The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #20303   Message #211640
Posted By: Malcolm Douglas
14-Apr-00 - 09:51 AM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Coal-Black Smith? / Two Magicians
Subject: RE: Bold Black Smith
Many of the source-singers in those days toned down the more suggestive material, either because they were personally uncomfortable with it, or in deference to the sensibilities, real or perceived, of the collectors, who tended to be "gentry".   I think it was Lucy Broadwood who had a terrible time getting hold of one particular song; the singer absolutely refused to sing it in front of a lady.  Having said that, some of the more explicit verses one sometimes hears in this song are likely to be recent additions, like the one above!

Malcolm