The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #1954   Message #848704
Posted By: Joe Offer
17-Dec-02 - 02:49 AM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: The Gabalundi(?) Man / Gaberlunzie Man
Subject: ADD Version: Remember the Barley Straw
In Peter Kennedy's Folksongs of Britain and Ireland, the primary title of the song is "Remember the Barley Straw." It's cross-indexed as "Beggar Man" or "Gaberlunzie Man."

REMEMBER THE BARLEY STRAW

1. So it's of a jolly old farmer, lived in the West Count-e-rie
He had the finest daughter, that ever my eyes did see
He had a lovely daughter, so comely kind and free
And many a gallant nobleman, they sought her comp-a-nie

2. 'Tis of a rich young squire, was living at close by
And he vowed he wouldn't be easy, until he'd had a try
So he dressed himself as a tinker, and travelled on his way
Until he came to the farmer's house, was standing at close by

3. O have you got any kettles, any pots or pans to mend
Or have you got any lodgings, my being a single man?
O no, replied this pretty fair maid, not thinking any harm
O you can stay with us all night, if you sleep in our old barn

4. So after tea was over, she went to make his bed
The tinker following after, which stole her maidenhead
The tinker being nimble, jumped up and barred the door
And she slept all night in the tinker's arms, amongst the barley straw

5. Now since you've slept with me all night, don't think me none the worse
He put his hand in his pocket, and pulled out a heavy purse
Here's fifty pound I will give you, to pay the nurse's fee
And if ever I come this way again, fair maid, I'll marry thee

6. So now you cannot marry me, pray tell to me your name
Likewise your occupation, and where and whence you came
He whispered softly in her ear: O call me Davie Shaw
And if ever I come this way again, remember the barley straw

7. Now six months being over, and nine months being come
This pretty little fair maid was the mother of a son
The old man cried: O daughter dear, who has done you this harm?
I'm afraid it was the old tinker that slept in our old barn