The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #18312   Message #1767260
Posted By: Genie
23-Jun-06 - 03:41 AM
Thread Name: Lyr/Tune Add: Geordie
Subject: Lyr Add: Geordie - Joan Baez version
Sabra, thanks for posting the lyrics that Joan Baez sings. One minor correction, though - at least based on the album I have on which she sings it.
(Perhaps the songbook doesn't exactly corresponds to what she recorded.)

The way Joan sings it on the album, the second verse is a little different from what you posted, there is a fourth verse which you did not post, and the last verse is a combination of the second and fourth verses. The first verse is not repeated. There are other minor lyric differences here and there.

GEORDIE - As recorded by Joan Baez ca. 1961

As I walked out over London Bridge
One misty morning early,
I overheard a fair pretty maid,
Was lamenting for her Geordie

Oh my Geordie will be hanged with a golden chain
'Tis not the chain of many,
He was born a king's royal breed
And lost to a virtuous lady.

Go bridle me my milk white steed,
Go bridle me my pony.
I will ride to London's town
To plead for the life of Geordie.

Oh, my Geordie never stole nor cow nor calf.
He never hurted any.
Stole sixteen of the king's royal deer
And he sold them in Bohenny.

Two pretty babies have I born,
The third lies in my body.
I would part with them ev'ry one
If you'd spare the life of Geordie.

The judge looked over his left shoulder
He said, "Fair maid, I'm sorry,"
Said, "Fair maid, you must be gone,
For I cannot pardon Geordie.

Ah, my Geordie will be hanged in a golden chain -
'Tis not the chain of many.
Stole sixteen of the King's royal deer
And he sold them in Bohenny.