The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #58570   Message #2984083
Posted By: Steve Gardham
10-Sep-10 - 02:48 PM
Thread Name: Origins: background: 'Master Kilby'
Subject: ADD Version: Master Kilby
Okay, Tim
Sharp's version was also published with tune in :-
Journal of the Folk Song society No20 p272
Cecil Sharp's Collection of English Folk Songs, Vol 1, Karpeles, p408
The Crystal Spring p66

The third item above is still very much available on Amazon etc as it was widely published in different formats.

But here is the text as given (presumably faithfully) in Karpeles.

MASTER KILBY

In the heat of the day
When the sun shines so freely,
Then I met Master Kilby
So fine and so gay.

Then I pulled off my hat
And I bowed to the ground,
And I said master Kilby,
Pray where are you bound?

I am bound for the West,
Where in hopes to find rest,
And in Nancy's soft bosom
I will build a new nest.

She's the fairest of girls,
She's the joyest of my own heart,
She's painted like waxwork
In every part.

And if I was the master
of ten thousand pound,
Or in gay gold and silver,
Or in King William's crown,

I would part with it all
With my own heart so freely
But it's all for the sake
Of my charming Nancy.

She's the fairest of girls,
She's the joyest of my own heart,
She's painted like waxwork
In every part.

Then I give her more kisses,
it was on the sea shore,
But still she lay asking,
Lay asking for more.

I would part with it all
With my own heart so freely
And it's all for the sake
Of my charming Nancy.

FWIW IMO it's a typical Irish broadside piece somewhat mangled. Anyone looking for the original should be looking for a 'Charming Nancy'. The 'Master Kilby' title is a red herring.

If you need any more certainty of what was recorded by Sharp you need to contact the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library or wait a few more years till the manuscripts come online.