John Riley

23 Nov 99 - 01:18 PM (#139975)
Subject: John Riley
From: Lonesome EJ

Looking for the lyrics and any other background info on a traditional(I think) song called John Riley. A search of the data base revealed a same-named song that had been done by Pete Seeger, but the lyrics are not what I remember. I have heard the version I am thinking of done by the Byrds, and I believe by Joan Baez. First line is "Fair young Maid, all in her garden
Strange young man came riding by..."

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23 Nov 99 - 01:37 PM (#139982)
Subject: RE: John Riley
From: Ed Pellow

If you search the database for John Reilly you'll find what you're looking for

Ed

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23 Nov 99 - 01:44 PM (#139989)
Subject: RE: John Riley
From: Marion

For what it's worth, the lyrics and chords to John Riley (the way Joan Baez sang it, at least) are in the "Ballads and Old Songs" section of Rise Up Singing. I don't remember how it was titled in the book, or if it listed a Child ballad number.

Marion

PS. I find that song very moving. This is because the man I love has, as the song says, "found another love, and he and his love both [living together] be", and I aspire to be able to "wish them health and happiness where they live across the sea."

I remember someone else started a thread asking how to heal a broken heart, and somebody suggested that she should sing the songs our ancestors sang about the same struggles. This was good advice; singing John Riley has given me insight into how deep love can be, and how loving somebody is not so much about wanting them for yourselves as about desiring their well-being....

Mushy today, Marion

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23 Nov 99 - 04:22 PM (#140031)
Subject: RE: John Riley
From: dick greenhaus

Hint. DON'T try to look things up by proper names. There are too many variations. You're much better off with a phrase or even some odd words from the song.

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23 Nov 99 - 04:22 PM (#140032)
Subject: RE: John Riley
From: Betty

That is a lovely thought, Marion, and good advice as well.

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23 Nov 99 - 07:33 PM (#140109)
Subject: RE: John Riley
From: Susanne (skw)

I have the song as sung by Joan Baez, but I've also got something called John Riley which is more of a drinking song, with a much livelier tune. The only line I can remember just now is 'Your honour John Riley is dry' and demanding a beaker of ale or something from his love. Has anyone heard of this song? - Susanne

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24 Nov 99 - 01:28 AM (#140211)
Subject: RE: John Riley
From: Lonesome EJ

Thanks, found the lyrics in the Database. Was this a Child Ballad? What I love about this story/song is what is not said- John's testing of his Love to see if she has been and will remain true to him, her determination that she will. Does she in fact recognize him? And then the surprise happy ending when we discover that the "strange young man" is in fact John. Like most excellent traditional songs it has the essential elements: a beautiful melody and a great story.

Oh, and Marion- Whatever happens I hope your story has an ending as happy.

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24 Nov 99 - 07:15 AM (#140245)
Subject: RE: John Riley
From: Alan of Australia

G'day,
It's not a Child ballad, but there are many very similar songs of the broken token variety. If you're wondering, it's not at all strange that she doesn't recognize him - if he goes to sea as a puny 16 year old & returns 7 years later as a brawny weatherbeaten seaman with a big bushy beard. (And a girl in every port).

Cheers,
Alan

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24 Nov 99 - 11:34 AM (#140302)
Subject: RE: John Riley
From: Frank Hamilton

It's interesting to note that this legend goes back to 1600's in China. The Field Museum in Chicago has an exposition of Chinese clothing in which the characters of the John Riley story are depicted. The man returns from the wars to test the fidelity of his intended.

One of my fave versions is Pete Seeger's on the 10" LP Darlin' Corey which needs to be released as a CD by Folksays/Smithsonian.

Frank

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24 Nov 99 - 03:28 PM (#140381)
Subject: RE: John Riley
From: Steve

the very fine English singer Steve Knightley sings a version of John Riley to a different tune and with an intriguing twist at the end, it is recorded on an albun called Folk Music by Show of Hands

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24 Nov 99 - 06:48 PM (#140441)
Subject: RE: John Riley
From: Susanne (skw)

And Tony Cuffe sings the version I like best - not of John Riley as such, but the 'testing' situation - where in the end the guy reveals himself and the girl tells him to sod off because he's dared to doubt her. Very sensible course!

BTW: Any ideas on my earlier posting? I'm still hoping. - Susanne

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25 Nov 99 - 05:25 PM (#140733)
Subject: RE: John Riley
From: Susan of DT

a search for @token will give you 28 songs. if we are missing any of your favorites, post them.

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