what song is this

Subject: RE: what song is this
From: GUEST,Geordie
Date: 31 Jan 03 - 02:35 PM

I never cease to be amazed by this forum. Thank you both so much.

Subject: RE: what song is this
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 31 Jan 03 - 01:45 PM

That particular set was collected by Cecil Sharp from Mrs Priscilla Cooper at Stafford Common, Devonshire, 2nd September 1907. She sang "royals", as did another singer (this time in London) from whom Sharp got a version. It seems to have been substituted quite commonly for "loyal" in this particular song; perhaps (or perhaps not) by analogy with other popular songs where a stranger turns out to be disguised aristocracy.

The song circulated quite widely on 19th century broadsides (where the word is "loyal"); some of which can be seen at Bodleian Library Broadside Ballads:

American Stranger (list).

Subject: RE: what song is this
From: GUEST,Geordie
Date: 31 Jan 03 - 01:26 PM

Thanks for the lyrics. Does anyone know what prove yourself "Royal" means in this context. I find it puzzling and I wonder if it should be "loyal' ?

Subject: RE: what song is this
From: GUEST,Geordie
Date: 31 Jan 03 - 12:55 PM

Ed, thank you so much. I knew the mudcat could help me out. Thanks again.

Subject: RE: what song is this
From: Ed.
Date: 31 Jan 03 - 12:21 PM

American Stranger

Subject: what song is this
From: GUEST,Geordie
Date: 31 Jan 03 - 11:36 AM

I heard this song some time ago but cannot remember any lyric but a brief snippet which is " I will take you to America, my darling for to be.........I think it was sung by Norma Waterson but am not sure. Anyway, it is driving me round the bend. Hope some one can help me out. Thanks in advance, I sure someone here will recognize it.