Hi,

Thanks for your replies. The date Jeannie learned the ballad should be 1928 not 1931- ty I'll correct it - that is not the date it was recorded.

I have a question: Why did he wrap a handkerchief around his head in the Butcher Boy versions? He did not suffer an injury and used the nose bleed as an alibi. Just wondering?

Here's a link to listen to Jeanie's excellent version:
http://www.tobarandualchais.co.uk/en/play/25352;jsessionid=188816C257A0E249BBC41B53806EFCD5

I can't make out the third line of stanza 7. Anyone?

7. But He took her by her lily-white hand,
And he dragged her to the brim,
And with a knife he . . . ,
And he pushed her body in.

Richie