Joe, I'm glad you pointed out that this is in Jean Ritchie's songbook as well as Folk Songs of North America by Lomax. I have both books, but didn't think to look there. It is not the same tune as the tune I know to the Irish Girl, (as steve referred to in his first thread on this song).

Steve, I found the recording of the Irish Girl, with the slow sad tune similar to Circle be Unbroken. I don't know if you will be able to find this tape... but it's a good one. It is of anonymous singers, unprofessional, and the song is sung by an old Irishman. It is called simply, "Irish Folk Songs" and was in the bargain rack for about $6.US. It is made in Candada, the cassette has written on it, Excelsior International, Distributed by the Madacy Music Group, Inc, P.O. Box 1445, St-Laurent Quebec, Canada H4L 4Z1. Songs listed are, B is for Barney, All Around the Loney-O, Green Gravel, The Doffin Mistress, The Maid of Ballydoo, I Know My Love, The Dark Eyed Gypsy, Will Ye Go Lassie Go, Tis Pretty to be In Ballinderry, Cruise of the Calabar, As I Roved Out, The Wee Falorie Man, Rockin the Cradle, I'll Tell My Ma, I Wish I Was A Maid Again, The Gallant Forty-Twa, Early Early All In The Spring, When I Was Single,

The Irish Girl

Fan-A-Winnow, Three Grey Geese (and other children's tunes), See Saw (and other children's tunes), and Sally Go Round the Moon (and other children's tunes).

alice in montana