The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #164528   Message #3939335
Posted By: Richie
25-Jul-18 - 08:51 AM
Thread Name: Origins: James Madison Carpenter- Child Ballads 4
Subject: RE: Origins: James Madison Carpenter- Child Ballads 4
Hi,

In "The Complete Collection of Irish Music," Volume 1 (1902) George Petrie gives a melody for the ballad "Where, were you all the day my own pretty Boy" given him from Joyce.

The modern Irish adaptation of Henry my Son follows. This one is by Frank Harte, "Dublin Street Songs" listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPRVpGX9Npw

"Henry my Son," Irish street ballad adapted by Frank Harte, 1967.

1. "Where have you been all day, Henery me son?
Where have you been all day, my beloved one?"
"Away on the meadow, away on the meadow,
Make my bed I’ve a pain in me head and I want to lie down."

2. And what did you have to eat?
Poison beans,

3. And what will you leave your mother?
A woolen vest,

4. And what will you leave your father?
A watch and chain,

5. And what will you leave your brother?
A blue suit

6. And what will you leave your children?
The key of heaven,

7. And what will you leave your sweetheart?
A rope to hang her,

* * * *

Richie