Lailly Worm

Subject: Lailly Worm
From: GUEST,Mikerebec
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 11:31 AM

I've started to learn a new song "The Lailly Worm and the Mackerel of the Sea", a Child Ballad.
The lyrics, although pretty surreal, are pretty straight forward but I am confused by the line "He is in the King's court, serving for meat and fee". I assume this will be a historical allusion. Can anyone explain this line please?

Subject: RE: Lailly Worm
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 12:25 PM

'Serving for meat and fee' means working for board and wage; for example, an apprentice, having finished his indenture, during which he typically received only board and lodgings, would usually serve a further year or two with his master, still living in but also receiving a wage, before striking out on his own as a journeyman. In the ballad context 'meat and fee' is a commonplace metrical 'filler', sometimes used figuratively and sometimes (as here) literally.

Subject: RE: Lailly Worm
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 01:01 PM

It's certainly there in Child #102 (as recorded by us on John Barleycorn Reborn!). How many others an you name?

Looking forward to hearing your Child #36, Mike!

Subject: RE: Lailly Worm
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 01:46 PM

Thanks for this Malcolm. I suspected something along these lines but it's good to have a view that is more authoritative.
Thanks for your interjection too Sedayne. Would love to hear some of your CDs sometime...bring a few when next you visit Chorlton!
Mike.