, thou art a land of pests, From flies and fleas one never rests." The singer complains of the bugs, the illnesses, the reptiles, the birds, the bushrangers, the ill-timed rains, and anything else that comes to mind, finally likening it to hell

"Lift me down to the creek-bank, Jack, It must be cooler outside." The singer may not see another day; he wants to watch the sunset and waters. He recalls the time with his mate, in England and here. The singer bids farewell and dies

Bushranger Jack Power: (2 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #9116}

"On the eighth day of August In the year sixty-nine," Jack Power, "an aspirant for the gallows," comes to Beechworth and begins robbing Cobb and Co coaches. He holds up an armed trooper. He is declared to surpass even Ben Hall and his gang

Bushwhacker's Song: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #11751}

"I am a bushwhacker, The thicket's my home (x3)... And them that don't like me can leave me alone." "I'll tune up my fiddle And rosin my bow (x3)... And I shall find welcome Wherever I go." "My kinfolks don't like me, And that I well know."

Making paper is begun by cutting pine and spruce and sending it by truck, train, or river to the mill. There it is barked, chipped, digested, and cooked. It is ground to pulp, treated with sulphite and finally rolled into paper and shipped by A.N.D.

Busk, Busk, Bonnie Lassie: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #832}

Singer asks girl to go with him. He points to shepherds and soldiers marching, and the snowy hills, which parted many lovers and will part them. Refrain: "Busk, busk, bonnie lassie, and come alang wi me/I will tak' ye tae Glenisla near bonnie Glenshee"

"Johnie cam to our toun, to our toon, to our toun... The body wi' thet ye. And O as he kittled me... But I forgot to cry." "He gaed thro' the fields wi' me... And doun amang the rye. Then O as he kittled me... But I forgot to cry."

"We worked through spring and winter, Through summer and through fall, But the mortgage worked the hardest." Conditions change; crops are good or bad, there are restful days, but the mortgage is always there. Eventually the farm wife dies of the mortgage

A tailor lives in London with his wife Mary Bell. She buys a joint from the butcher, and he asks a nightvisit as the price. She tells her husband to lay in wait. The butcher overcomes him. The tailor begs the butcher to spare him and take his wife.

Butcher Boy, The [Laws P24]: (68 refs. 3K Notes) {Roud #409}

The butcher boy has "courted [the girl's] life away," but now has left her (for a richer girl?). She writes a letter expressing her grief, then hangs herself. Her father finds her body and the note asking that her grave show that she died for love

Butcher's Daughter, The: (5 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #5831}

A squire gives the butcher's daughter gifts to sleep with him; he says falsely he will marry her. She says it must be dark to save her reputation. She hires a black woman to replace her in bed. In the morning he admits he was outwitted. They marry.

Butcher's Shop, The: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #12979}

"Hop to the butcher shop" but don't stay or mother will say "I've been playing with the boys down yonder." "Grass is green" ["Red stockings, blue garters"] I have silver lined shoes, a rose on my breast and a gold ring.

"Don't you walk on down, I'll drive you in the timber If you dare to walk in the timber, I'm a butt-cut ruler." A very free form, probably allowing improvisation, about life for a prisoner cutting timber

Singer prides himself on his plain tastes. In summer the girls like to romp and roll with rustic lads in the hay. His ladyfriend, Mary, a dairymaid, makes fine dumplings; he plans to "ask her if she won't supply/A rustic chap like I am."

A poor boy tells his mother of his plan to get buttermilk, sell it to buy eggs, raise chickens, sell chickens, etc., and so get rich. Very early on, he spills the goods and his schemes come to naught. Listeners are warned against counting their chickens

Singing (or at least chanting) game: "Button, button, who's got the button?"

The singer says she comes "to dear happy England in summer's gay bloom" and asks "fair lady, and young pretty maiden" to "buy of the wandering Bavarian a Broom" Use them to brush away insects. In winter she will return home. Spoken epilog.

"I'm going to tell my mother, I'm going to tell my pa, I'm going to tell my brother and all my brothers-in-law, I'm going to tell my uncle and all my cousins' folk To buy, to buy, to buy a Charter Oak."

The besom-seller calls his wares, then confesses, "I maun hae a wife, whaso'er she be." He will take anything, e.g., "If that she be bonnie, I shall think it right; If she should be ugly, what's the odds at night?"

"I came out here two years ago... And as I'd been successful, Thinks I, I'll purchase land." Many selections are offered, and many seek to buy. The singer ends up paying a high price for land based on its description -- only to find it a worthless swamp

"(Josie's) got the buzz and she's got it good, She got it all over the neighborhood, She go in, out, all about, She go in, out, all about, Turn to the one that loves you best."

"By a fireside bright and cheerful" (something happened), "So off we went on the Wallaby Track, And down to the Riverine. There's Jack with the fiddle And Tom with the flute and Paddy the concertine."

"By and by I am going to lay down my heavy heavy load." "Oh one of these mornings, sometimes I'm so sad, I am going to lay down my heavy heavy load." "I know my robe's going to fit me well... I tried it on at the gates of Hell." "Gonna take my wings"

The singer sets out and stops, seemingly at random, at a cottage by Kellswater. He introduces himself to the girl, and asks her to marry. She thanks him for the offer but refuses. He tells her of the birdsongs and other joys of his home. She gives in

"By Memory inspired And love of country fired, The deeds of Men I love to dwell upon... Here's a memory to the friends that are gone. O'Connell, William Orr, John Mitchel, McCann, John and Henry Sheares, Maguire, Emmet, and others are recalled

"I'm an old jack from the pine-wood track By the banks of the Manistee" who has logged with all sorts -- but the best loggers are those who came from Maine and Quebec. He tells tales from before the forests were logged out, and still dreams of that time

"By the blazing council fire's light, We have met in comradeship tonight. 'Round about the whispering trees, Guard our golden memories. And so before we close our eyes... Let us pledge each other that we'll keep Scouting friendships...Till we meet again."

"I can tell where cherries grow, By the dry Cardrona, Where I picked them long ago, On a day when I was sober." His mother died of sorrow, because "I was never sober." His love marries another man. He asks to be buried by the dry Cardrona, drunk or sober

The singer calls on his listeners not to go to America; "there is nothing here but war." Unable to make a living in Ireland, he emigrates, is shoved straight into the army, joins the Irish Brigade, loses a leg, and is left without his promised pension

The singer is on a journey from Gibraltar to England when a hurricane strikes. Sent aloft to reef the sails, he and four others are blinded when lightning strikes the mast. The storm washes several others overboard. (The singer marries but remains blind)

By This Wild and Stormy Weather: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #7282}

"By this wild and stormy weather I Join this rogue and w-- together; For years they've lived wi' ane anither, Lord this will surely change the weather"

"By'n by, by'n by, Stars shining, Number, number one, Number two, number three, Good Lord, by'n by, by'n by, Good Lord, by'n by."

"Bye and by you will forget me, When your face is far from me, And the day when I first met you Only lives in memory." She recalls that sad day, urges him to forget -- but if she dies, THEN she asks him to remember

Bye Baby Bunting: (12 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #11018}

"Bye, baby bunting, Daddy's gone a-hunting To get a little rabbit skin To wrap the baby bunting in." "Sister stayed at home To rock-a-bye-a-baby bunting. Mama stayed at home To bake a cake for baby bunting."

"Bye, bye, baby, baby, bye, My little baby, baby, bye."

"Once a boy was no good, Took a girl into a wood, Bye bye blackbird, Laid her down upon the grass" -- and had sex with her. She goes to law enforcement. He is convicted and sent to prison for eighteen months

"William Jennings Bryan, Sitting on the fence, Trying to make a dollar Our of fifty cents, Bye, old Grover, bye, oh, Bye, old Grover, bye. I saw the train go 'round the curve, Goodbye, old Grover, goodbye, All loaded down with Harrison's men, Goodbye..."

Dance tune with sketchy narrative; singer's wife sits up late drinking. Singer asks her to return home (bringing the beer). He also tells of working in Walker Pit and the poor wages for coal-cutters, singing ironically "Walker Pit's done well by me."

The singer claims that he "belongs" in Byrontown, where "young ladies gay I will betray, And give them all their due." The rest of the song is devoted to complaining about women, e.g. how they lure men on and spend their money

"In the Big Shady Valley of Kentucky, a division of the famous C & O," a train with Jay Thompson and Doc Compton aboard is wrecked in the Big Sandy Valley in a collision with three motor cars

C-H-I-C-K-E-N Spells Chicken: (9 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #21063}

"C, that's the way to begin; H, the next letter in...." The teacher in a country school calls on Ragtime Joe to show the class how to spell "chicken." When Parson Johnson's show in the church fails Joe saves the day by singing his song to spell "chicken."

Men are at work on the C & O bridge at Guyandotte, but a train is given permission to cross it. The bridge fails, taking the train, the engineer, and seven bridge workers with it. The ballad ends with the usual wish for the widow and orphans

French. The young girl the singer married was at least 80 years old: married Monday, buried Tuesday. But he didn't marry her; he married her money. If he marries again it will be with a girl 15 years old.

French: "C'est l'aviron, qui nous mene, qui nous mene, c'est l'aviron qui nous mene en haut." A young man goes riding, picks up a pretty girl, and takes her home to get a drink. Once home, "turning to me, she toasted her own lover"

French. "C'est la belle Francoise, hut-a-la-ma-le-lon-la", soon to be wed. Her lover finds her weeping. She has heard that he'll soon march away. "Arriving in the village, I hear the church-bells say ... 'Tis beautiful Francesca, whom now they lay away"

French. Lullaby. "The little pullet gray / In the church will lay" a little "coco" (egg) for the baby who will go "do, do, do" (sleep)

French. Three boys go on a voyage to distant islands, leaving loved ones. The youngest walks on the shore and cries. From far away he hears the voice of a swallow speaking to him about love. Beautiful swallow, fly to "la belle" and sit on her knee.

Ca' Hawkie Through the Water: (7 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #3159 and 5945}

"Ca' Hawkie, ca' Hawkie, 'Ca Hawkie through the water, Hawkie is a sweir beast, And Hawkie winna wade the water." Hawkie is praised for her milk but blamed for her stubbornness; girls are advised to be brave and bold with men

The calves have sucked the cows dry but even if they all go dry "there's milk in the beddie where I lie"

"There's something neat in a cabbage-tree hat, When it fits the wearer's crown." All sorts of people wear them; they conceal social classes; even new chums learn about the headgear in order to blend in

"A sad and mournful history Of which I now will speak Concerning that awful storm That flooded Cabin Creek." Five hours of rain washes away the miners' homes. The government and neighboring towns send relief

"Oftentimes I find myself a-dreamin', Dreamn' of a mother's lullaby" that he heard in a southern cabin. He recalls the life there. "When my roamin's over I am goin'... To a little gray haired mother And my cabin in the valley of the pines."

"The lottery would hae been complete Had cadger [traveling dealer] Bruce gane there to see't Or Jamie Birse the lousy breet Had he been there in the mornin'." Many people -- smiths, ploughmen, ... -- did go and "the lottery it's raised muckle din"

"Among some cadgers o' Dundee An awfu' row began, Between brave Charlie Perrie and famous Honey Tam." An angry Tam takes a knife to murder Perrie. Charlie catches Tam and hits him between the eyes; Tam surrenders

Alternate lines are a chorus, "Caesar boy, Caesar." The shantyman sings "Caesar drummer want paper drum." "Caesar drummer want kettle drum." "You look on Caesar no look on me" "Caesar drummer go boom boom boom"

Alternate lines are a chorus, "Caesar oh Caesar/ Thomas sailor run 'way" The shantyman sings: "See what frien' have done to frien'." Thomas promised to marry in May but he left his wife and went to sea

""As was was sailing on the main, Well laded with great store of gain, We was in danger to be ta'en; FIve pirates' ships appeared." The crew of the "Caesar" resolve to fight, and succeed in beating off the pirates although one man is killed and seven hurt

Cahan's Shaden Glen: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #6882}

The singer goes rambling and sees beautiful "Eliza of Cahan's shaden glen." Hecourts her, but "She will not condescend; I have no gold in store." He wishes her well and departs, wishing he could have gained her favor

At Clontarf the singer meets a "charming cailin deas." He asks her name and father's dwelling place. She is Brian the Brave's daughter and loves to visits where her father "slew the Dane." The singer would give "all England's wealth" to see her again.

Gaelic. The singer thinks of how nice it would be to have an Irish girl by his side. One morning, herding his cows, he sees a vision of a woman. He will care for the herds well because young women marry when they see a well cared for herd.

Gaelic. The singer praises his beautiful red-headed girl even though she drained his purse by drinking his ale and spending in the market on fancy shoes and ribbons instead of food and even though she ran off with the shop-boy. He prefers her to wealth.

"Well, the Good Book says that Cain killed Abel, Yes, Abel, That he hit him in the head with the leg of a table." In the lion's den, Daniel tells the "cullud men" to get their white robes. "Oh, Lord, I'se ready, I'll be ready when the great day comes."

A shanty about cane-cutting (!). "I was a cane-cutter but now I'm at sea, Stoop it, and top it, and load it, my boys; Once Cain killed Abel, but it won't kill me." "I worked very hard until I went to sea/" ""This cutting of cane it isn't much fun."

Scots Gaelic. The singer calls to Cairistiona, "Will you answer my cry?" After courting her, he went across the sea for years, and returns to find her dead.

The singer rides out and hears a girl singing, "The Cairn-o'-Mount is bleak and bare, An' cauld is Clochnabane." The man offers her wealth and land if she will marry him. She promises to be true to her Donald. He reveals himself as Donald, and rich

"There's a place out West where the Union troops Take toll from Rebel ships and sloops... She must recognize a custom house at Cairo." The Southerners will have a hard time taking Cairo, the key to Mississippi navigation. Prentiss and Lane will stop them

"I would go to Cairo but the water's too high for me." "The girl I love got washed away ... swimming after me." "Cairo ... water running all over town."

"Over hill, over dale, as we hit the dusty trail, And the ciassons go rolling along...." "Then it's Hi! Hi! Hee! in the field artillery." The artillerymen are always available; they go into formation and fight

Gaelic. Irish nobles wander, banned, hoping for "the coming-to of Kathaleen Ny-Houlihan." She would be queen "were the king's son at home here." It is a disgrace that she is vassal to the Saxon. May he who led Israel through the waves save her

The singer calls "dry-land sailors" to hear of the (Calabar), sailing the (Strabane canal). The food runs out. They hit mud, and throw off the captain's wife to lighten ship. They fight off a "pirate" scow. The captain says he'll take the train next time.

"Now all you good people of every degree, Come listen one moment with attention to me." On June 15, [18]73, many people take a boat ride to their homes. The boat leaks, and five of the people aboard are killed

The narrative tells that the young man was present at the storming of Seringapatam (the capital of Tippoo Sahib, sultan of Mysore) which took place in 1798. He returns safe home but finds that his lass has died.

"Sair, sair was my heart, an' the tears stood in my een As I viewed my native hills an' I thought upon my Jean." Pressed by poverty (?), the two sadly part; he promises to be true, and wed no other, and someday to come back to marry her

Calendar Rhymes: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #1599 and 1954}

Rhymes detailing the months of the year, e.g. "January brings the snow, Makes our feet and fingers glow"; "February brings the rain, Thaws the frozen lake again"; and so on to "Chill December brings the sleet, Blazing fire and Christmas treat"

Calico Printer's Clerk, The: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #13210}

In Manchester, the singer met Dorothy Drew at a ball in 1863. They danced and while "doing Varsoviana [he said] "I love you." While she visited "a near relation" he read that she had married -- "danced away with" -- "Jones, a calico printer's clerk"

"California, Klondike, Victoria, Tuapecka, Dunstan, Who wants to know? Where else to go? Where is the gold? Some place with snow! Where is the gold?"

Singer describes Miss Ella, an educated female gold-miner who has "taken two degrees" and wears bloomers to show her knees. He'll leave for the States soon. Cho: "Take your time, Miss Ella, do And I will rock the cradle Give the ore all to you"

California Blues (Blue Yodel #4): (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #11804}

"I'm going to California where they sleep out every night (x2), I'm leaving you, mama, You know you don't treat me right." The singer claims he has a home everywhere he goes. He refuses to worry, and will ride the blinds if he has no railroad fare.

"Well, mates, I don't like stories," so the singer tells his: of rescuing an orphan teenager when riding with Jim Bridger. She says she will love him, then her uncle takes her to his home. She is told Cowboy Jack is dead, but at last they are reunited

Jump-rope rhyme. "California oranges, Tap me on the back."

California Stage Company, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #8060}

"They started as a thieving line." The shortcomings of the California Stage Company are described. Passengers are crowded into dirty, smoky cars; passengers must often help push or walk. The singer urges listeners to rise up against the Company.

A complaint about the troubles of the trail to Mexico: Bad food (e.g. antelope steak), having to cook with buffalo chips rather than wood, fires that burn cooking women, Indians, people who shirk guard duty, etc. The singer advises giving up

Jamaican patois: The singer has five miles to walk but back problems slow her down. She asks Dinah to go in her place to buy sugar, coconut oil, and fish. Dinah won't answer.

The singer orders, "Call John the Boatman." A storm is rising, and he is needed -- but he sleeps too soundly for even the tempest to rouse him: "Well, the louder that you call him, the faster he'll sleep."

The singer asks that mama be called to get him out of the plantation jail. Call his mama and his gal and tell them his good friends are not good friends any more: they don't do what good friends should do.

"Call my little dog. What shall I call him? Call him Ponto, Call him Carlo, Call him J-A-C-K."

"Across the foaming ocean... In a corner of old Ireland there's a spot that's dear to me." The singer recalls the cottage where he was born. The ocean has called him away, and now he lives in a great dirty city. He cannot go home, but wishes it well

Call of Quantrell, The: (1 ref. 1K Notes) {Roud #7771}

The singer calls his hearers to rise; Penick's Union forces are coming, "But the Quantrell they seek shall be far, far away." The singer promises that, when Penick flags, they will turn on him and regain their territory

"The call of the fire comes to us through the shadows That follows the close of the day, Its flames bring us peace and a calmness of spirit That drives all our troubles away.... May we go on believing in this love we're receiving...."

"Call the hogs to supper." One is fat, one is lean, and one is for the butcher.

"It being in the depth of winter," the Hilton under Callahan goes to catch halibut. The dories are out but the snow storm forces them to return empty handed. "The courage of Gloucester fishermen... I'm sure they are the best"

Rope-skipping rhyme/game. "Calling in, calling out, I call (Mary) in and our."

Gaelic, verses telling the blind to be happy because they cannot be dazzled by the beauty of the girl he loves, apparently in vain

"This house is haunted, this house is haunted, It fairly makes my blood run cold."

Pseudo-instrumental, with three or more groups imitating instrumental sounds: "Oom-pah-pah," "Um-sss-sss," "Up-peep-peep," "Um-tweedle-tweedle," with the chorus of "Bicycle Built for Two" perhaps sung over the instruments

"Had I the downey goney's wings That hover round our trackless way Not all the wealth that whaling brings Should tempt me longer here to stay." He would not be afraid of Pacific storms, since he could fly away. He longs for his family at home.

The singer describes how the doctor makes regular visits and with equal regularity prescribes Calomel. He comments, "I'm not so fond of Calomel," and asks, "How many patients have you lost? How many patients have you killed Or poisoned with your Calomel?"

Story of Jesus' crucifixion told from the point of view of one of his grieving followers. Jesus carries his cross to Calvary, where he is crucified, suffers, and dies without complaint. There is darkness over the earth, but Jesus is resurrected.

"Come all you aged people, come listen to me, While I sing you the praises of old Calvin C," who is so big and hairy he looks like a bear. His family is bear-like. The singer hopes that next year there will be "a bounty on bear" (so he can shoot Calvin)

Singer meets a pretty girl, asks her to sit by him (and proposes marriage; they make love); she refuses to marry a man who has led her astray, whereupon he pushes her into the river to drown (or she drowns herself, whereupon he is seized with remorse)

"Came a-riding on a day / Came a-riding on a day, Zum-ta-di-ya-di-ya." "Suitor jaunty, bold and gay, Zum-ta-di...." "Oft he asked in manner bold, how could I this wreathe withhold?" "This little heart I'll give to you, Could I be sure your own were true"

Came Ye O'er Frae France: (3 refs. 9K Notes) {Roud #5814}

Geordie [George I] is ridiculed. "Jocky's gane to France, And Montgomery's lady" to learn to dance. He'll return with "Sandy Don," "Cockolorum," "Bobbing John, And his Highland quorum" "How they'll skip and dance O'er the bum o' Geordie!"

"It's Tarvis parish that I cam frae... To the Fyvie lands in the mornin'." The singer works at Cameloun, where they make him rise too early and feed him dreadful food. He lists the people he works with. If any ask about him, he says to say he is gone

Cameron's Gotten's Wife Again: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #13130}

"Cam'ron's gotten's wife again Cam'ron's gotten's wife again ... Before he risk his life again"

Cameronian's Dream, The: (1 ref. 3K Notes) {Roud #15005}

"In a dream of the night I was wafted away, To the muirlands of mist, where the martyrs lay; Where Cameron's sword and his Bible are seen...." The speaker watches the skies open to carry Cameron to heaven

Camp 13 on the Manistee: (2 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #6519}

"As husky a bunch as ever was seen Was the lumberin' crew of Camp Thirteen," one of whom, Sam the blacksmith, intimidates them all and attacks the name of Christ. Jack the Trapper beats Sam in a fight. All celebrate the defeat of Sam and/or atheism

Spiritual. "Oh fathers are you ready? Ready? Oh, ready?... For I am going home... We're all making ready." "We'll camp a little while in the wilderness... And then I'm going home." "Zipper" song: for "fathers", later verses have "mothers," "children."

Camp at Hoover Lake, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #4373}

"The first day of September we were all at hand For to go to the shanty at Sheehan's command." The crew leaves families to work at Hoover Lake. They live in a shanty built "like a nest of mudhens." The workers in the camp are described

"Ike and Jerry, hiking down de main Southern (x2)." "Dead on time, Lawdy, Lawdy, Lawdy (x2)." "I don't want no corn bread,meat, and black molasses." "My old captain, he don't treat me like he used to." "Goin' back home, good Lawd."

"Through the progress of railroads our occupation's gone, So we will put ideas... into a song." The cowboy came west, but now is gone. The singer misses the old days. The angels say, "Oh, here they come to heave, the campfire has gone out."

"Worship God -- Seek beauty, give service, and nowledge pursue. Be trustworthy ever, in all that you do. Hold fast onto health, and work glorify, and you will be happy in the law of the Fire."

"There is preaching (singing, meeting) tonight on the old camp ground (2x), There is preaching (singing, meeting) tonight (2x), There is preaching (singing, meeting) tonight on the old camp ground"

Camp on de Cheval Gris, De: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #8847}

French-Canadian dialect song. Singer visits his abandoned lumber camp and reminisces. He recalls his friend Johnnie reading a letter over and over, and discovers it's a love-letter. He tells Johnnie he's never revealed the letter's secret.

Camp on McNeal, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #1945}

Times and names of the crew that worked one winter for A and R Loggie. While times don't seem very hard "some of the boys ... brought with them the flu"

"It was early in October, fall of 1896, I found myself in Menominee and in an awful fix, We hired out to Arseneau." They need to cut two million feet of lumber before they can go home. The singer describes the hard work and toasts Arsenaeu and the loggers

Campaign of 1856, The: (1 ref. 1K Notes) {Roud #7838}

"Old Benton had a daughter, Fair Jessie was her name, The Rocky Mountain ranger A-courting her he came." "Buck and Breck, neck and neck, A yoke of oxen true, Pulling to the Kansas log -- Gee, whoa, haw!"

The sailor complains about the conditions on the Campanero. "The skipper is a bulldozer... The mate he wants to fight." He finally concludes that getting married -- even getting married twice -- is better than serving on that ship

"The first day of April I'll never forget; (Three) English (lasses) together they met." They offer Campbell a spree in a pub, then leave him to pay the bill. He escapes by tricking the landlord and leaving him with his thumbs plugging a cask

The singer wanders out and sees a pretty girl. He goes up to her and courts her. She refuses to give her name, and asks why he is talking to her. He offers to marry her and take her away from the mill. She refuses; she has a love and is no match for him

Campbells Are Coming, The: (8 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #5784}

"The Campbells are coming, o-ho, o-ho! (x2), The Campbells are coming from bonnie Loch Lomond...." Argyle leads the van; the pipes sound. The singer expects them to win honor and success

"For nights with stars: For paths, for paths to follow, And for the hills, the hills to climb; For love to cast Its glow in deeply shadowed places... for all these wonderfully glorious things, We thank thee, Lord, we thank thee, thank thee, Lord"

"The old man went to the barn, To get some corn to fed some pigs." A pig is lying on the ground. The old man tries to revive it. The pig jumps on him. Sister Sal brings camphor to revive him. "He has never been to feed them hogs since."

"Go wash in Hoot James's mudhole (mudhole), Go wash in Hoot James's mudhole, Some soap and some sand and a cob in each hand, Go wash in Hoot James's mudhole."

"Now as the sun sinks slowly, And birds are going to nest, All of the Camp Fire maidens, too, Must take their rest. Then as the fire grows fainter, And we go into the night, Good Great Spirit guard us And guide our steps aright."

"De Camptown ladies sing dis song, Doo-da! Doo-da! De Camptown racetrack five miles long... Gwine to run all night! Gwine to run all day I'll bet my money on the bob-tail nag...." The singer describes the races and how he won a "pocket full of tin"

A smear on workers in naval dockyards. "Can a dockyard matey run? Yes, by Christ, I've seen it done. When the policeman rings the bell, He drops his tools and nips like hell"; when in danger, evidently, he can be made to work (but perhaps not otherwise)

"Can I forget the days of bliss, that I so often spent with thee, Can I forget the parting kiss, Thy pledge of love to me?" No, he cannot forget her, though the seas take him away; her voice will stay with him

Can I Sleep in Your Barn Tonight?: (28 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #768}

The tramp asks to be allowed to spend the night in the barn, adding that he had no tobacco or matches. He explains how he used to live a settled life, but then a stranger came to town and made off with his wife and son.

"When up the shrouds the sailor goes And ventures on the yard, The landsman who no better knows Believes his lot is hard." The sailor describes his hard life, but notes the comfort the sailors take in grog

Can of Spring Water, The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #5215}

Singer meets a lass on her way to a well. He asks her parents' name. She rejects his advance but he seduces her. Subsequently she marries someone else but has a baby to go with her to the well.

"Can we clean your windows, mum? We'll make 'em shine, Bloody fine; We'll make 'em shine, Bloody fine. Not today. Run away! 'All right,' says poor Jim, As he threw down his bucket, And he called out 'Drat it! Can we clean your windows, mum?'"

Can Ye Sew Cushions: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #5527}

"O can ye sew cushions, And can ye sew sheets, Can you sing ba-loo-loo When the bairn greets?" "And hee and baw, birdie, and he and baw, lamb... My bonnie wee lamb." (The singer talks of the child's future life.)

"If you jump up on my barrow, I'll take you for a ride. And maybe in the springtime you can be my bride." Can you speak Romany, play the fiddle, eat prison food, cut the wood, break a horse, sleep with a girl and make someone not Romany?

"Can you walk a little way with it in, with it in, Can you walk a little way with it in, with it in, She answered with a smile, I can walk a (something) mile, With it in, with it in, with it in."

Can'cha Line 'Em: (13 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #10070}

Work song/shout, with chorus, "Ho, boys, can'cha line em? (x3) See Eloise go linin' track." Many of verses are on religious themes ("If I could I surely would Stand on the rock where Moses stood"; "Mary, Marthy, Luke, and John, all... dead and gone")

Can't Cross Jordan: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #11879}

Can't cross Jordan and you can't go around," with chorus "They've taken my Lord away, away... Oh, tell me where they've laid him." Also floating verses: "What kind of shoes does a Christian wear?" "As I went down in the valley to pray." Etc.

5, 6 and 7 line verse. Most end "That's the day I began to cry, Lord I can't help crying sometimes." Singer's mother died. He promised to meet her "on Canaan's happy shore" "Just lay your trust on Jesus, That's all that you can do."

Can't Hide Sinner: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #16450}

"You may run to the rock... For a hidin' place... An' the rock cry out...." "You may run to the sea... For a hidin' place... An' the sea cry out...." "Oh, sinner man ... What you going to do... In the Judgment day...."

Shanty. "Young gals, good gals, bad gals, O! Cho: Young girls can't ye Hilo? I will take 'em all in tow, Cho: Young girls can't ye Hilo?" Other verses have rhymes about dancing and women in general.

The sailor meets a girl, who offers to take him home to her "family." He sits down to dinner, is drugged, and goes to bed with the girl. In the morning he awakens to find himself naked and without his money. He is forced to go to a boarding master

"When I get to Illinois, I'm gonna spread the word about the Florida boys. Shove it over! Hey, hey, can't you line it?...." The singer complains about hard times and high prices, and describes the conditions in which he works

Chorus: "Can't you live humble? Praise King Jesus Can't you live humble To the dying Lamb?" Verses: The singer asks Jesus to see him on his knees praying. "A man's been here from Galilee ... left me free."

"I'm on my way to Canada, that cold and dreary land, The dire effects of slavery I can no longer stand. So fare you well old master, Don't come after me, Just in sight of Canada..." yet the slave fears she will be caught before reaching it

When her love goes to sea, a lady dresses as a sailor and joins (his or another's) ship's crew. When she is discovered, (the crew/her lover) determine to drown her. The captain saves her; they marry

A group of lumbermen suffers a winter or cold and poor conditions. When winter ends, they joyfully return to their homes

Canadian Boat Song, A: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #13847}

"Faintly as tolls the evening chime, Our voices keep tune and our oars keep time.... Soon as the woods on shore look dim, We'll sing at St. Anne's our parting hymn." An encouragement to and prayer for good rowing when there is no wind

"I hired a shawny boat, a dollar forty-nine. If you don't work for this cap, you'll never get your time." The singer goes to get a drink of cider and sees even the bugs fighting. "When you wants to have a fight, then you needs the backing."

Canaller's Lament, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #19886}

"I shipped aboard a fat old tub, Two mules were on the tow, She hauled the length of the Erie Canal." "The name she bore was Prickly Heat, The captain's name was 'Scratch.'" The singer describes the crew of the canaller, often in racist terms

"Lay me on the horse-bridge, WIth my feet toward the bow; And let it be a Lockport Laker, Or a Tonawanda scow." The singer described the problems the mules have in towing the canal-boat, and perhaps asks to be buried by the canal

Candlelight Fisherman, The: (5 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #1852}

Singer, a fisherman, tells how his father taught him to test the wind at night by sticking a candle lantern outside: "Open the pane and pop out the flame/To see how the wind do blow". He tells how he does it, and advises listeners to do the same

Blues, often bawdy, about the exploits of the Candy Man. The candy man's candy almost certainly gets its possessors in trouble, but many still seek it.

"The boys have lived in peace upon the farm, A mother's care had shielded them from harm...." "So was their mother shot by cowardly hand.... Their youthful blood was on the hearthstone spilled." The (Mormon) singer blames the Christians

"How we suffered grief and pain Up in Queensland, cutting cane." The singer describes the hard working conditions and the bad boss. He is particularly upset with the food and the Chinese cook. He vows never again to cut cane in Queensland

"Canned heat ... killing me." "Think alcorub is tearing apart my soul." "Canned heat don't kill me ... I'll never die." "Woke up this morning canned heat was on my mind." "Run in here somebody Take these canned heat blues."

Cannibal King Medley, The: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #20036}

"A cannibal king with a big nose-ring" courts a maid and sings to her under a bamboo tree. "When we are married happy we will be ... under the bamboo tree." "If you'll be M-I-N-E mine ... I'll L-O-V-E love you all the T-I-M-E time." May use kissing sounds

Cannibal Maiden, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #9541}

"A cannibal maid and her Hottentot blade, They met in a rocky defile." But a Zulu appears to challenge the Hottentot over the girl. They both die in the quarrel, and she eats both of them

"Cannily, cannily, bonnie wee bairnikie, Don't you cry now, my little pet. Hush-a-bye, now, your daddy is sleeping; It's no time tae wauken him yet." Daddy needs his sleep, as soon he will go driving his engine. In time, the child will have its own engine

Floating verses; singer says he will catch the train called the Cannonball (from Buffalo to Washington), his girl left him, and he's leaving her. More or less.

Canny Miller and His Wife, The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #7152}

When the miller returns home his wife hides her lover. Claiming illness she sends the miller out to buy gin as a cure. He puts on the lover's trousers, discovers fifty pounds, confronts his wife and decides he could not have made as much money milling.

"'Bout Lunnon aw'd heard sec wonderful spokes, That the streets were a' covered wi' guineas." The singer describes the sights in London, mentions seeing King George, recalls being robbed, and declares he likes his home better

Shepherds are "all the same breed." On the mountains before dawn with his collie, he's "quick to swee a mawkit yin or a sheep that's strayed awa." He risks his life in snow for his sheep. He's generous with his hospitality and with drink among pals.

"A canoe may be drifting at sunset, When the skies are all purple and gold, And a campfire down by the water With songs that will never grow old." These things are everywhere -- but friendship makes this camp unique

The crew is finishing a quiet voyage when a gale blows up. The drunken captain decides to take advantage of the storm by getting up the best speed possible. The alarmed sailors at last mutiny to get things back in control

Cantie Carlie, The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #6055}

James, a widower, is tired of lying alone. He courts Bell Grant, young enough to be his granddaughter, and she agrees to marry. A storm delays the bride's trip from Aberdeen. Finally they reach the church and are married. "And ten months brings a son"

Italian. Forebitter shanty, about the timuni (helmsman). "A sciacca bucanura e bucareddi." The reasons why towns are famous are listed, e.g. Sciacca for its skewers, Trapani for pink coral, Marsala for its fish. Priests bless people. Grapes make wine

"When you're sitting around in a dirty old shack, You can't keep your mind from wanderin' back To the happy old days... When we hunted all day and gambled all night." The poet describes the life he used to lead, and the quarrels he used to have

"Have you heard the revelation Of this latter dispensation...." The poet tells how the Saints are persecuted in Illinois and Missouri, and describes how they will work "till we make Nauvoo as Eden"

Captain Paul and the seven men of the Big Mariner set out from Kennebunk(port) for the West Indies. The ship foundered in a gale; the six crewmen were drowned and only Captain Paul was saved

"Cap'n, I believe, Cap'n, I believe, Cap'n, I believe, believe, believe I'll die. (Spoken): Oh, no, you ain't gonna die. Come on with that motah."

Cape Breton Boy, A: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #25803}

A Cape Breton boy leaves home to make money. After jobs aboard ship he goes west to go lumbering. Injured there, he spends six months in the hospital. He warns: go west if you want, "But you'll find when you're sick boys there's no place like home"

Cape Breton Murder: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #2717}

In Cow Bay on December 8, 1874 "this young man was led like a sheep to slaughter ... He was wilfully murdered"

"Cape Cod Girls they have no combs, Heave away, heave away! They comb their hair with codfish bones...." "Heave away and don't you make a noise, For we're bound for Australia." Sundry lyrics on the oddities of Cape Cod girls

Parody of fo'c'sle song; describes miserable conditions on the "Walloping Window Blind," including descriptions of the officers. They are stranded for a time on the "Gulliby Isles"; they commandeer a Chinese junk and escape, leaving its crew on the island

Cappabwee Murder, The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #5302}

"Doubtless you must have heard of that life I took away." John Sullivan admits killing Jim Ring as Ring left a funeral. Ring identified Sullivan from his death bed. Sullivan waits trial expecting "transportation all my life or step the gallows tree"

Cappy, or The Pitman's Dog: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #3145}

A pitman lives near Newcastle with his family and their dog, "Weel bred Cappy, famous au'd Cappy, Cappy's the dog, Tallio, tallio." Cappy and owner set out for town. A robber attacks Cappy. The owner returns home, and is amazed to find the dog alive

"Attention all, both great and small, A tale I have to tell Of Captain Frederick Harris And young Florizel." The singer lists various seal hunters, tells of the beginning of their voyage, and wishes them success

Captain Abram Kean: (2 refs. 27K Notes) {Roud #V44802}

"We should not forget the Commodore, The old king of the sailing fleet." "With unerring aim and judgment rare He would strike each sealing patch." "For fifty years he butted the ice." "So we should not forget... The late Captain Abram Kean"

"Come all you brave seamen that ploughs on the main, Give ear to my story" of the Lichfield that was wrecked "on the Barbary shore." 130 men die and 220 reach shore in the wreck. They are enslaved by the Moors and hope they will be ransomed

"Terry is a fine young man, But he has lots of 'chaw.'" As several ships, including Terry's Esquimaux, get stuck in the ice, Bill Ryan abandons Terry "To paddle his own canoe."

Captain Bob Bartlett: (2 refs. 52K Notes) {Roud #V45400}

"A rugged Newfoundlander as ever sailed the seas, He was born and raised in Brigus in the bay." Bartlett's career as a sealer, then as captain, is told, as is his work with Admiral Peary. "He's resting now at Brigus where his grave o'erlooks the bay."

"Where hae ye been, ma canny hinny, Where hae ye been, ma winsome man? I've been to the norrad, Cruising sair and lang; I've been to the norrad, cruising back and forrard, But daurna come ashore For Bover and his gang."

Captain Burke [Laws K5]: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #834}

The singer ships on Captain Burke's Caroline, carrying a cargo of slaves. Sent aloft to reef sail in a storm, he and three others are hit by lightning and lose their sight. The singer wishes he could return to sea

(Captain Carr) decides to take a castle, calling upon the lady who holds it to surrender and lie by his side. She refuses (despite the appeals of her children). Carr burns the castle and slaughters the inhabitants

The singer drunkenly signs aboard "a brig called the Mary belonging to Starr." He goes below and finds the mate has finished his brandy. The captain gives them "salt cod and religion" to eat. "To hell with Starr's Mary and Captain Conrod"

Captain Coulston: (14 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #1695}

Captain Coulston's ship sails for America (carrying Irish emigrants?). She is overtaken by pirates. Following a desperate fight, Coulston and crew defeat the pirate; his wife shoots the pirate chief. They take the pirate ship to America as a prize

The English privateer Terrible is captured after a bloody battle by a French privateer and her Captain, named Death, and all but 16 of her crew of 200 are killed.

A composite song, in many ways more a religious musical than a performance. The singer writes to his mother asking for prayers. He asks his captain for pity. He laments a life term. One singer prays as another recites the Lord's Prayer

Captain Doorley and the Boyne: (4 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #V8384}

John Doorley, 18, son of a wealthy farmer, joined the United men against the Orange at Naas, Timahoe, Prosperous, and Kilcullen. The target of a Yeoman manhunt, he was wounded at the Boyne: "Four hours I lay bleeding and my Nancy at my side"

Ireland is ending the slavery binding it "Since Cromwell and his damned decree." Captain Dwyer's exploits against the cavalry and Captain Byrne are recounted: skirmishes at Hackettstown and Keadun bog avenging Stratford, Baltinglass and Dunlavin.

"Come all you young seamen with courage so bold, Will you venture with me? I'll glut you with gold." Henry (Every/Avery), (mutineer and) pirate, enlists sailors to the "Fancy." The singer declares he has done England no wrong

Orangeman Captain Dick Fowler arrives in hell. Fowler says that if a croppy brings him water he will "own to him I've done great wrong." Beelzebub explains that no croppy can help him: "it was for Freedom those boys fell And heaven is their station"

Captain Frazer's nose is so big you can see it a mile away. Its snores are louder than Niagara. If French invaders try to land, one sneeze would sink their ships. When he dies, Frazer's nose should be left to stand "like some big druid stane"

A ship sets out to sea; many of the crew become ill. The captain has a dream which causes him to reveal his dreadful crimes to the boatswain. In the face of a severe storm, the boatswain reveals the captain's sins. He is tossed overboard; the storm abates

Singer, an apprentice in Northamptonshire, takes to highway robbery and is imprisoned in Edinburgh. Escaping, he hides in a wood, but is betrayed by a woman and reimprisoned. He prays for mercy on his soul and for his wife and children.

"New York... Captain he heard it, he was troubled in his mind... Captain he go to him cabin, he drink wine and whiskey... You go to America? You as well go to heaven."

Captain Henry Thomey: (1 ref. 3K Notes) {Roud #V44634}

"Upon the past I'm thinking, To it my heart is linking, When fifteen thousand hardy men Trod the frozen floe. Oh, those days were merry And everyone felt cheery When men sailed 'long with Terry and Thomey long ago."

"The Captain holler hurry, Goin' to take my time... Say he makin' money, And I'm tryin' to make time. Say he can lose his job, But I can't lose mine. I ain't got time to tarry, Just stop by here. Boys if you got long You better move along."

(Captain James) has a servant who commits a "trifling offense." James ties him to the mast, abuses him, starves him, and leaves him to die of thirst, torture, and exposure. Brought to trial, James thinks money will save him, but he is hanged

Captain Jim Rees and the Katie: (1 ref. 1K Notes) {Roud #9997}

"Captain Jim Rees said when the Katie was made, Arkansas City goin' to be her trade." The remaining verses describe the life and plans of a river worker, perhaps on the Kate Adams

"I'm Captain Jinks of the Horse Marines, I feed my horse on corn and beans And court young ladies in their teens Though a Captain in the army." Jinks describes his money troubles, his fancy clothes, army training, and perhaps his life with the girls

Captain Jinks (playparty): (5 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #4858}

Dance featuring the infamous Captain Jinks (of the Horse Marines): "Captain Jinks came home last night, Gentleman passes to the right, Swing your lady very polite, For that's the style in the army. All join hands and circle left...."

Captain Kidd [Laws K35]: (37 refs. 41K Notes) {Roud #1900}

Captain Kidd tells the tale of his wicked life. His early sins include the murder of William Moore and one of his ship's gunners. He repents for a time, but slides back into piracy. Finally captured, he has been sentenced to death

"The hardships that do attend at sea": One December Captain Larkins sails a stormy voyage from St John's through Gibraltar's strait. The men go hungry and complain, "but pinchin' slyly Captain Larkins sayin' we got our share"

"My job is to clean a naval latrine, I'm the man with the plan for the pan that everyone uses.... I clean it by night, and I clean it by day... Terrifically clean is my latrine." He complains of those who are not careful in their use of his charge

The singer warns the sheriff not to bother "Captain Old Blue." The song describes the various outlaws who work in the Snake River area

"There was once a gay maiden, Her name was fair Kate. She traveled the Big Waters Both early and lave." Many court her; she loves only Captain Osborn. But he speaks in anger, and her love turns cold. He is married and has a daughter anyway

Captain Power's crew prepares to fish for cod. Before they go they caulk and repair the ship, build the wharves, and rush to be in time for the caplin surge to get cod bait. "Now the fight is over the codfish we have none

Captain Shepherd sails to St Pierre. In a storm he stops at Bonne Bay where he is turned in for smuggling liquor. The police find no evidence. Shepherd gets another schooner. The singer hopes this fall "dis brave, undaunted man will have a drop to sell"

"Here's a health to Captain Strachan" and his men. Three leagues from Aladdin Strachan sees the 36-gun frigate Moselle with 500 men out of Marseille. In the battle they board the Moselle, hoist the English colors and take the prize to Gibraltar.

The singer boards Captain Thompson's ship Fame to America. They escape stormy seas and "a mount of ice" off Newfoundland and land safely at Quebec. He thinks of Ireland and hopes to see his family again "and live together peacefully in love and liberty"

"Dear Pinckaninny, if half a guinny, To love will win ye, I lay it here down. We must be throfty, 'twill serve to shift ye." The woman will have none of it: "Ods I wonder You dare be so bold... Or dream too of taking My Fort with small gold."

Captain Ward asks the king to grant him a place to rest. The king will not grant a place to any pirate (though Ward claims never to have attacked an English ship), and commissions the (Rainbow) to deal with Ward. Ward defeats the Rainbow

"Captain Wasgatt in the John, He just got homr from Thomaston, He just got fitted out, they say, To go fishing in Frenchman's Bay." The crew is "Bill and Sam and Sally and Dan." Sal has trouble hauling a hake and hopes for a ginger cake at home

Webster wishes to marry a poor girl, but his parents tell him that he must marry a wealthy woman. The young man bids farewell to his sweetheart, then kills himself. Parents are warned against placing undue emphasis on money

(Captain Wedderburn) sees a fair lady, and wishes to sleep with her. She takes an instant dislike to him, and will consent only if he can answer her riddles. He answers them, and the two are wed.

"O, the captain went below, For to light the cabin lamp, But he couldn't light the lamp Because the wick was too damn' damp, Heave-ho, you sons of glory, The Golden Gates are passed."

"The fierce winds blow among the cliffs Of rugged Labrador." Jackman is on the beach in a snowstorm and hears cries from a wreck on a reef "some hundred fathoms from shore." He swims to the wreck 27 times and rescues all on board.

Captain's Apprentice (II), The: (9 refs. 13K Notes) {Roud #835}

The captain has an apprentice from a work house. The boy offends him. He is bound to the mast, then beaten to death. The crew lock the captain in his cabin and have him arrested in port. He is convicted and held in Newgate until he is hanged.

Captain's Lady (I), The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #9799}

Small boats land in Wild Bay among Blacks; the crews, including the captain's lady, are captured, stripped, and driven. Joseph, a Black slave crewman, saves them. He is freed, and the captain's lady returns safely to London.

Captains and Ships: (6 refs. 18K Notes) {Roud #7291}

"To Harvey's I'll start and to Bowring's I'll go, I'll name all the ships and the captains also." He names ships, captains, and companies, and wishes them all good luck.

"Come all you Union-loving men, wherever you may be." The singer will tell of the Union capture of New Orleans. The song details the maneuvers of the fleet as they pass the Mississippi River defenses. The _Brooklyn_ is a proud part of the fleet

"On the 26th of April, or so it does appear, The brave boys of Bristol fitted out a privateer, In command of Captain Tucker" to capture the "Bream." They find and capture the "Crown." The singer wishes good luck to the crew

"Blackfoot Indians left their settlements, Seven hundred miles or more... Minnesota to explore." They attack the family of William Woods, killing his mother and sisters. They cut off Woods's hand, but the chief's daughter begs them to spare him

"Loud roared the dreadful doomday And stormy was the night When the car ferry Bessemer 2nd Left the port called Canneaut. With two and twenty sailors...." "Let us all unite together... for the loved ones We will never see again." Captain and others die

In winter 1916 a 73-year old Labrador trapper goes out to see to his traps. He gets lost and spends the night camping away from home and has a fight with a wolverine. The next day a search gang finds him and takes him home to Lelette.

Billy squandered his parents' riches but is happier than ever. "Light heart & thin pair of Breeches, goes through the world merrely my boys." Riches and responsibilities bring problems. Poor now, "I am as full of content as ever I was since I was born"

A young girl's lament for having loved unwisely, worrying what her mother will say when the girl returns home, wearing her apron high (i. e. pregnant).

Carey's friends advise him that the best disguise would be to "dress as a lady and pass as Miss Grady." His wife shaves his every hair and glues on a wig. He dons a "chimese," etc. His wife wears his suit and moustache and smokes "a mild Havannah"

"I lift the cargo from out of hold (x3), It's ruddy heavy, but it ain't gold." "I lift the lamp-black from out the hold (x3), It's ruddy sooty, but it ain't coal." It's a dangerous job, but he'll work until he's old. He's a wharfie, and a wharfie's son

Carlie, Can Ye Hushle Ony?: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #7244}

Jenny, "nae regarded by naebody," invites John to cuddle, and then to "hushle." She has a baby but says she regrets it. He reminds her of her encouragement. At the naming the parson tells John it is not his. John promises to "put a trick upon her"

"George Carmack in Bonanza Creek went out to look for gold" despite being told that there would be no gold in the cold water. But he and his companions find gold and now are in position to celebrate

In 1793 the French planted "a symbol of great Liberty." In 1794 "they gave to Flanders liberty." June 1 the French convoy was saved from British attack. The Batavian line extends freedom to the Netherlands. Kings and drones will "tumble unlamented"

"When I was young and foolish still, Amerikay ran in my head, I from my native country strayed..." He recalls how friends took their parting from him. When he arrives in St. John's, he will drink and stop grieving, but still think of home and his girl

A carnal (crow) and a crane discuss various stories of Jesus, such as the roasted cock that crowed, the miraculous harvest of grain, and the adoration of the animals. (These accounts often became separated in tradition.)

The singer says that no place on earth as dear as his old home by Carntogher's Braes. He recalls life and friendship there. "But cruel fate has ordered it that I must sail the seas"; he expects to return home once he has made his fortune

The singer describes a trip through Ireland. He stays then days with Jon McNeil, surrounded by kind people, then visits Pat McGavrock on Stony Hill. He says that, come the next summer, he will visit Stony Hill again

"A newe song I wil behynne, Of kyng Edmund that was so fre, How he deyid [died] withoute synne, And bow[n]dyn his body was to a tree." He is shot with arrows, his hed cut off, but a wolf guards the head, and we should pray to him

Carol for the Wassail-Bowl, A: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #209}

"A jolly wassail-bowl, A wassail-bowl of good ale, Well fare the butlers soul, That setteth this to sale: Our jolly wassail." The singers are "maidens poor" who wish good luck to others and hope they will join in. They choose Twelfth Night king and queen

"Sweet master of this habitation, With my mistress be so kind As to grant an invitation If we may this favor find" to join the musical party and "contribute to the wasel bowl." May the master have a virtuous wife and may all have a fine meal

Creole French, in hopes of winning Caroline: "AIne, de, trois, Caroline, ca ca ye comme ca ma chere (x2), Papa di non, mamman di non, C'est le moule, c'est le ma pren...."

Wealthy Caroline loves a poor sailor. The sailor tries to discourage her, but she disguises herself and follows him to sea. She "proves true" even in a shipwreck. In time she returns home and gains her father's permission to marry her young man

Caroline's parents do not approve of her suitor Henry, so the two of them run off to London to be married. It is not long before her husband grows sick of her, abuses her, and goes off to sea. After some wandering, she drowns herself in the sea

"Caroline Pink Fell down the sink, She caught the Scarlet Fever, Her husband had to leave her." Or, "Old Mother Ink Fell down the sink. How many think She went..." Some number respond, say two: "T-W-O spells TWO, And out you must go If I say so."

"I wish I were in Carrickfergus, Only for nights in Ballygrand. I would swim over the deepest ocean... my love to find." "I wish to meet a handsome boatsman To ferry me over, my love to find." Since (she) is gone, the singer will drink, forget, (and die)

Carrickmannon Lake: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #5177}

Singer meets the "Venus of the north" at Carrickmannon's lake. He says, "Give me my way or else I'll stray." She tells him to depart. He would leave Killinchey for her sake and go to North America. He warns other young men to shun the lake.

Response is "Hunh!" Leader lines include "Carrie Belle," "Don't weep," "Don't you ... Hang your head ... And cry," "Ain't going to hurt nobody," "I never... get drunk... no more," and floaters like "This old hammer... Kill John Henry"

Singer has no money to see the circus; he's told that he can get in free if he carries water for the elephant. He does (although he can't fill it up), gets his ticket and sees the animals in the menagerie, who make appropriate noises

Carrier Dove, The: (9 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #2814}

Singer has been captured in war; "the chain of the tyrant is o'er me now." He sends a message by dove to his sweetheart explaining why she has not heard from him. He waits for the bird to return "a line from my lady love"

About the roads of Australia: "It's strange to know the once good tracks we can no longer trust, sir... Dust! Dust! Dust! Along the roads there's nothing there but dust, dust, dust." He calls for rain, and soon "nothing there but rain, rain, rain"

The singer hears a lad and lass talking. He is courting her; she tries to hold him back, pointing out that she is still young and that she has no dowry. She offers to introduce him to another. He says he wants none but her; they marry.

"For ages hold on record Kinalea with ecstacy ... defeating with the greatest bravery The goalers that were famed upon the banks of Onnabuoy" The crowd, predictions of the outcome and newspaper reports are described, but not the contest.

"A carrion crow (kangaroo) sat on an oak, To my inkum kiddy-cum kimeo, Watching a tailor mend a coat...." The tailor tries to shoot the crow, but misses and kills his old sow. The family mourns the dead animal

Carroll is sentenced and hung in Wexford. He had "fought the Saxon foemen by Slaney's glancing wave" and now "the silent churchyard blossom blooms softly over him."

Pulling shanty. Internal chorus: "Walk him along, John, Carry him along... Carry him to the burying ground." Refrain: "Way-ay-ay you storm and blow (you Stormy)...." Some texts refer to General Taylor, others to Dan O'Connell or Old Stormy.

"Carry me back to green, green pastures, That's where I long to be, Carry me back to green pastures, That is the place for me. I want to see the fields of cotton" and other sights of home, "Down where the Jordan rolls"

Carry Me Back to Old Virginny: (17 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #15431}

"Carry me back to old Virginny, There's where the cotton and corn and tatoes grow." The former slave yearns to return to the old master and the old plantation, there to "wither and decay."

Singer "was a wild careless youngster, longing to roam" and "left my home in the mountains And broke my poor darling's heart." He gets a letter that she has died. Now "lonesome and weary," he wants to go back to his home in the mountains: "lay me to rest"

"I'm goin' up the river to carry them sacks (x3), I'll have your lap full of dollars when I get back." "I asked my sugar for a little kiss..." "You go back up the river and carry some sacks, (x3), You can get my kisses when the boat gets back"

"In the late month of November upon a low'ring day The schooner called Carter stood across the Georgian Bay." On the last trip of the season, a storm blows up; they go aground. The tug Erie Belle tries to help, but its boiler explodes; the crew is killed

"I once was a bold fellow and went with a team, And all my delight was in keeping them clean, In keeping them clean, boys, to show their bright color...." The singer rises early to care for the horses, and works hard. He describes the horses

Carter's Health, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #1384}

"Of all the horses in the merry greenwood The bobtailed mare bears the bells away .... Hey, Ree, Hoo, Gee, But the bobtailed mare bears the bells away"

Carve That Possum: (5 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #7780}

Concerning a possum hunt and the pleasures of eating the animal. Recipes may be offered, as may details of the hunt. The listener is urged to "Carve that possum" and/or "Carve it to the heart."

Gaelic. Singer is drunk. He complains that he had come to this place "full of love and hope But the hag she forced me out with the twisting of the rope." "How many fine girls waste for taste of man in bed ... But the hag she drove me out ..."

Gaelic. The singer meets a beautiful woman herding her geese. He asks her to marry, promising wealth and affection. She agrees.

Casey Jones (I) [Laws G1]: (54 refs. 11K Notes) {Roud #3247}

Casey Jones's train is late with the mail. He is pushing the train as fast as he can when he sees another train ahead. There is no time to stop. Casey tells his fireman to jump; he himself dies in the wreck

In this bawdy parody of the familiar copyright song, Casey goes to a whorehouse and has sex with ninety-eight whores until his powers fail him. He takes a shot of whiskey, finishes the remaining two, and dies.

Casey Jones keeps working when the rest of the workers strike. (Someone puts railroad ties across the track, and) Casey is killed. St. Peter hires him, but "Angels' Union # 23" sends him to Hell, where the Devil puts him to shoveling sulfur

Casey's wife and child cry and ask him not to go but he has the fireman fire up and go. A flock of sheep on the track delays them. As they speed up to make up time a frightened passenger sings "Lord have mercy... Save me Jesus."

"Casey Jones, Standng on the fire-step, Casey Jones, with a pistol in his hand, Casey Jones, Standing on the fire-step, Firing Very lights into No Man's Land."

"Come all you muckers and gather here, If you want to hear the story of a miner dear." Casey makes his name on a Burleigh machine at the Liberty Bell mine. Casey is killed in a mine explosion. He had wished to try different drilling equipment

Casey and the singer get drunk and meet policeman Flannigan. They invite him to have a drink. Although "drinking's against the law." Flannigan doesn't notice the bottle is empty. He takes Casey in but lets the singer go as too much of a handful.

The singer is out walking when he sees a pretty girl. He tells her she has ensnared his heart. She says that that's his problem; men are always using lines like that. He promises to be faithful. She agrees to marry him

In 1878, landlord Campbell permits a race on Cashel Green. The race is won by the horse of McCloskey, "that youth of fifteen." The singer praises the horse and rider, describes the collection of bets, and wishes all well

A man criticizes a girl for ostentatiously wearing a cashmere shawl. She answers that she got it "by my hard earnings." Besides, he is dressed like a dandy himself. He says "with pride you are gone to the devil for wearing the cashmere shawl".

Travellers' cant. Singer asks a girl to come with him and takes his bagpipes out. After three or four years she has borne him four children; he brags of woman and children. She too brags; they can visit the public house and have money because of his pipes

"There's a track winding back To some broken-down old shacks Along the road to Cassino town, Where the olive trees are growing, And the purple death is flowing...." The noise of Hitler's weapons is often heard; the road leads only to broken-down shacks

Cassville Prisoner, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #5485}

"To old Cassville they did me take, But did not chain me to an iron stake, The faults they swore was more than one, To send me on to Jefferson. Jefferson didn't bother my mind, It was leavin' you behind, To run around with other boys...."

"There's a little village Just beyond the Sangro, Just a village on a hill, And though we're many weary miles Beyond the Sangro, That's where my thoughts Keep turning still. Oh, Castel Frentano... I'd rather be there Than in Milano, Castel Frentano."

"There was silence in the Castle, the 'cons' were fast asleep." The guards are on duty, but the prisoners manage to cut away their bars -- only to have to descend sixty feet to the ground. The singer's friend is recaptured, but will try again

Castle Gardens (I): (2 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #1455}

The singer, "convicted and... forced to go," leaves Ireland for America. He yearns for Ireland "where the dear little shamrock grows." He would return for his sweetheart, but she dies (of grief?) and is buried by the singer's father

"So-and-so's at the castle gate, Open up the door and let her in." "She does a wiggle woggle, wiggle woggle, with her bum, Turn around and choose the one you love."

By Blackwater side the singer admires Castle Hyde's charming meadows, warbling thrushes, sporting lambkins, fine horses; foxes "play and hide," wild animals "skip and play," and trout and salmon rove. Whereever he rides he finds no equal to Castle Hyde.

"October winds lament around the Castle of Dromore, But peace is in her lofty halls...." The mother comforts her child: none cannot threaten them, and Mary is watching. She bids the child "take time to thrive" before moving on to adult tasks

"In my castle on the River Nile I'm gonna live in elegant style, Inlaid diamonds on the floor And a baboon butler at my door. I'm gonna marry that princess Anna Mazoo/Kalamazoo And my blood's gonna change from red to blue... In my castle on..."

Castlebar Boy, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #19486}

Pat says "I am a boy from ould Ireland ... the darlings they call me the Castlebar boy ... I will fight for the [forefather's] sod." He goes to England and none could beat him at reaping and mowing. The English should not take every Irishman for a fool

"Now Herechi told the council, Said much benefit they'd reap," offering to survey the town for a low price, though the surveyors say he will cost more. The song lists the various odd locals -- the excess barber, the incompetent drivers and fishermen

Castlepollard fair was peaceful "until the Peelers were brought out to raise a riot there ... their chief he bade them fire." The "murderers" were sent to jail but freed after "a sham trial"

Castlereagh River, The: (12 refs. 3K Notes) {Roud #8399}

"I'm travelling down the Castlereigh, and I'm a stationhand...." The singer mentions all the stops he's made, and all his reasons for leaving (non-union Chinese workers, an arrogant boss, etc.). He advises, "So shift, boys, shift...."

The singer meets a girl on Lammas Day. He tells her that he has saved up enough to emigrate to Canada, and asks if she will go with him. She cannot leave; her parents are "on the decline." He departs but hopes he can return to her

Czech (Moravian), translated as "Toviska, Toviska, Castles in Toviska, Were there no lassies, I'd ne'er be a soldier." " Hoo-ya, hoo-ya-ya (x3), Ya-ya-ya. "Toviska, Toviska, I will sing Toviska, Sweetheart at home,I will never forget you."

"Far in the woods on Upper Tug, they wrap ol' Union in a rug"; amid Confederate sympathizers, the Castos rally around (and hide in) a cave, "the Casto Hole." Various people set out from the cave and eventually flee back

"C-a-s-t-o-r O-i-l spells castor oil, It's the only decent kind of medicine, Guy who made it must have been an Edison, C-a-s-t-o-r O-i-l you see. It's a lick on a spoon, guaranteed to kill you soon It's castor oil for me!"

The roan's owner, tired of it siring equally stubborn offspring, decides to put an end to the matter by gelding the beast. They rope it down, and a cowboy commences the operation. Before it can be completed, the roan bites off the owner's own equipment

"The cat and her kittens reclined in the sun, Mew! Mew! Mew! They're fond of their food and they're fond of their fun," and they sing "Mew!" together. Mother tells them that they will have their own homes; they should kill mice, not kill birds, avoid dogs

Cat Came Back, The: (12 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #5063}

(Old Mister Johnson) makes many attempts to rid himself of his cat -- blowing it up, shipping it away, etc. But in every instance "The cat came back the very next day... They thought he was a goner, but the kitty came back...."

"I was going up the hill, I met a girl on a bicycle, Run her into the garden wall, Smashed her tire and broke her fall," and more rhymes like that. The chorus likens Jim to a cat eating fish-bones, scratching, on the fence at night, a "cat's eye"

Floating verses; "Cat's got the measles and the dog's got whooping cough, doggone/Doggone a man let a woman be his boss, doggone my time" "I ain't good looking... but my main occupation's takin' women from their monkey men...."

Catalina Madalina: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #12800}

"Catalina Madalina Whoopastina Wilamina Oopsy Doopsy Woopsy was her name." "She had two eyes that were in her head One was yellow and the other was red." "She had two teeth in her mouth One pointed east and the other pointed south"

A man -- sometimes a soldier -- seduces a pretty girl. She asks his name. He answers "Catch-me-if-you-can." He leaves, sometimes for service overseas. Her parents either catch him or he escapes overseas and the girl has a baby.

"Now we are facing a wonderful future, Gone are the winters we've always endured": unemployment insurance for fishermen. After 20 weeks of rated hauls, "sit back and do nothing for the rest of the year"

"If I were a catfish swimming deep down in the blue sea These gals setting out hooks for me." "I went down to the church house on my knees to pray, Not a word to say." "I'm going to write a letter to see See my baby hanging her little old thing for me"

Catfish, The (Banjo Sam): (6 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #7010}

"Catfish, catfish, goin' up stream, Catfish, catfish, where you been? I grabbed that catfish by the snout, I pulled that catfish inside out, Yo-ho! Banjo Sam." Other verses also tall tales, usually involving animals, e.g. the terrapin and the toad

"It's midnight, and as by the hearth The fading embers glow, And visions they come to me... Of Europe and her mighty war." The singer notes in particular the suffering of Belgium, and the palace of Rheims. He begs God, "Bring peace to then once more."

Broadside account of a murder: "Muse breathe the Dirge o'er Delia's tomb...." "She from the man she once did love... received the fatal cup... And drunk the poison up." "O Bernard t'was a barbarous deed." The girl hopes others will mourn her

French. Catherine is the king's daughter. Her mother is a Christian but her father is not. Her father finds her praying. She says that she prays to God, but he does not. He kills her with his sabre. Catherine is in heaven, but her father is not.

"Ae day I wandered a' alane, Ma thochts contrived tae mak me greet, It wis on a wee bit skelp o grund That aince wis kent as Catherine Street." The area has been demolished as unfit to live in. The singer wishes he could be with the people who lived there

"The sun kissed the brow of lovely Ben Ledi And wrapt it in raiment of rainbowlike hue" as the singer strolls with Cathie. They enjoy the charms of nature, and he thanks the fates that brought them together

"Catholic dogs Jump like frogs (stink like dogs, etc.), Don't eat meat on Friday." Or "Catholic, Catholic, Ring the bell."

Stanzas on how various animals (people, military stuffed shirts, politicians) "revel in the joys of fornication"

A king's daughter is forced to leave home. She hides her rich clothes and dresses in the skins of donkeys/cats. She takes service with a lord, and when he holds a ball, appears in her fine clothes. He seeks her and learns she is Catskin. They marry.

The cat rode to Paisley on a harrow tine and lept home on the singer's mare. It was on a windy Wednesday, if the singer remembers rightly

"The cattie sat in the kiln-ring, Spinning, spinning, And by cam a little wee mousie, Running, running." Cat and mouse converse about their activities: The cat spinning a sark for its kit; the mouse cleaning and thieving. (The cat eats the mouse)

Shanty. Moderate 3/4 tempo. "Pull one and all. Hoy, hoy. Cherry men! On the cat fall! Hoy, hoy. Cherry men! Answer the call! Hoy, hoy! Cherry men! Hoy. Hau-lee. Hoy! Hoy! Oh cherry men!"

"In Cattistock parish in fair Dorsetshire Liv'd a pack of fox-dogs I'll vow and declare." They are fit for anything, but after a long hunt, the fox climbs a high roof and defies the dogs. The squire is impressed and lets the fox go free

The singer describes his life while "singing [his] cattle call": "When the new day is dawning I wake up a-yawning, Drinkin my coffee strong." "Each day I do ride o'er a range far and waide... I don't mind the weather, my heart's like a feather...."

"Now, O Lord, please lend Thine ear, The prayer of the cattleman to hear." He prays, "Won't you bless our cattle range," and asks for good weather, adequate forage, safety from fires, good prices, and many offspring for the cattle

It's winter and the singer has lost his home. He is in the cold. His wife wept after the loss and died

Cauld Kail in Aberdeen (I): (4 refs. 3K Notes) {Roud #8502}

"Ilka lad has got his lass" but the singer would not trade his cask for all the girls in Bogie. Johnnie Smith's wife is stingy with his drink; the singer would duck her in a bog. He'll drink with anyone but would duck every snarling wife.

Cauld Kail in Aberdeen (II): (3 refs. 3K Notes) {Roud #8502}

Cold cabbage of Aberdeen is "warming" but to no end. Aberdeen, why woo a lass to whom it means nothing, whatever it means to you. Women of Bogingicht love to dance and are not so shy they can't get better playthings than out-of-date old folks.

Cauld Kail in Aberdeen (III): (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #8502}

The singer prefers dancing with a lass to drinking all night. He describes different (national) dances. Every lad has a lass "save yon auld doited fogey." The dancers rest and drink, "And try ilk ither to surpass, wishing health to every lass"

Cauld Kail in Aberdeen (IV): (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #8502}

"There's cauld kail in Aberdeen ..." but naething drives awa' the spleen Sae weel's a social cogie" "Whene'er I'm fasht wi' worldly cares, I dron them in a cogie." Let's sing an old Scots song: that's never wrong "when o'er a social cogie"

Cauld Kail in Aberdeen (V): (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #8502}

Will married Mary but left her rocking a borrowed cradle to drink. Their money had been spent on drink. Reeling home one night he falls off the bridge over Bogie, prays to be saved and gives up drink. "Now Mary's heart is light again"

"As from Newcastle I did pass, I heard a blythe and bonny lass That in the Scottish army was, Say, 'Prithee let me gang with thee, man.'" She begs her Cavalier to let her come with him

Going to Lord Farnham's to join a July 12 Orange walk, Walker's buck has a fight with MacNamee's bulldog. The buck asks for mercy. He would even dress in green. The goat is let go but the dog follows and kills him. MacNamee wishes for more such dogs.

Cavehill Diamond (I), The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #3579}

"In Ireland's ancient days" when Belfast was small Mary herded sheep on Lagan side. Prince Dermoid hunted deer on Cave Hill. He loved Mary whose eyes were brighter than the Diamond. She asked that he bring her the diamond. Trying, he fell to his death.

Cavehill Diamond (II), The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #3579}

There was a feud between Magennis and O'Neill. Princess Ellen, Red Hugh O'Neill's daughter, loved Magennis. She disappeared when she was to wed old Earl James. After three years Magennis went to consult a holy hermit living on Cave Hill. It was Ellen.

"I'm bidding adieu to old Ireland." The singer recalls "childhood days that I spent Around dear old Cavenagh Hill," hunting fields, poteen and the football team from Scotshouse town. Years have passed. He has news that a huntsman, McCabe, has died.

Caviar Comes from Virgin Sturgeon: (8 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #10131}

This quatrain ballad extols the virtues of caviar as an aphrodisiac; reports that the singer's parents were a lighthouse keeper and a mermaid; and details the sex lives of various denizens of the deep

A ship is preparing to depart when a lady hails the ship. She demands the release of (Henry Grady), one of the sailors. The Captain objects, but she offers his discharge. The two depart and live happily ever after

In 1933, young Cecil sails to Mastic Point; he vanishes. After eight days they search. Cecil's mother finds the boat but not him; singer says Cecil's been drowned, and the mother falls on the ground in agony, asking God to make peace with his soul

French. Cecilia's father sends her away; the bargeman asks her to embrace. She refuses; her father would beat her. He asks who would tell her father. "The forest birds," the girl replies. The bargeman regrets that the birds have been taught to talk.

Cedar Grove, The [Laws D18]: (7 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #1959}

The "Cedar Grove" sails from London to America. She runs aground off Canso because the helmsman cannot violate discipline. The captain, two crew members, and a passenger are lost, and the ship sinks

"Way low down in the cedar swamp, Waters deep and muddy, There I met a pretty little miss...." The singer builds a home for the girl, who is "a honey"; "Makes me work all through the week, And get stove-wood on Sunday."

Gaelic. The singer sees a vision of a beautiful woman, the spirit of Ireland.

"Have you been to the river, Certainly Lord" (x3) "Certainly, certainly certainly Lord." "Have you been baptised, Certainly Lord...." "Did you get good religion, Certainly Lord...." "I feel all right now, Certainly Lord...."

A street cry? "O-o-o-oh, lil' man, Go get yo' pan, Tell-a yo' mam Hyeh come de chahcoal man-n-n. Chahcoal!"

"If I had a-listened to what my mother said, I would have been home sleeping in my cold iron bed." But the singer refused to listen to mother. He says he will not live in sin if he ever gets free. He has no friends, and prays for help in his trouble

Chainmaker Lad, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #1126}

"The chaimaker lad he's a masher, He's always a-smoking his pipe, He's always a-whistling the wenches, Especially on Saturday night." He is always after the singer. She praises collier boys

Round. "Chairs to mend? Old chairs to mend? Rush or cane bottom; ...? New mackerel! ... Old rags? ... Any hare skins, or rabbit skins?"

"She was at a noble wedding" and sees a young lawyer. He ignored her. She sends him a letter challenging him to a duel. He is advised by a friend to attend the duel: "faint heart never won fair lady." At dawn "the young lady came, it seems" [end of text]

In the original text -- the song was updated to the first world war -- a Confederate agent asks the ladies of Montgomery, Alabama, to save their night water, so that saltpeter necessary for the manufacture of gunpowder might be extracted.

Champagne Charlie: (9 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #V17415}

"I've seen a deal of gaiety throughout my noisy life; With all my grand accomplishments I ne'er could get a wife... For Champagne Charlie is my name (x2), Good for any game at night my boys." The singer details his drunken life

Michael McCarthy bets that his twenty-pound bulldog Champion can beat all comers. He matches him with a black-and-tan terrier to fight in a ring in the bog. The terrier kills the bulldog. McCarthy kicks the terrier into the bog for revenge

Champion of Coute Hill, The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #7066 and 9209}

William White meets Kate and convinces her to "try our skill" on Coute Hill. Though "manys a time he said to me 'No one I love but thee'," he marries Belle Madel, leaving her "ruined right, by William White, the champion of Coute Hill"

Champion of Moose Hill, The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #4157}

"You people all, both great and small, I pray you lend an ear." The singer, Emery Mace, who likes to fight, recalls getting drunk on Moose Hill. He gets into a fight; Mrs. Giles lays him out. He will stop fighting and says that Helen is the new Champion

Young Chance McGear, against his parents' advice, becomes a logger. While he and his partner are loading logs, one swings around and strikes him in the head, killing him. The logging company sends his body back to his parents.

Chandler's Wife, The: (7 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #10256}

(The tailor's boy) goes to the chandler's shop; he hears a "knock, knock, knock" overhead. He surprises the chandler's wife with the apprentice boy. Men should either watch their wives or give them so much (knock, knock, knock) that they want no more

Change Islands Song: (3 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #6343}

Describes the work of the men from Change Islands as they move up north along the coast. Activities include fishing, hunting seals, and canning berries -- but there is a scarcity of everything this time. Only the fishing improves a little later.

Jump-rope rhyme. "Changing bedrooms number 1, Changing bedrooms number 2, Changing bedrooms number 3, Everybody out."

Fury sails for the Brewery at one o'clock. The mate is drunk so the frightened nipper has to steer. After nine hours they land, thankful to have avoided "the cowld Torrid Zone Or the deserts of Nova Zimbley." They jump to the bank and walk home

French. The singer, a soldier, deserts for love of a brunette; in the process of deserting, he kills his captain. He is captured by his comrades; before they shoot him, he confesses his love for the brunette, and asks them not to tell his mother

French. The governor asks the messenger what is the news. He reports a disaster, territory taken and people slain. The governor warns the people to prepare to flee

French: "Voulez-vous ecouter chanter Une chanson de verite?" Describes the Metis defense of their land against the English. Singer Pierre Falcon tells how the Metis defeated and pursued the English invaders

"C'est au champ de bataille, j'ai fait ecrir' douleurs. On couche sur la paille, ca fait fremir les coeurs." Riel's letter from prison describes his grief and pain and asks friends and family pray for him and the country he fought for

Canadian French: "De Macdougall, amis, chantons la gloire." "Friends, let us sing to... glory of the great McDougall." McDougall, the "Sovereign Ruler," sets out in luxury to announce his appointment, but opposition is strong and he ends up drunk

French. The fishermen of Baie Ste-Anne and Escuminac go out expecting to return but the sudden storm takes 35 lives. Hearers are told to be prepared to meet God suddenly. Life is like a large ocean and each day we go toward eternity as in a light boat.

"The Coal Quay market in my native town O! that's the dwelling where 'tis easy telling If your sense of smelling is not up to snuff." There are second-hand bookstands, organ monkeys, "animals in congregation," and other assorted riff-raff

"I'm a jolly good fellow, Pat Gregg is my name. I come from Chapeau, that village of fame." The singer and others hire out "to go up the Black River... for to cut the hay." Most of the song describes the trip to and from the farm

"Now coil up your nonsense 'bout England's great Navy, And take in your slack about oak-hearted Tars, For frigates as stout, and as gallant crews have we." The singer boasts of the successes of the War of 1812

Charge to Keep, A: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #11817}

"A charge to keep I have, a God to glorify, A never-dying soul to save, And fit it for the sky. Arm me with jealous care, As in thy sight to live, Thy servant, Lord, prepare, A strict account to give. To serve the present age, My calling to fulfill...."

The singer hears two people discussing "Wealthy people and their greed" and farmers with good crops "all applying for the charity seed." In good times, food is plentiful, but the bad brought "great distress"; now Gladstone will repair the matter

Anderson, the singer, is about to be hanged. He had had a good childhood, but went away to sea on the "Saladin." There he joined in a conspiracy with one Fielding; they murdered the ship's captain and others. Now he must pay the price

The pirate recalls his tender parents and his inheritance, but he paid no heed. "No pity have I ever shown, Lord, who would pity me, But here I lie and long to die." He tells of his adventures with his "bloody knife." He bids farewell to his family

Charles Guiteau [Laws E11]: (35 refs. 64K Notes) {Roud #444}

Charles Guiteau, having assassinated President Garfield, is unable to escape the law. His insanity defense is rejected, and he is sentenced to die.

"Twas on the quarter deck that I saw my love stand... He's the hero of bonny Carlo." Before they parted "he spoke a few... words which I could not understands" She watches his ship sail out of sight. She returns home and weeps all night

"It was a pleasant August evening, an the city was at rest, Peace and quiet reigned on every hand, When a dreadful crash was heard...." An earthquake hits the city. There is much damage; some residents are killed. The song begs for relief.

Floating verses: The terrapin and the toad, the overworked old horse whose owner will tan its hide if it dies, dancing with the girl with the hole in her stocking. Chorus: "Hibo, for Charleston gals, Charleston gals are the gals for me."

"Charley Barley, buck and rye, What's the way the Frenchmen fly? Some fly east, and some fly west, And some fly over the cuckoo' nest." "Charley Barley, butter and eggs, Sold his wife for three duck eggs, When the ducks began... Charley Barley flew away"

"If you ever go to lumbering woods, Please take my advice": don't work for Charley Bell. His spruce is rotten, his road is too crooked to be steered, his food squeals when bitten, and you get eaten alive by lice from Charley.

Nine miners are riding a car out of the mine when the chain breaks. The car falls back into the mine, and all nine are killed

Singing game, with a child in the center who tries to catch those who dance in a ring around him. "Charley over the water, Charley over the sea, Charlie catch a blackbird, Can't catch me."

The singer sets out "to gain the heart o' Charlie." She milks his cow, churns his cream, washes his clothes, shines his shoes and has sex. The midwife delivers little Charlie. Now she is bound for life as wife while her friends can all go to Fife.

Counting-out rhyme. "Charlie Chaplin Sat on a pin. How many inches Did it go in? One, two, three...."

"Charlie Chaplin went to France, To teach the girls (the hula) dance, A heel, a toe, around we go. Salute to the captain, Bow to the queen, Touch the bottom of the submarine." Others (Betty Grable, Shirley Temple, Marco Polo) may replace Chaplin

"(Charlie/Geordie" (had/was) a pigeon a pigeon a pigeon, Charlie had a pigeon a pigeon had he. It flew in the morning, it flew in the night, and when it came home it was covered in..."

"Foremost of all in the battle's red lightning with the boys from West Cork was this man from Barr Lia." While wounded and surrounded Hurley continued to fight. "Soon his cruel rivals were lying at his feet." He died the same day as the Crossbarry ambush.

Charlie Is My Darling: (13 refs. 6K Notes) {Roud #5510}

Charlie comes to town; he spies a lass. He runs up the stairs; she opens the door, and he sets her on his knee. The rest is left to imagination. Chorus: "Charlie he's my darling, my darling, my darling/Charlie he's my darling, the young Chevalier"

The singer, asleep in Philadelphia, dreams of Glen Ullin church. The McLaughlins are preaching, and Irish heroes such as the Parnells and Dan O'Connell are present. His wife shakes him awake, and he realizes he is far from the old home

"There was a farmer on Isladale, Possessions he had mony. He had an only daughter fair...." The girl Annie falls in love with her father's servant Charlie Mackie. The father dismisses Charlie. She grows sick, is sent to the sea, and finds Charlie

Charlie MacPherson [Child 234]: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #3881}

MacPherson comes to (Kinaldie) to wed Helen. Arriving, he is told that she has gone to wed at Whitehouse. MacPherson sets out for Whitehouse, but finding her apparently truly married, he wishes her well.

"A long time ago... all they had to drink was nothing but cups of tea." Then came Charlie Mopps, who invented beer. This brought him great praise and even a ticket into heaven. "Lord bless Charlie Mopps, the man who invented beer!"

Charlie Napier Gordon: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #6795}

Charlie Napier Gordon gives a girl and her father a ride in his gig. He has the father get out and abducts the girl. She screams, the gig overturns and a weaver sees Charlie try to rape her. She gets away and Charlie bribes the weaver to keep quiet.

Charlie over the Ocean: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #729}

"Charlie over the ocean (x3), Charlie over the sea." "Charlie caught a (blackbird/blackfish) (x2), Can't catch me."

A story of Charlie Quantrell, the Kansas highwayman who raided Nebraska and Missouri (during the Civil War). He is held up as a noble robber who stole from the rich and gave to the poor. The plot follows "Brennan on the Moor," on which the song is based

"Another jolly cowboy has gone to meet his fate. We hope he'll find a resting place inside the Golden Gate." Charlie Rutledge is the third man to die on the XIT range. One of the cattle tries to escape, Charlie heads it off; in the confusion, Charlie dies

Charlie, O Charlie (Pitgair): (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #2584}

The farm owner prepares for a trip, instructing Charlie in how to run the farm in his absence, e.g. "To the loosin' ye'll put Shaw, Ye'll pit Sandison to ca'." He gives orders to the workers also, including Missy Pope, who will "sit in the parlor neuk."

Charlotte the Harlot (I): (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #4839}

When a rattlesnake slips into the vagina of Charlotte the Harlot, "the pride of the prairie," her cowboy boyfriend draws his pistol, shoots at the snake, but kills Charlotte instead. Her funeral procession is forty miles long.

Not a ballad at all, this song is a paean to Charlotte's promiscuity.

Charlotte, or Lupe, is now the singer's "Mexican whore." The song celebrates her sexual career from cradle to grave.

In this formula song, Charlotte wears differently colored clothing in each stanza.

The singer recalls "Carolina, the cow-puncher's whore." One day he finds her using a stick rather than a man to fulfill her needs, so he takes over. His energy is such that he blows her into a swamp. She expresses great satisfaction but dies

"Charlotte the Harlot lay dying, A piss-pot supported her head." She declares, "I've been had by the army, the navy..." and many other things, although, until now, not maggots. She tries to repent, but her ghost haunts the town, repeating her refrain

"Ague, ague, I thee defy! Three days shiver, Three days shake; Make me well for Jesus's sake." Or "...I thee defy; Ague, ague, to this tree I thee tie." Magical rhymes to get rid of ague

The singer and a girl are in love. When her parents learn of it, they lock her away from him. At last he goes away and serves in the army for seven years, hoping to forget. When he returns home, he learns that she has died for love; he goes mad or nearly

"Passing down by York Street mill" the singer meets Mary Brown, "charming Belfast Lass." She agrees go with him "to yon rural plain." "Our talk of love was all sincere As on the flowery banks we lay." The next day they go to church and are married.

Charming Blue-eyed Mary: (7 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #3230}

Jimmy meets Mary, "got the will of" her, and gives her a diamond ring as a token. He returns from sea after eight months as a captain. He proposes. She accepts.

"My name is (Ephraim Brown), a farmer, near Plymouth I reside." He hopes to marry a girl, but the two cows he has given her father are enough; the father wants another. Then he kisses her after she had eaten onions, and declares he wants her no more

Charming Little Girl (I): (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #11381}

"There's a charming little girl, Just the sweetest in the world, And I love her, for she's pretty and refined." "If I knew that she loved me, What a different man I'd be, I would kiss that little girl and call her mine." He isn't interested in other girls

"Charming Molly, fair, brisk, and gay, Like nightingales in May, All round her eyelids young Cupids play." The "swains" all admire her for her beauty. "Chaming Molly she is all divine."

The singer falls "head 'n heels in love with charming Sally Ann." He finds her "frying sausingers for Bob." When he asks her to return his jewelry she runs off with Bob. Eventually Bob and Sally Ann are taken prisoner. The singer gets his jewelry back

Singer mourns the loss of his sweetheart, whose name he can't reveal. He thinks of their days together, which she has forgotten. "It's now I am rejected, forsaken and forlorn, for the sake of that fair one I'm dying." "How I long for the girl that I love"

The singer meets a young widow with a baby on a train. They talk; she claims to see her husband's partner and flees the train, leaving him the baby. As the train pulls out, he finds she has stolen his watch and purse and left him a fake child

Chase of the O. L. C. Steer: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #12500}

"Did you ever hear of the O L C Steer With widely flaring horns He smashes the trees as he splits the breeze And the cowboy ropes he scorns." Cowboys Rap, Johnny, and Bob vow to catch the steer, but it escapes and they spend their lives making excuses

Chase the Buffalo (I): (6 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #1026}

Lads and "girls of New England," let's seek "new pleasures ... on the banks of the pleasant Ohio." There's plenty of fish, grain in Kentucky, gold from the New Mexico. Girls spin, lads farm, and we'll range the wild woods and hunt the buffalo.

"Ev'rybody teeter up and down, Grab 'em by the waist an' a whirl them around, An' around an' around an' around." "Chase the squirrel, chase the squirrel, Chase the purty girl round the world...." "First to the center, then to the wall...."

"I chased old Satan through the door, Hit him in the head with a two-by-four, I'm gonna wear a starry crown over there." Humorous verses about the singer's religious progress.

Chastity Belt, The: (2 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #10125}

The singer asks, "Gentle maiden, may I be your lover." She cannot; she is married to Sir (Oswald), who is off to the wars with the key to her chastity belt. A locksmith cannot free her. Sir Oswald returns but has lost the key. But his page has a duplicate

Chatham Merchant, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #11037}

"In Chatham lived a merchant, a very wealthy man" who has a beautiful daughter. Rich men court her, but she loves a solder. She disguises herself and becomes his comrade. He is wounded. She helps him recover. They return home and greet her father

Chatsworth Wreck, The [Laws G30]: (9 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #2198}

A train is bringing happy travelers to Niagara Falls when it crashes through a burned bridge and is wrecked. A hundred people are killed

French: "C'etait l'automn' dernier, J'etais travailer, Je m'en vas au Grand Tronc, c'etait pour m'engager." The penniless singer goes to the Grand Trunk (railway) to look for a job. He is made to shovel coal till he is exhausted. He warns of the work

Chorus: "Chaun fine my dear hunney." On Saturday night I go to town. I look behind the trees and bushes [for a girl?]. I wash my pot, boil it sweet, sweep the house, clean my knife, make my bed soft and....

"Oh, I haven't got pipe nor 'backer... I haven't got short, and my brad boots hurt, For I'm not a-wearin' socks. Oh, the wangan's all enchanted, boys... And I don't give a dam what's the price of ham, 'Way up on the Chebungo trail."

"My name is Joseph Pennman, I have a comrade, Jack. I'll tell you why I left the States...." "I caught the Klondike fever." "We boated down the Yukon."Having reached Dawson, the singer finds much misery and little gold. He returns home

Cheer Up, Cheer Up Ye Auld Horse: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #13526}

"Cheer up, cheer up, ye auld horse Ye'll never harrow here again"

Minstrel song. Former slave tells of his love for Sarah Bell. He offered all he had, but she left him for a white man with money. Cho: "Cheer up Sam, now don't let your spirits go down, for there's many a belle that we know is lookin for you in town."

"Cheer up, (Russell) Street, It's known everywhere...." "It's a rare old street to play for, It's a rare old street to know." The street has a sad history. The competing singers don't care about success or failure; they intend to go where there is a row

Cheer, Boys, Cheer (II): (4 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #13845}

"Cheer, boys, cheer! No more of idle sorrow, Courage, true hearts, shall bear us on our way." The sailors (soldiers? emigrants?) are urged to be happy as they leave England in search of fortune. They set out for a new land

"Cheer, boys, cheer, the polling day's before us, Head of the poll we'll have our hero brave... Cheer, boys, cheer, we'll crush the Wakefield faction... Cheer, boys, cheer, for gallant Featherston." "May God defend the right"

Cheer, Boys, Cheer (IV): (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #11621}

"There are many ups and downs as through this world we ramble," so the singer will be as happy as possible, despite being poor, while drinking and smoking. His wife is a great source of trouble, always complaining (and abusing him when he spills the milk)

"Cheer, boys, cheer! My mother has a mangle, Cheer, boys, cheer! She fills it with stones... She turns it with the handle, For she mangles all me clothes." Or, "My brother turns the handle... My sister gives out the clothes."

Shanty. "Oh, Nancy Dawson, hio! Cheer'ly, man! She's got a notion, hio! Cheer'ly, man! For our old bosun, hio! Cheer'ly, man, Oh! hauley, hio! Cheer'ly, man!" Various women are mentioned, perhaps linked to members of the crew, who are urged to pull hard

French. "Le chef de gare, il est coucou (x2), Qui est coucou? Le chef da gare, C'est que sa femme voulut -- voulut -- oh..ee...." The station chief is "cuckoo." Who is cuckoo? The station chief. It's because his wife is... uh-oh...."

"I have a father in the prog ni lo, And you have a father in the prog ni lo, We all have a father in the prog ni lo." "Nee I ravy, Nee-shi, nee-shi ni-go, Three I three-by an shee prog no lo." "I have a (brother/mother/sister) in the prog ni lo."

"Cherries are Ripe, cherries are ripe, (The robin sang one day)." Various endings: cherries are given to the baby, or the students greet their teacher. The origin might be a cherry-sellers cry: "Cherry ripe, cherry ripe, Some are black and some are white"

"We expect hard times, we expect hard fare." "Then ho, boys, ho, to Cherry Creek we'll go, There's plenty of gold in the west, we are told, in the new Eldorado." Many seek the Pikes Peak gold. Girls who are disappointed should wait a year.

Cherry Orchard, The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #17055}

Singer remembers meeting Louise "down in the old cherry orchard." "She sang love songs to me." "She spoke those words that set my heart aflame." He told her love stories.

"You rivermen have surely heard About the appropriation That was made to clear our little ditch." Cherry Tree Joe McCreery is given the job. The workers praise and curse him; tall tales are told about him; now phantom raftsmen chase his ghost

"Oh, a cherry tree's a pretty tree When it is in full bloom; And so is a handsome young man When he a-courting goes." The young man claims to be well to do, and wins the girl; now she finds herself poor, with no land and no home

Cherry-Tree Carol, The [Child 54]: (48 refs. 19K Notes) {Roud #453}

Joseph and Mary are walking. Mary asks Joseph for some of the cherries they are passing by, since she is pregnant. Joseph tells her to let the baby's father get them. The unborn Jesus orders the tree to give Mary cherries. Joseph repents

The U.S.S. Chesapeake sails out of Boston Harbor, confident of victory, to engage H.M.S. Shannon. The well-trained British crew of Captain Broke quickly defeats the American ship and takes it as a prize

A sailor on H.M.S. Shannon narrates how, on the "fourth" (!) of June, his ship sailed out to meet the U.S.S. Chesapeake. After only ten minutes of fighting the British (who claim to have been outnumbered) board the American and strike her colours

Captain Broke of H.M.S. Shannon challenges Captain Lawrence of U.S.S. Chesapeake to battle. The Chesapeake comes out to meet the enemy; within minutes the two ships are locked together (and the British are boarding the American vessel)

Cheshire Gate, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #1543}

"It was just against the Cheshire Gate, A story true I will relate, Of two neighbors and their wives, How they led their wanton lives, And went to bed with each other's...." While one drinks or travels, his spouse fools around with the neighbor

Cheshire Man, The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #1370}

"A Cheshire man sailed into Spain To trade for merchandize." A Spaniard boasts "what fruit and spices fine Our land produces twice a year." The Cheshire man shows his Cheshire cheese "our land brings twice a day." They duel. "Never let the Spaniard boast"

"Let tyrants shake their iron rods... We fear them not, we trust in God, New England's God forever reigns." The generals who would conquer America are listed. The song glories in the victory of "beardless boys" over veterans. God is thanked

"I stood in a corner chewing gum, Along came (Jerry/a tramp) and said he wanted some, No, you dirty idler, No, you dirty bum, You ought to have a lickin'"

Jamaican patois: A company of birds: some holler, some call. A succession of birds flies over: each time, some holler and some call: blackbirds, night owls, long tails, "john crows" (vultures) ...

"Oh I have been east and I have been west, For in traveling a man may afar go Before he will find... A town to compare with Chicago." They won't let you life there unless you're a swindler, drunk, womanizer, gambler; clergy are banned; there are no morals

"Chicken in the car and the car won't go,That's the way to spell Chicago."

The story of the factory and town of Chichester. When founded by Eli Chichester, the workers were treated fairly and liked the conditions. Hard times forced the factory into bankruptcy and a takeover, and the singer left. Now he wishes he had stayed

"Chick, chick, chick, chick, chicken, Lay a little egg for me! Chick, chick, chick, chick, chicken, I want one for my tea, I haven’t had an egg since Easter, And now it’s half past three, So, chick, chick, chick, chick, chicken, Lay a little egg for me!"

"Cap'n, go side-track you' train, Chicka-hanka, chicka-hanka, chicka-hanka! Cap'n, go side-track yo' train, Chicka-hanka, chicka-hanka, chicka-hanka! Number three in line, A-comin' in on time, Cap'n, go side-track yo' train! Chicka-hanka...."

Chickadee Song, The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #4382}

"The ground was all covered in snow one day, And two little sisters were busy at play, When a snowbird was sitting on a tree, And merrily singing his chick-a-dee-dee." The girls wish they could bring the chickadee inside to make it warm

"Chickee chickee ma craney crow, Went to the well to wash my big toe, When I got there one of my black-eyed chickens was gone, What time o' day is it, old witch?" The witch answers, and eventually is allowed to catch one of the chickens circling her

"Chicken, oh, you chicken, went up in a balloon, Chicken, oh, you chicken, roost behind the moon.... Tell it all to the bad boy, chicken don't roost so high... When they see me coming All round this old plantation, There can't be a chicken seen."

Singer tells chicken not to roost too high, but to come down out of his tree. Sometimes there are other verses about chasing a chicken to kill and eat, but mostly this is a fiddle tune with incidental verses

Chorus: "Can't dance, chicken foot, Can't dance nothing." Verses may float: "All them girls 'cross the river, Got my heart and part of my liver." "Old Mrs. Tally, I want your daughter, To cut my wood and tote my water." "I'm often drunk and seldom sober"

Chicken Pecking on a Tamborine: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #11370}

"As I went down to a 'tater patch, Tou-rink, dur-ink, fol-dink a-di-de-o... Up jumped an old chicken and she did scratch." "Went to the river and I couldn't get across." "Up jumped an old hen and told me of her dream... chckens a-pecking on a tambourine"

"Chicken run fast, chicken run slow, Chicken run past the Methodist preacher, Chicken never run no more." "Turkey run fast, turkey run slow, Turkey run past the Baptist preacher." "Water (?!) run fast... Water run past the Campbellite preacher."

Chickens They Are Crowing: (6 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #3650 and 14005}

Playparty, apparently about a girl who has spent all night with her lover: "Chickens they are crowing, For it's almost daylight." "My father he will scold me...." "My mama will uphold me...." (Others may add other sentiments or warn about boys)

"Come all of you good people And listen while I tell The story of Chief Aderholt, The man you all know well." Aderholt is shot in Union Ground. The police imprison and prepare to try labor leaders; the singer calls on hearers to join the union

Chieftain's Daughter, The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #6793}

Lord Ronald's daughter asks the boatman to "row me over the flowing tide ... Thou shalt have gold when I'm a bride." At first he refuses because of the "angry water" but he agrees when told who she is. The boatman gets his gold.

"Chiefy loves me, this I know, 'Cos the watchbill tells me so. I've the middle watch to keep While me mtes is fast asleep."

Creole French: "Il y a un petit chien chez nous, Que remue les pattes (x2)... Que remue les pattes tout comme vous." "There is a little dog at our house... who shakes his feet just like you."

"I'd like to wander back again To days of long ago, To sit within the circle there and watch the firelight glow." The singer wishes to be back at mother's knee, and remembers all the good times to be had there and then

Child in the Budget, The: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #2993}

Tinkers, out drinking, exhaust their funds. One puts his baby in his tool bag and pawns the bag. When the baby cries the pawnbroker laughs at being outwitted, finds the tinker, and gives him a pound to take back the toolbag and contents.

"Honnd by honnd we schulle ous take, And joy and blisse schulle we make....." "A child is boren amoges man, And in that child was no wam [blemish], That child ys God, that child is man...." "Com to Crist, thy peys ys told."

Child Maurice [Child 83]: (19 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #53}

Child Maurice sends his page with love-tokens to "the very first woman that ever loved me." Her husband hears the page, finds Child Maurice, kills him, and brings the head to his wife. She reveals this was her son; he repents his murder. (They also die.)

Child of Elle (II), The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #23}

Emmeline's father chooses a knight to be her husband. She and Elle elope. The knight follows and Elle kills him. Her father and his men arrive. Elle calls on his own men. Standoff. Father agrees to their marriage, ending an old feud.

"If anybody asks you who I am... Tell him I'm a child of God." "Peace on earth, Mary rocks the cradle... The Christ child born in glory." The singer reports on the coming of the Christ child, and reports being on the way to glory

"Child of sorrow and of care, Would thou learn thy grief to bear, And an escape frome every snare? Trust in God. Human strength is weak, in vain... Humble ask and help obtain From thy God... He will never leave his own Till we reach the shiny throne."

"A little child on a sick-bed lay, And to death seemed very near." The child's father is a railroad engineer, and must go to work. He bids the mother show a red light if the child dies and a green if the news was good. As he drives by, she shows the green

Child Owlet [Child 291]: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #3883}

Lady Erskine wants Child Owlet to sleep with her. Owlet will not; Lord Ronald (Erskine's husband) is Owlet's uncle. Erskine takes revenge by cutting herself and accusing Owlet of raping her. Owlet is torn to pieces between wild horses

Child Waters [Child 63]: (24 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #43}

Ellen tells Child Waters she bears his child. Offered two shires of land, she would prefer one kiss. He rides; she runs, swims; as his page, she brings a lady for his bed, gives birth in the stable. He hears her wish him well and herself dead; he relents

"Way out in western Texas not so many years ago, Where the ranchers hated settlers worse than rattlesnakes, you know," a rancher determines to burn out a settler house. But he hears a child inside praying for her father and quickly calls off the attack

"Child Ether and Lady Maisry Were born baith at ae birth." They love each other all their lives. Childe Ether goes to fight the Paynim to build his reputation but does not return. Lady Maisry seeks him out in Gorinand, pays his ransom, and brings him home

Childhood Days (I): (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #29672}

"Oh. we love to think of youthful and happy childhood days; They come like sweet music borne to me." The singer remembers the games and the other children. He wishes he could go back and visit those times

"O member, will you linger? See the children do linger here. I go to glory with you, Member, join." "O Jesus is our Captain... He lead us on to glory." "We'll meet at Zion gateway... We'll talk this story over." "He will bring you milk and honey"

Children Go Where I Send Thee: (13 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #133}

Cumulative song: "Children, go where I send thee. How shall I send thee? I'm gonna send thee one by one, One for the little bitty baby...." Add "Two by two, two for Paul and Silas" on up to "Twelve for the Twelve Apostles."

Two young orphaned children are left in the care of their uncle. He decides to murder them for their money. One of the hired killers has pity and spares them, but then abandons them. They die. The uncle meets countless disasters till his crime is revealed

"(I wonder where is (Moses/Master/Peter/Jonas) and he must be dead) (3x), Oh the children of the wilderness moan for bread."

Chorus: "Children we shall all be free (x3), When the Lord shall appear." Verses: We want "valiant hearted men ... not afraid to die." The pilgrim "with glory in his soul ... bids this world adieu." Christ will raise the dead and they will talk

"Good Valentine's Day morning. "Blow the oats against the wind. We are ragged and you are fine, So please to give us a Valentine." "Rags behind and rags before, Pray, old lady, remember the poor." "We're hard up, hard up, without food or fire."

"Will the waters be chilly, Oh chilly, be chilly? Will the waters be chilly When I am called to die?"

Characteristic line: "I'm going where the chilly winds don't blow." The others may complain about life, weather, or women: "I'm leaving in the spring, ain't coming back till fall." "Who'll be your daddy while I'm gone"

China Merchant, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #5865}

A chinaware merchant lodges with a baker's wife. She plots with her husband and servant to rob the merchant: the servant won't kiss the merchant until he shaves. They plan to pick his pocket while he is being shaved. The barber warns him. He escapes.

Dennis Clancy grew rich among the Chinese Tea growers. He died and left all to his nephew who takes the name Ling Chung Chang Awong, wears his hair "in one long plait" and plans to "found an Irish colony." He leaves Ireland for Hong Kong.

"Thre's a land that bears a well-known name, Though it's not a little spot"; it's the land of the Chinamen. The Chinese are trying to get free. He works hard to get ahead. The singer concludes that "There's many worse than a Chinaman."

Chinaman, Chinaman (Ching, Ching, Chinaman): (5 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #10348? 19308? 20094?}

"Chinaman, Chinaman, Walking down the street, Chinaman, Chinaman, Close your eyes and Jump on one foot to nine." "Ching Chong Chinaman, Bought a toy doll... Then it caught a cold.... Doctor couldn't come, Because he had a pimple On his tum, tum, tum"

Forebitter with a pidgin-English chorus. Story involves a sailor (Wing Chang Loo) of the Yangtze who falls in love with a girl who is herself in love with a pirate. Loo declares war on the pirate, a battle ensues that ends up blowing up both their ships.

Motion song. "My ship sailed from China with a cargo of tea, All laden with presents for you and for me. They brought me a fan -- Just imagine my bliss -- When I fan myself daily, Like this, like this, like this, like this."

"Chinee love a girl": white man's daughter or black man's daughter. The wind blows high (sometimes, with a big sea) and blows the girl away, or gives her a black eye.

"Me no likee English sailor When Yankee sailor come ashore. English sailor plenty money; Yankee sailor plenty more.... English sailor call me Chinese whore. Yankee sailor only shag for short time; English sailor shag forevermore."

"Once there was a little boy" who was "fair and brave"; his father equipped him as a hunter. But the boy's friend Chinkapin had no horse and no hunter's clothes, but the first boy, nicknamed "Captain Beau," finds ways for them to hunt together

"From mountains covered deep with snow... Where once dwelt Ouray, the king of the land, With Chipeta his queen...." The Utes battle the whites, and disaster threatens. Ouray, striken with Bright's Disease, cannot lead; Chipeta bears his orders for peace

Chippewa Girl, The [Laws H10]: (6 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #1938}

The singer sees a pretty Chippewa girl and proposes marriage. She refuses him, saying she is too young and her parents would not approve. The two part amicably, with the singer making a few general remarks about marriage

Chisholm Trail (I), The: (39 refs. 6K Notes) {Roud #3438}

Stories of the troubles of a cowboy watching the herds. Characterized by the chorus, "Come-a ti yi yippy, yippy yea, yippy yea, Come-a ti yi yippy, yippy yea, yippy yea." Dozens of verses, printable and unprintable, cover all parts of the cowboy life

Chisholm Trail (II), The: (5 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #3438}

This is a virtually endless sexual adventure of a cowboy punching the "goddam" herd. Versions of this ballad vary greatly, including laments for having contracted venereal disease from either the minister's or the Old Man's daughter.

"The most chivalrous fish of the ocean, To ladies forbearing and mild, Though his record be dark Is the man-eating shark Who will eat neither woman nor child." The song details instances of the shark eating men but rescuing women and the young

"A pack of foxhounds ... [is] hunting an old bitch fox." After six miles the fox climbs a three storey house and taunts her pursuers. One calls off the hounds to give her a chance. She wishes she were safe under ground, but toasts his good health.

Choice of a Wife, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #3695}

"I will tell you the way I have heard some say To choose you a lovely young creature, To choose you a wife you would love as your life...." The singer says her heart should "be her best part" -- but demands blue eyes, brown hair, slender waist and ankles

"Broke an' hungry, ragged an' dirty too (x2), Jes' want to know, baby, kin I go home wid you?" The singer describes how a hard life made him turn rambler, and promises her subtle rewards. He hopes to find a woman "an' roam no' mo.'"

"My mother gave me a penny to see Jack Benny; I did not see Jack Benny, I bought some chewing gum." "My mother gave me a nickel to buy a pickle...I bought some chewing gum." The singer chews so much gum that she cries gum rather than tears

"Oh, Lordy, just give me a long white robe" (x2). "In the heaven, choose you a seat and set down" (x4). "Oh Jesus, was my mother there?" "Oh Lordy, was my brother there?"

"Through rocky arroyas so dark and so deep, Down the sides of the mountains so slippery and steep... You're a safety conveyance my little Chopo." The singer praises his horse Chopo and describes the excellent service the animal has done

"Choppin' Charlie, Great Godamighty, Oh Choppin' Charlie, Oh My Lord." "Well he chopped all day." "He don't a-eat no dinner." "He chopped through his supper." "Well he chopped with a hatchet." "Well he choppin' for the sergeant"

Choring Song, The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #2157 and 2506}

Travellers' cant. Singer (Drummond) lay last night in a granary; now he's in prison, with "mort" (woman) and "kinshins" (children) scattered. If he gets back to stealing, he'll "moolie the gahnies [kill the hens] in dozens" to leave none to tell

The singer overhears a young woman lamenting her lover "gone over Chowan River." Her father had hired a captain to take her love away. The captain murdered her lover. Her father told her to take comfort and wait, but she drowns herself

Mary Ann sends Chrissey to borrow Aunt Margaret's dick [rooster] and set among the hens. In the morning the dick is gone. Chrissey goes out and finds it. Mary Ann will raise some chicks so "we won't have to bother Aunt Margaret for her dick"

Christ Church Bells: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #1237}

"Hark! the bonny Christ Church Bells." The first and second bell ring "every day at four and ten Crys ... come to prayers." The small bell rings at nine "to call the beerers home" but no man "will leave his can 'Till he hears the mighty Tom"

Christ in the Garden: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #4682}

The singer, wandering in a garden, meets a sorely troubled man. It proves to be Jesus. The singer kneels and begs forgiveness; Jesus grants it, and the singer goes out to spread the word

"Christ made a trance one Sunday at noon, He made it with his hand." Alternate opening: "O God's in France all Sunday." The power of Christ, and the dangers of hell, are told; listeners are warned to keep the sabbath and to teach their children well

Christ Was a Weary Traveler: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #11882}

"Christ was a weary trav'ler, He went from door to door, His occupation in life Was a-minist'ring to the poor." Jesus warns the disciples that his work is almost done, tells them what to do after his resurrection, and thanks God

Christ Was Born in Bethlehem: (14 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #1122}

"Christ was born in Bethlehem (x3) and in a manger lay." In stanzas of eight lines (but only two distinct), the song lights on Jesus' birth, his ministry, his betrayal, death, the empty tomb, and Jesus's resurrection

Gaelic. A lullaby for the baby Jesus. The singer (presumably Mary) describes the child's beauty, admits her role in great events, and praises the "white sun of hope"

"Christian, fight on, your time ain't long (x2), I step in the water and the water was cold, It chilled my body but not my soul. Christian, fight on...." "I've been 'buked and I've been scored, I've been talked about sa sure as you're born."

"Every child of God is running for Jesus Just to drive that automobile." "Prayer is your driver, Faith is your steering wheel." Check your brakes (wicked ways), ... Start your automobile ... I'm not worried about my parking space ... See my Savior.

The dying singer tells how happy her marriage was -- until beautiful Christine Leroy showed up and stole her husband. Now "you can tell then they murdered me, brother; God forgive him [her husband] and Christine Leroy"

"It was Christmas Day in the workhouse, That season of good cheer." The workhouse master wishes the inmates good cheer. They answer, "Balls." Offended, the master says he will cut off their pudding. One pauper tells him where to put the pudding

"Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat, Please put a penny in the old man's hat. If you haven't got a penny, a ha'penny will do. If you haven't got a ha'penny, then God bless you."

Christmas Letter, The: (3 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #5220}

Singer weeps and asks daughter Kate to reread letters from grandchildren in America. "One by one the lot of them Sailed out across the great big sea." The grandchildren are named and recalled. "Somehow it makes me better Ah, each time I hear the news"

"Christmas is now drawing near at hand, Pray, says the Lord, and be at his command." Hearers are reminded that man is made of clay. They are told to get on their knees in the garden. Hearers are warned about fine clothes and other idle display

Two underage boys are sentenced to fourteen days in jail for drinking Christmas rum. In jail they "worked from daylight until dark." Soon they'll be twenty-one and will be able to have "Christmas rum"

The singer remembers "Christmas time in Ireland far away" with feasting, fife and fiddle play, and dancing. There is sorrow for those in exile and hope "God might send them safely back some day"

Christopher Columbo: (16 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #4843}

Columbo, that navigating, masturbating son-of-a-bitch, sails the world round-o, master and crew engaging in a variety of sexual practices on land and sea.

Christopher Robin (Parody): (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #10240}

"Little boy kneels at the foot of the stairs" after castrating the cat. "Little boy kneels at the foot of the bed" where he is "shagging his nurse"; he "sits on a laboratory pan" to pleasure himself

Christopher White [Child 108]: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #3974}

A lady, mourning Christopher White's banishment, is wooed by the singer. She warns "If I prove false to Christopher White, Merchant, I cannot be true to thee," -- but marries him. While he is away she sends for Christopher; they go off, taking much wealth

"It was chuck-time on the round-up, and we heard 'Old Doughy' shout, 'You had better come and get this or I'll throw the whole thing out.'" The cowboys scramble for food. They're proud of Doughy; "He's cooked for us for twenty years and never lost a man"

"Come gather round the wagon, we'll sing a little song Of the wagon racing, it will not take us long, There's thrills and spills and doctor bills...." A description of the life of a wagon racer, and of many of the people in the wagon camp

Church Across the Way, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #7438}

"On Easter Sunday morning when the sun was shinging clear," the congregation was having an intense service while the preacher's brother Ned lay dying across the way. The dying man wishes he had never gone astray

Some say Captain Kidd buried gold "galore" at Church Cove on the Southern Shore, which was guarded by "the ghost of a darkie." "A crew from Burin" found the gold but "got turned inside out from the fright." A witness's whiskers, once white, "turned foxy"

Church of God, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #15261}

Chorus: "The church of God that sounds so sweet, The church, the church of God (x2), that sounds so sweet." Verses: "Jesus told you once before Go in peace and sin no more" and other floating verses

"On Sunday afternoon, While the church was turning out," Vicar and Curate decide to compare how many members of the congregation they have slept, saying ding-dong or ping-pong. Thus it is revealed that the Curate has slept with the Vicar's wife

"A church without a prophet is not the church for me; It has no head to lead it, in it I would not be. But I've a church not built by man...." "The God that others worship is not the God for me." "A church without apostles is not the church...."

Church's One Foundation, The: (5 refs. 7K Notes) {Roud #5433}

"The Church's one foundation Is Jesus Christ her Lord, She is his new creation." The church draws people from everywhere. Jesus died for it. The singers hope to be taken to heaven

Spanish: "Ese lunar que tienes, cielito lindo." Chorus: "Ay ay ay ay, canta y no llores, Porque cantando se allegran, cielito lindo, los corazones." The singer tells the girl of his love and how Cupid's arrow struck his heart

In each verse, the singer goes someplace "the other day," drinks something alcoholic "behind the bar," and smokes a more-or-less expensive cigar.

"Cigarettes will spoil yer life, Ruin yer and kill yer baby, Poor little innocent child."

Skipping rhyme/game. "Cinderella at a ball, Cinderella had a fall, When she fell she lost her shoe, Cinderella, Y-O-U."

"Cinderella, dressed in yellow, Went downtown to see her fellow. How many kisses did the get?" "Made a mistake, And kissed a snake, How many doctors did it take?" "Dressed in red, Went downtown to buy some thread.... A fellow... shot her dead"

"You ought to see my Cindy, She lives 'way down south, She's so sweet the honeybees Swarm around her mouth. Get along, Cindy, Cindy...." Describes attempts to court Cindy, as well as her occasional extravagances. Many floating verses

Cantefable; "Railroad, a plank road, river and canoe/If it hadn't have been for Dr. Grey they wouldn't have killed old Jude." Old Jude was Dr. Grey's pregnant slave; Grey beat her to make her name the father, a white Gentleman; she died from the beating

"Circle four in London, And so I've heard then say, Right and left in London, And so I've heard them say." "Round the lady in London, And so..., Round the gent in London...." "Cut a figure eight in London...." "Twenty-five miles to sundown...."

"Yesterday a child came out to wander, Caught a dragonfly inside a jar," but as the "season they go 'round and 'round," the child becomes a teenager, then a young adult, and faces new dreams and new challenges

"Well, you know I have no permanent address, This rodeo cowboy's on the roam... The highway is a circuit rider's home." The rider mentions towns he has visited and horses he has ridden, and admits to whispering to the ladies before heading down the road

Irish Gaelic: Singer comes to bargain with his love's parents over her dowry. They cannot agree; they've heard he's married. He denies it; he only trifles with young women. He asks her to elope with him, or to marry in secret, or to emigrate with him

"Wellington City Countil, W. C. C., Wellington City Council, you're not he." (Or "Auckland City Council, A. C. C.," or "Christchurch City Council, see, see, see," or presumably any other town)

City of Boston (I): (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #18254}

Singer hears a woman mourning for her husband, lost on steamship City of Boston, bound to Liverpool from Halifax. He was "a gallant sailor ... A kind and loving husband" with six children. "Many now in Liverpool with aching hearts like me"

City of Boston (II): (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #V3333}

Father left "to cross the briny main, In the missing City of Boston." Child asks mother to stop crying: father "may arrive tomorrow." But he has dreamt he saw the City of Boston "sink beneath the briny wave And every soul... perish'd in watery grave"

"There is coming a time and it won't be long, You will attend to your business and let mine alone." "You better run." ("Run to the city of refuge.") "Paul and Silas bound in jail."

"You good folks don't scarcely know What we poor soldiers undergo... To defend our country from all harms." The singer described early drill, "lean and tough" beef, etc. The singer gives his name as A. T. Hyte, who wrote the song while on picket in winter

Clady River Water Bailiffs, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #13352}

The singer tells listeners where to go hunt salmon(-poachers). He praises the bailiffs who protect the streams, and describes how they watch the poachers. The bailiffs (?) will provide "dark and stormy weather" to any poachers on the water

French. The bugler, an old warrior, sounds the charge. The zouaves go to face the enemy. The bugler leads the charge on the bayonets, always sounding, sounding.

The speaker overhears Clancy praying, "May bad luck fall on one and all Who try to cut our wages." Clancy describes their misdeeds, accuses them of ruining New South Wales, and calls the devil down upon them.

"Clap hands, clap hands, Till father/mammie comes home; For father's got money/Mammie will bring something But mother's got none/Daddy will bring none"

"(You/We) are all invited and the band is engaged, We are going to have some fun, For Clara (Nolan) gives a ball The day she's twenty-one, With borrowed knives and tablecloths... Be sure and bring your chair along"

Clare's Dragoons: (8 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #V29379}

"When, on Ramillies' bloody field, The baffled French were forced to yield, The victor Saxon backward reeled Before the charge of Clare's dragoons." The Irish soldiers proclaim their prowess and wish they were fighting for Ireland

"Clarence McFaden he wanted to waltz, But his feet was not gaited that way." His teacher charges high because "your right foot is lazy, your left foot is crazy." He puts a girl on crutches, and kicks the floorboards from his bed

"Clarksdale, Mississippi always going to be my home." "I can have a good time there and not have one lousy dime." "Every day in the week I go down to Midtown Drugs, Get me a bottle o' snuff, and a bottle of Alcorub."

Claude Allen [Laws E6]: (10 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #2245}

Claude Allen is placed on trial and, due to the Governor's indifference, is handed over for execution, leaving his mother and sweetheart to mourn

Ethel is the singer. Poor Leon proposed to Ethel but she rejected him to marry wealthy Claude. Leon's mother cursed her. She has been married to Claude for 30 unhappy years. Leon dies on a battle field with Ethel's picture on his breast.

The singer walks out to hear the birds sing and see the fish swim when he is distracted by a girl. He asks her if she is Diana or Venus, and says he will serve for fourteen years, as Jacob did, to win her. She rejects him and leaves

"We went owre to Deavie' Clay Daubin, and faith, a rare caper we had." Various adventures: "For Jock the new laird was new wedded, His old sweetheart Jenny linked na'e, While some were all titter'n and flytin', The lads rubbed her down wi pease strae."

Clean Fireside, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #12997}

"He's a bonnie, bonnie lad But he's owre far fae me"

"There was a young sailor who looked through a glass, And spied a fair mermaid with scales on her... Island." The crew catches the mermaid, but she escapes, leaving them with a disease. "This song may be dull but it's certainly clean."

"Behold the lamb whose gracious blood Poured from his opening veins." "I do believe, I will believe, that Jesus died for me." "The dying thief beheld the lamb." "We, too, the cleansing power have known." "For him, then, let our songs ascend."

Clear Cauld Water, The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #6052}

"Farewell to whisky ... Now I wad leave ye a' for the clear cauld water." The singer bids farewell to ginshops, "a' drunken body," alewives, wine, porter, brandy, ruin, "filthy stews" and intemperance.

"Ho, the car Emancipation Rides majestic through the nation, Bearing on its train the story, Liberty! a nation's glory." Those who oppose freedom for the slaves are warned that the train is coming and will accomplish its end

"Clear the track For the maniac."

Cleedie's house stands like a mountain. The crows stop there as they go down to Mormond.

French. Conversation between parents and son. "Cher mom! On vient m' donner les clefs." The boy says that they are giving him the keys to the jail -- as in, they are going to hang him. He regrets knowing that he will die. His parents must fetch his body

The singer reports on the death of his beloved Clementine, the daughter of a (Forty-Niner). One day, leading her ducklings to water, she trips and falls in. The singer, "no swimmer," helplessly watches her drown

Clementine (Bawdy Version): (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #10257}

"There she stood beside the bar rail... I owe my darling, I owe my darling, I owe my darling Clementine" for her services. She gives amazing satisfaction. But now "that creeping poison ivy Laid its blight on Clementine"

Clerk Colvill [Child 42]: (10 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #147}

(Clerk Colvill) is warned (by his mother/lover) not to be too free with women. He refuses the advice; "Did I neer see a fair woman, But I wad sin with her body?" A woman gives him a fatal headache and turns into a mermaid to avoid being killed by him

Clerk in ta Offish, Ta: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #13099}

"Noo Rosie se'll be prood, and Rosie she'll be praw.. For ta praw, praw lad's come an' tookit her awa'; She's a praw lad, a clerk in an offish." The clerk's education, mathematical ability, and lack of ancestry are emphasized

Clerk Saunders [Child 69]: (13 refs. 1K Notes) {Roud #3855}

(Clerk Sanders) and his lady are determined to be wed despite the opposition of her seven brothers. Despite great pains to conceal their acts, they are found abed together. The brothers stab him to death and leave him in bed for his lady to find

The clerk's two sons go to (Paris/Blomsbury/Billsbury/Berwick) to study. They lay with the mayor's two daughters. The mayor condemns them to hang. The clerk comes to buy their freedom but the mayor refuses. He tells his wife they're at a higher school.

"'Twas early one bright morning in the merry month of May, We all went up to Warrenton to have a jolly play." The store owner goes to a funeral. In his absence, drunks call themselves store clerks and clean out the store at prices that bankrupt the owner

Click Go the Shears: (10 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #8398}

A description of shearing life: The race to shear the most sheep, the boss complaining of the quality, the constant clicking of the shears. The rules for shearing are briefly mentioned. Chorus: "Click, click, click, that's how the shears go...."

Cliffs of Baccalieu, The: (2 refs. 3K Notes) {Roud #26209}

"We were homebound in October from the shores of Labrador) when a storm blows up, making visibility poor. The crew spots the deadly island of Baccalieu at the last moment and, with the ships lee rails going under, manages to turn to avoid the rocks

Clifton Tragedy, The: (1 ref. 2K Notes) {Roud #19835}

"A gray-haried mother knelt in prayer Before the holy light And the image of Christ was there...." She prays to "He, who... changed a raging tempest To a calm...." But the storm raged on, and the Clifton sank. The crew begged for mercy on their souls

"Steaming out of the Straits of Mackinac, She blew her last salute, Five whistles told her company's name...." The Clifton sails for Detroit with a cargo of stone. A storm blows up without warning. The ships sinks with all hands

Clifton's Crew, The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #19837}

"We have heard of many happenings since last year first began, With crimes and troubles caused by war and earthquakes in Japan," but the wreck of the Clifton brought sorrow hom. The singer lists some of the dead, and hopes for their salvation

"Climb every mountain, ford every stream." A song of aspiration: the listener should not cease striving "until you find your dream"

"I am climbing high mountains, trying to get home" (2x), "I am climbing high mountains" (2x), "I am climbing high mountains trying to get home". "I am bearing my burdens...." "The road is rough and rocky...." "I will see my mother when I get home...."

Singer explains to Bridget why he is climbing the tree. "I'm not stealing apples, so I can explain. The wind blowed high and knocked 'em down. We're picking them up again!"

Advice for getting into heaven. The listener is warned against bribing Peter, and is told of the sights on the Golden Stairs. Chorus: "Then hear them bells a-ringing, 'Tis sweet I do declare, To hear the darkies singing, Climbing up the golden stairs."

"Oh, the fourth of march is coming, And the cannons will be bumming, Climbing up the White House Stairs. Cleveland will be there, to occupy the chair." The song lists various women "climbing up the white house stairs" to court the bachelor president

"If you don't mind, fathers, You'll be too late (x3), If you don't mind, fathers, You'll be too late, A-climbing up Zion's hills." "Heaven bells are ringing, I'm a-going home." "Bless the Lord, I'm almost there." Similarly for mothers, brothers, children

Clime Beneath Whose Genial Sun: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #V28705}

"Clime beneath whose genial sun Kings were quelled and freedom won, Where the dust of Washington Sleeps in glory's bed," farmers took up the sword to defend their rights. Judah, Greece, Rome have fallen low, but America is free; bow to (its) God

At nine the clock said "quick, quick to bed" because "you'll never hae wealth, Gin ye dinna rise in the mornin'"

John Flanagan was murdered after cashing a cheque for fifty pounds. His body was discovered in Clones town eight months later. The suspect is in Armagh gaol. "He who killed John Flanagan With revengence must repay." "God comfort his poor parents"

Clonmel Flood, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #9776}

Sprong, loaded with Indian ale, is caught in a heavy storm in the river Suir, grounds in Duckett Street, and floats in Church Lane. They dump ballast, including Kitty Conroy's pig. They anchor at Hearn's Hotel. The lifeboat crew bring whiskey and stout

"I done lost de closet key, In dem ladies' garden, I done lost de closet key In dem ladies' garden." "Help me find de closet key...." "I done found de closet key...."

"Like snow white sailing boats on a blue sea High in the heavens are clouds floating free. If I could fly to one,... Sailing and sailing what pleasure 'twould be. We should look down from our ship in the sky... Anchor our cloud to a mountain top high."

"...The worst tropical storm that ever was seen... struck with force on the mountainside." A little boy begs his parents to flee, but the house comes down around them. When neighbors seek the family, they learn that three of five children have died

Clouds they Look Black Love, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #15119}

"The clouds they look black love I'm afraid it will rain"

The singer is wandering toward Ballylig when he meets a "charming fair one." He asks leave to court her; she tells him she is not interested. He asks if he may walk along with her. She consents; the road is free. Now they are meeting regularly

The singer recalls coming to Philadelphia in May (18)56. He was received by friends, and is "happy and contented," but thinks often of Ireland. He remembers home, friends, family. He hopes to earn enough money to return to Erin

"Quoth John to Joan, wilt thou have me?" He promises cow, calf, house, rents, "Oh, say, Joan, will not that do? I cannot come every day to woo." He gives other reasons to accept him. Her answer is not recorded

"Cluck old hen, cluck and squall, you ain't laid an egg since way last fall." The exploits (?) of the hen are listed: "She laid eggs for the railroadmen." "The old hen cackled, cackled in the lot. Next time she cackled, she cackled in the pot"

Cluster of Nuts, The: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #1261}

Jack and his mistress bet ten guineas on the number of nuts in a cluster. He says twelve; she says eleven. One nut has no kernel; who wins? They leave it to his master to decide; he decides in Jack's favor. She pays the ten guineas.

"A couple have just paid the price For living in fool's paradise, Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker Have finally paid for their sins." Clyde, "a cheat," escapes from prison and teams up with Parker, whom he teaches to smoke. THey die in a shootout

Singer takes a job with young lady who needs a coachman to "drive her in style." He drives her "ten times round the room"; she asks for a look at his whip. He takes her riding, but on the first turn breaks a spring; her maid takes the next ride

The singer dreams of William Coaker's death, rejection at Heaven, and acceptance and advancement in Hell. Coaker's plan to replace the Devil as boss is foiled; he is condemned to the furnace. The dreamer wakes before Coaker is demolished.

Halyard shanty, Negro origin. "Oh, me Rosie, Coal Black Rose, Don't ye hear the banjo ping-a-pong-a-pong? Oh, me Rosie, Coal Black Rose." Verses mostly nonsense, with a fair amount of onomatopoeia, i.e. "ping-a-pong-a-pong," "dinging an' a dang," etc.

"My song is founded on the truth, In poverty we stand. How hard the millionaire will crush Upon the laboring man." The governor of Tennessee sends convicts to work the mines of Coal Creek. The miners oppose, but the legislature will not help

"Working in the mines, boys, Mighty hard to stand; Lordy, lordy, these old mines Has killed many a man." The singer described the hard work, the bad food, the poverty, the waiting for the whistle, the "Mine boss at the office, Cutting down our pay."

"A dialog I'll tell you as true as my life, Between a coal owner and a poor pitman's wife." The woman tells the owner she has come from Hell. They are turning out the poor to make room for "the rich wicked race." She tells him to treat his workers well

Singer buys an old flea-ridden chemise at Coal Quay. His wife won't have it. The lady that sold it to him won't take it back and beats him. "Pretty females": don't let a man interfere with your business; if you buy a chemise, buy a new one.

"A Life on the Ocean Wave, the fellow that wrote that song, I'd like to shit on his grave... 'Cause he's never been to sea On a Sunday afternoon, And he's never coaled ship with his watch below, Or he'd bloody well change his tune."

"Coaling, coaling, coaling, Always bloody well coaling." The sailors may be called upon to load coal at anu time on any day. "When the collier comes along, We'll sing this little song: Coaling, coaling, coalling... It's a good job we didn't join for ever"

"In the good old cruiser Kent, in the good old cruser Kent, Coaling ship three times a week, Till all our energy's spent. We never was our coaling rig, And very good reason why, We'd be coaling ship again Before we could get them dry."

Some men go a Mallore hill to find coal. "In a month's time we'll all be millionaires." They spend a hot day digging but the only thing black they find is a dead crow. They test burn some lumps but it's not coal. "Let the coal and the mine go to hell"

Coast of Peru, The [Laws D26]: (16 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #1997}

(The captain promises the sailors that they will spot many whales off Peru.) A whaler spots a whale off the coast of Peru. The crew harpoons the whale and renders it. They look forward to seeing the girls at home

Doolan arrives in New York and sees two men boxing, sparring without hitting; when he fights it's with his "shillaly." Bullies taunt him expecting him to run but "in less than two minutes I cleared the whole green"

The singer meets a young lady. He invites her to Coatman's for ice cream. She orders a steak. She says "her husband had gone to war" but at the ferry her "husband" threatens to shoot him. "The story will be continued in the 'Guardian' next week"

"The girls in the city, they are happy, The boys in the country, they are jolly" and the singer courts Coaxing Polly. She demands furniture and china and refuses to work. He sets out to leave. She gives in and they marry

"For we'll sing a little song of Cobalt, If you don't live there it's your fault, Oh you Cobalt where the wintry breezes blow...." The singer describes various bad mining towns, concluding "It's hob-nail boots and a flannel shirt in Cobalt town for mine."

The singer, cobbler (Dick Hobson), comes from a questionable family and leads a questionable life. The song may end with an account of how he became free of his "lumpy" wife: I dipped her three times in the river / and carelessly bade her goodnight"

Cobbler (III), The: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #15884}

"Walking up and down one day, I peeped in a window over the way. Pushing his needle through and through, There sat a cobbler making a shoe. Rap-a-tap-tap-tap, ticky-tacky-too, This is the way to make a shoe."

The singer is a poor uneducated shoemaker "mong the lowly ... scarcely owner of a groat." "Contented if I'm healthy ... If I keep the ravening wolf from my door". Don't long for what you don't have. Be satisfied while "around us be the everlasting arms"

Cobbler, Cobbler, Where's My Shoe: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #12749}

"Cobbler, cobbler, mend my shoe, Yes, good master, that I'll do; Here's my awl and wax and thread, And now your shoe is quite mended."

Cobbler's Bill, The: (1 ref. <1K Notes) {Roud #1327}

A cobbler shows his work -- "Here's cutting and contriving, Hammer, nails, and driving, Hemp, wax, and leather" -- and asks, "Madam, if you pleasee, To pay me your fees, It's fourpence ha'penny all together"

Coble o Cargill, The [Child 242]: (2 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #4021}

Davie Drummond o Cargill has a bed waiting for him in Balathy, another in Kercock. But one of the women "bored the coble (boat) in seven pairts," and it sinks as he tries to cross the Tay. He regrets his death; the song ends with repetitions of same

"I've got a gal in the white folks' yard...she brings me meal, she brings me lard." Refrain: "Here comes Sal with her nose all sore/Doctor said she can't smell no more...." The furniture man looks for the singer's wife, repossesses all of his belongings

Cocaine Bill and Morphine Sue: (4 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #4790}

"Cocaine Bill and Morphine Sue, Strolling down the avenue two by two," decide that a shot will do them no harm. They try to find cocaine, though it is no longer sold in the stores. Now they are dead and buried; no one knows where they went

"Yonder comes my baby all dressed in blue, Hey, baby, what you gonna do? Cocaine all around my brain." "Hey, baby, won't you come here quick, This old cocaine is makin' me sick." "Yonder comes my baby all dressed in white, Hey... gonna stay all night?"

Cocaine Lil "lived in Cocaine town on Cocaine Hill, She had a cocaine dog and a cocaine cat..." and other equally drug-afflicted possessions. One night, after a party, she "took another sniff and it knocked her dead"; her tombstone testifies to her habit

"Cock a doodle doo! My dame has lost her shoe, My master's lost his fiddlestick, And knows not what to do." Occasionally continues, "Cock a doodle doo, What is my dame to do? Till Master finds his fiddling stick She'll dance without her shoe." Etc.

"Oh,I thocht when I wore the kilt, I could dance from Tay to Forth, Tranchlin' up an' doon the street, Whistlin' the Cock o' the North. But a' the youngsters shouted, 'Awa,, man, wha' are you kiddin'? ... You're only the Cock o' the midden."

"When first my Jamie he came to the town, He had a blue bonnet, a hole in the crown, But now he has gotten a hat and a feather: Hey, Jamie lad, cock your beaver." Jamie now has"gold behind" and "gold afore," and is urged to show it proudly

Singer sees a man selling birds, he hands over his money and the seller hands him his cock; a young lady fears he will lose his cock; etc. "Cock-a-doodle-doo, It's nothing to do with you, It's a rare old cock and it's all I got

Description of a cock-fight, wherein the grey defeats the charcoal-black, to the delight of the singer.

"Cockabendy's lyin' sick Guess ye what'll mend him?" Twenty kisses. "Dinna gi'e the lasses drink, Dinna gi'e them brandy": give them cinammon sticks and lumps of sugar. Cockabendy had a wife who did strange things.

Cockies of Bungaree, The: (6 refs. 2K Notes) {Roud #20415}

The unemployed worker takes a job clearing for a cocky at Bungaree. He finds that the working conditions are miserable, and the cocky expects him to be at work before dawn. (Within days the singer concludes that anything is better than this, and quits)

A cock on a dung hill sees a bull he wants to kill. He raises a navy and impresses ducks for a crew. He would lead the attack but his hen fears he'd be killed. His courage fails and he stays home but sends the ducks to fight John Bull.

"All around the kitchen, cocky doodle doodle doo" (x2). "Now stop right still, cocky...." "Put your hand on your hop... Let your right foot slip.... Then do like this...."

A fisherman remembers encountering a big barque and surviving the fight. Now the crowd meets them at Harwich pier to crack cod fish skulls. He concedes he may not have "got it complete 'Cause I've only been in the trade about a week"

A man brings home a "cod fish," and places it in the chamberpot for safekeeping. When his wife goes to relieve herself, the codfish jumps up her "you-know-what." Husband and wife chase the fish around the room, and kill it with a broom.

Singer complains of having married a sickly wife. After he introduces her to cod liver oil, she goes wild for it, demanding it all the time. He warns young men to avoid sickly women, or they'll "end up a-swimmin' in cod liver oil!"

"The pains of old Wyoming are wild and wooly still, I'mtellin' you that hearts are true in the lad of Buff'lo Bill." The singer celebrates the festivities in the first days of July. The singer celebrates the people of Cody -- especially the girls

"On Coe Creek three partners did dwell: Cool, Curtis, and Nye, we knew them right well." They own a swmill. The singer lists all the crew who work in the mill -- and complains, when you ask for pay, the bosses give "an order on the company store"

The singer just has to have that "loving spoonful." The singer on his way to bring back his woman, and the preacher in his pulpit, need that loving spoonful before they start. Whiskey and tea don't satisfy the singer like that loving spoonful.

Coffee Grows (Four in the Middle): (12 refs. <1K Notes) {Roud #735}

Playparty in two or three parts: "Coffee grows on white oak tree, The river flows with brandy o'er, Go choose someone to roam with you...." "Four in the middle, you can't get around..." (may have more verses) "Railroad, steamboat, river, and canal..."

Response for every line is "The coffin to bind me down." Verse lines include "a silver spade to dig my grave," "a golden chain to let me down," "a folding sheet upon my lips"

"A cogie o' yill (ale), and a pickle ait meal, And a daintie wee drappie o' whiskey Was our forefathers' dose...." The singer praises the martial exploits of the Scots, and their diet, concluding, "Then hey for the whisky, and hey for the meal...."

"Now, you cohabs, still dodging around, You'd better keep on underground, For if with #2 you're found, They'll put you into limbo." The song details the fate awaiting men discovered living with two or more wives (i.e. "cohabs," or "cohabitators")

Gaelic. The singer's lover is like the vision in an aisling. He wonders if he should continue to pursue her or leave the country.

A young man (Corkery) goes to work on McCormick's drive on the Black River even though his family begs him to stay at home. In the course of his work, he jumps from a log into the stream and, because he cannot swim, drowns

Chorus: "Crying O Lord"(3x) "Death going to lay his cold icy hand on me" Verse: "Sinner, you better pray, ..., Or your soul be lost on judgement day...." "Sinner, be careful how you walk on the cross, ..., Your foot may slip and your soul be lost...."

"Cold mountains here are all around me, Cold waters gliding down the stream; Oft in my sleep I think I find her But when I wake it's all a dream." The singer seeks his love, who is gone or has rejected him or is left behind at home; he bids her farewell

The Traditional Ballad Index Version 6.4