I'd like to get a correct transcription of Sam Russell's version of GEORDIE (Child #209), AS I WALKED OVER LONDON BRIDGE. The ballad was recorded in 1936 and it can be heard on the CD "Virginia Traditions, Ballads from British Tradition," Global Village 1002. Recently, Martin Simpson has recorded Sam Russell's version on his CD "Righteousness & Humidity," Topic TSCD540, but with some slight differences. I have written down Martin Simpson's text, I hope without mistakes. It is a little easier than writing down Sam Russell's, because the quality of Sam Russell's recording is not too good (but his song and singing are magnificent). Martin Simpson's is beautiful as well, and could also be a good starting point to get Sam Russell's text, if some Mudcatter has the CD (Virginia Traditions) and is going to help me in this deed. Thank you. Roberto

GEORGIE, as sung by Martin Simpson

As I rode over London Bridge
So early in the morning
I overheard a fair bonnie maid
Saying – Spare me the life of my Georgie
I overheard a fair bonnie maid
Saying – Spare me the life of my Georgie

Go saddle an' bridle my bonny white steed
Go saddle an' bridle him neatly
I will ride to London's Court
And plead for the life of my Georgie
O, I will ride to London's Court
And plead for the life of my Georgie

She rode all day and she rode all night
Till she was wet and weary
Then combing back her long yellow hair
She pleaded for the life of her Georgie
Then combing back her long yellow hair
She pleaded for the life of her Georgie

And out of her bosom pulled a purse of gold
The likes I've never seen many
Saying – Lawyers, lawyers, fee yourselves
And spare me the life of my Georgie
O, lawyers, lawyers, fee yourselves
And spare me the life of my Georgie

And Georgie, he was standing by
Said – I've never killed anybody
I stole sixteen of the king's white steeds
And I sold them in Bohenny
I stole sixteen of the king's white steeds
And I sold them in Bohenny

The eldest lawyer at the bar
Says – George, I'm sorry for you
For your own confession has condemned you to die
May the Lord have mercy on you
Your own confession has condemned you to die
May the Lord have mercy on you

As Georgie walked upon the hill
He bid farewell to many
And he bid farewell to his own true love
Which grieved him worst than any
He bid farewell to his own true love
Which grieved him worst than any

My Georgie will be hanged in chains of gold
The likes I've never seen many
For he has come of the royal race
And courted a virtuous lady
Oh, he has come of the royal race
And courted a virtuous lady

I wished I was on yonder hill
Where times I have been many
My sword and pistol by my side
I'd fight for the life of my Georgie
My sword and pistol by my side
I'd fight for the life of my Georgie