The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #164528 Message #3939424
Posted By: Richie
25-Jul-18 - 01:36 PM
Thread Name: Origins: James Madison Carpenter- Child Ballads 4
Subject: RE: Origins: James Madison Carpenter- Child Ballads 4
Hi,
Jag mentioned George Dunn's version recorded in December, 1971 and gave a link (several posts back). It was recorded by Roy Palmer and appears in Everyman's Book of English Country Songs. The sister poison's Henry which is a twist. The form and text are nearly the same as the Irish version by Harte which was also known by soldiers during WWII (see Wiltshire variant dated 1941.)
Henry, My Son- George Dunn, 1971
"Where have you been all day, Henry, my son?
Where have you been all day, my beloved one?"
"In the meadows, in the meadows
Make my bed, there's a pain in my head
And I want to lie down and die."
"What have you had to eat, Henry my son?
What have you had to eat, my beloved one?"
"Poisoned berries, poisoned berries
Make my bed, there's a pain in my head
And I want to lie down and die."
"Who gave you poisoned berries?..."
'My sister..."
"What will you leave your father?..."
"Gold and silver..."
"What will you leave your mother?..."
"Love and kisses..."
"What will you leave your sister?..."
"A rope to hang her..."
"How shall I make your bed?..."
"Long and narrow..."
* * * *
Richie