Hi,

This version from Publications - Volume 117 - Page 181 Folklore Society (Great Britain)- 1952, reportedly was from Wales. It's dated c. 1924 and is the standard modern UK version of "Henry my Son." The following info was supplied:

The version I heard was collected from a Birmingham washerwoman exactly as she sang it, grammatical mistakes and all. She used to sing it whilst possing the clothes, and brought down the posser with a violent thump at the final curse.She told Miss Silver, who collected it from her, that she had first heard it from a man who came from Wales. I should perhaps add that this version was collected very shortly before I heard it. I enclose a copy of the verse in case you would like to see it and compare it with Mr. Pafford's version. Yours faithfully, Christina Hole

[Henry My Son]

1. Where have you been all day, Henery my son?
Where have you been all day, my pretty one?
In the fields, dear mother, In the fields, dear mother.
Make up my bed — I've a pain in my head,
And I want to lie down,
And I want to lie down.

2. What have you been eating, Henery my son?, etc.
Eels, dear mother, etc.

3. What colour were them eels, Henery my son?, etc.
Green and yaller, etc.

4. Who gave to you them eels, Henery my son?, etc.
My sister, dear mother, etc.

5.What will you leave your father, Henery my son?, etc.
My coach and horses, etc.

6. What will you leave your mother, Henery my son?, etc.
The Keys of Heaven, etc.

7. What will leave your sister, Henery my son?, etc.
My curse for ever, etc.

* * * *

Richie