Rake and a Rambling Boy

Subject: RE: Rake and a Rambling Boy
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Sep 19 - 01:13 PM

^^^^^^^^
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thread.cfm?threadid=161176#3833607


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thread.cfm etc]

Subject: Rake and a Rambling Boy
From: Lighter
Date: 25 Sep 19 - 09:46 AM

Every Mudcatter must know this song, versions of which were sung by Joan Baez, A. L. Lloyd, and countless others. Not much 'Cat commentary, however.

Richie has discussed it assiduously in connection with "Died of Love" on this thread:


/mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=161176#3833607


With the broadside text he posted there on Dec. 21, 2016, compare the following vignette, from "The Pocket Encyclopedia of Scottish, English, and Irish Songs" (Glasgow: J. Smith & Son, 1816) II, p. 246:

“(Spoken.)—Come, neighbours and friends, here is an entire new song, entitled and call'd, 'I am a vild and a rambling boy.' Come, you, Sir, strike up.—Stop, Doll, let's rosin [prob. = take a drink of spirits] first.

                        [To the tune sung by the Beggars in the streets.]

She.—I am a vild and a rambling boy,
He.—My lodging's in the isle of Troy,
She.—A rambling boy although I be,
He.—I'd leave them all, and follow thee.

That 'ere man vants a ballad, Doll; vy don't you look about!

She.—I vish I vas a little fly,
He.—In my love's bosom all for to lie,
She.—That all the world might plainly see,

This is a bad halfpenny, your honour; I'd thank you for another.

He.—I loves the girl that loves not me.”



The duet singing is a little surprising.