Hi,

Lighter, I assume the Ulster tune is Quinn's tune, which is the version I sing. That same tune and text was collected by Sharp in Tennessee in 1916 from the Coates family-- and it's reasonable to presume that they came from Ireland to South Carolina in the late 1700s (maybe early 1800s) before coming to Tennessee. The "Knight on the Road" tune was simply used for "Tramping Song" with new words around 1939. That's my quick conclusion. What I wonder is whose version is on Ulster Folklife-- it's obviously identical to Quinn's first stanza but it may not be his or is unattributed.

Mick- yes, I've had the Edmunds on my site for a few years now: http://www.bluegrassmessengers.com/english-riddle-ballads--false-knight-on-the-road.aspx This is only the Chapter on Child 3 but it's easier to use and you can copy text from it. I can only describe her writing in a word: brilliant!

There are a few other articles on False Knight there too,

TY for sharing I should have included the link earlier,

Richie