Hi,

I've started "Yon Green Valley" which has a stanza in common with "I Am a Rover" and is related to Died for Love and its family. Here the first page: http://www.bluegrassmessengers.com/7r-yon-green-valley-green-valley-.aspx

I need some help tracking down versions but it won't be easy. It's found mainly in Canada. I found a version in "Never Had a Word Between Us": Pattern in the Verbal Art of a Newfoundland Woman; Debora G. Kodish - 1981. Its chorus:

Down in yon green valley that lies far away,
Where me and my bonny boy spent manys a pleasant day
Where me and my bonny boy spent manys a pleasant time
He soon proved false to Floro on the lovely banks of Bine.

Anyone have the book who can post it? Know a version like that?

* * * *

Debra Cowan of Massachusetts has a version, it begins:

Green Valley

For a young man courted me earnestly
It was with his wishes I did comply
It was his false vows and flattering tongue
He beguiled me love when I was young

In yon green valley we both went down
Where the pretty small birds come a-whistling 'round
Changing their notes from tree to tree
As the sun arose on yon green valley.

I need to find her source or any closely related version. Anyone?

* * * *

This is related but it's a different song- sung from the male perspective. Any other versions or info?

The Journal of American Folk-lore, Volume 22, Parts 3-4
Barry-- Irish Come-all -Ye's

1. Early early all in the spring,
When gentle small birds begin to sing,
Changing their notes from tree to tree,
As the sun arose over yon green valley.

2. For six long months my love she did prove kind,
And then six after, she changed her mind,
   Saying "Farewell, darling, I must away,
You know my parents I must obey!"

3. He held her fast, he would not let her go,
   Saying, "Mary, Mary, my mind you know,
   Fulfil those vows you made to me,
As the sun arose over yon green valley!"

* * * *

Other than that there's a version called "Must I Go Bound" by Bascom Lama Lunsford recorded in 1935. Or a version titled "Green Valley" recorded by Lomax in Michigan in 1938. Anyone? Other versions?

I'll do probably one or two more "appendix" additions- then it's a matter of finishing everything. Any comments or suggests are welcome.

TY

Richie