The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #48317 Message #1669948
Posted By: Anglo
16-Feb-06 - 02:59 AM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Sheath and Knife
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Sheath and Knife
Since there still seems to be some doubt, as to the version I gave to Helen, I got it straight from Tony Rose, whom I admired immensely and miss sorely. I was at the Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival when I heard of his passing, and had to be the one to relay the news to Louis Killen and Martin Carthy.
Tony recorded it on 'Under the Greenwood Tree' but his notes give no indication of his source. I have always assumed he adapted it out of Bronson & Child.
I miss Helen too, and now they're both gone I'm thinking of doing the song again myself. I haven't sung it in over 30 years.
I had always assumed (apparently I assume a lot) that Jean Redpath got it from Helen, but I don't know that for a fact. Lots of Scots singers, though, have recorded similar versions, including Christine Kidd and Gordeanna McCullough as I recall.
JR