Foley's Notes on The Little Penknife

A rare old ballad, widely sung in the Castlederg Aghyarn area. The only other version I know in print is in Edith Fowke's Penguin Book of Canadian Folksongs ("The Footboy") where she states: "This ballad is puzzling. I have been unable to find it in any traditional collections in either Britain or North America, or in any broadside collections". The geographical confusion in the first line is repeated in all other local versions except one, which just as confusingly begins: "In the County Cavan near Kildare". The title is Corry's (the singer).

Here are some alternate readings from a version I recorded from Charles Edwards of Castlederg:

I.4        In her father's coachman she took great delight
II        As this young couple walked out one day
        Her old father heard Johnny say
        "To court a girl, sure, that is no crime
        I will tell you more, love, osome other time.

IV.2        When a guard of polis did him surround

IX3,4        If your daughter falls in love with your servant man
        Be sure and give her both heart and hand.
        


Regards