to revive an old thread - I am trying to find the source and age of the tune (or tune family) of Barbara Allen such as sung by these singers:

John Ban Byrne of Malinbeg, Co Donegal
recorded in 1968
published in "Early Ballads in Ireland (Disc 1)"
released by An Góilin Singers Club
lyrics begin
"Being about a-Christmas time, when green leaves they were falling"

Sara Makem of Keady, Co Armagh,
recorded 1967
published in "The Heart is True" released on Topic Records
published in "As I Roved Out" released on MT Records
lyrics begin
"Michaelmas day being in the year, When the green leaves they were falling, "

In an earlier thread Frank Staplin posted:
"Close to the verses quoted above; from Johnson, 1790 (taken from Bronson, Group B, 40, tune from Oswald, 1740)."
I know what reference is meant by Bronson but not familiar with references Johnson, 1790 or Oswald, 1740, can anyone clarify?

Is this tune known to be used for any other ballad texts?

Thanks,
Pamela