Barbry Allen was probably the first traditional song I ever learned. My Grandfather in the mountains of NC sang it and many other "old songs". I have sung the song for over 50 years and it remains one of my favorites. I always looked at it as a love story with a tragic ending. Having had a few blighted love affairs myself, I can sympathise with William to some extent but agree that he needed to get a life. Of coures if he had, we wouldn't have the song, so well done William and Barbry.

troll