Here's the seventh song. Notes as in booklet.

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Jolly Joe the Collier's Son.

Notes -
From an early C19th Broadsheet - the original sheet can be seen in Birmingham Reference Library.
The song is printed in its original form without chorus or suggested verse omissions. Selection of a tune will depend on the singer's interpretation of the song. It could be considered tragic or light-hearted. In the former case the tune of Mary Hamilton (also called the Four Marys) will fit the song if each verse is divided into two. In the latter case the tune of North Country is a useful one.

1. I am Jolly Joe the collier's son,
Near Oldbury town I dwell,
I courted lasses many one,
And Lov'd them all right well:
I courted Nancy & young Kate,
And buxom young Nelly too,
But Rachael is the girl I adore,
And that you soon shall know.

2. Come all you colliers in this row,
Who delight in a bonny lass,
Who loves to drink good ale that's brown,
And sparkles in the glass:
My parents they do frown on me,
And say I am to blame,
For keeping Rachael's company,
Who liveth in Mash-Lane

3. When I rose up one morning,
At the dawning of the day,
I like to hear the small birds sing,
See the lambs to skip and play:
I took a walk to Oldbury town,
Round by the Bilston Hill,
And there I spied my own true love,
With Jack of Armlow mill.

4. I hid myself behind a shade,
A distance from whence they came,
He gave her kisses one, two, three,
Not knowing I was there:
I boldly stepped up to them,
Saying rogue what hast thou done?
I am Jolly Joe the collier's son,
So you must either fight or run.

5. Hold your hand, dear Joe, she said,
And no more of that let's have,
I will be thy servant, slave and wife,
Till we both go to one grave:
Then to the church young Rachael went,
Right sore against her will,
So maidens all pity my downfall,
By Jack of Armlow mill.