The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #14888   Message #1648399
Posted By: GUEST,Ozzyishere
13-Jan-06 - 11:44 PM
Thread Name: Origins: Meaning of John Barleycorn
Subject: RE: Meaning of John Barleycorn
This song relates to the times of which there were often temperance movements to wipe out the production and use of alcoholic beverages.
One must understand that drunkeness was an onogin problem. Most people (peasants) could not read or write, thus they (the masses) could be a political threat. They were always hungry, with scurvay and usually drunk.

It was considered a serious vice of the peasants and as such could be a threat to the power (feudal lords)and the King.

Only noblemen should have the rights and power of such brew.

Traffic has the ultimate version of this ballad...