Struck me, that the eponymous Katy of Katy Cruel, must be an anti-heroine of sorts. We don't know exactly why she's shunned and re-named 'cruel' by the town, but we can guess that she's a rebellious individual - perhaps a heartbeaker - who refuses to be pinned down and live according to conventional codes.

A rendering by Bert Jansch

Katy Cruel

When I first came to town
They called me the roving jewel
Now they've changed their tune
They call me Katy Cruel
Oh diddle day, oh diddle lie o day

    Oh that I was where I would be
    Then I would be where I am not
    Here I am where I must be
    Go where I would, I can not
    Oh diddle day, oh diddle lie o day

When I first came to town
They brought me the bottles plenty
Now they've changed their tune
They bring me the bottles empty
Oh diddle day, oh diddle lie o day

    CHORUS

I know who I love
And I know who does love me
I know where I'm going
And I know whose going with me
Oh diddle day, oh diddle lie o day

    CHORUS

Down the road I go
And through the boggy mire
Straight way cross the field
And to my heart's desire
Oh, diddle day, oh, diddle lie o day

    CHORUS