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Lyr Req: Bonnie Earl of Livingstone

24 Jul 01 - 03:47 PM (#513692)
Subject: Bonnie Earl of Livingston
From: Phil Cooper

Hi, I was wondering if anyone knew of a different tune to the Bonnie Earl of Livingston. I have the album that Eileen and Graham Pratt did, with the tune that Grahan set to the ballad. I didn't think I saw a version of one of the traditional tunes in my abridged Bronson volume. I think they're arrangement and delivery of the song was top notch, so see no reason to try and duplicate it. A clue to where I could find a traditional version would be much appreciated. Thanks.


08 Feb 04 - 12:48 AM (#1111711)
Subject: Lyr Req: Bonnie Earl of Livingstone
From: GUEST,largelyhappy@hotmail.com

This song starts:
Now we were sisters seven but five were dead with child, there are none but you and me love, and we'll stay maidens mild....

Can anyone give me the full song? It's on a Graham and Eileen Pratt record (yes, record) but I can't make out the words of the whole song.
Thanks


08 Feb 04 - 02:46 AM (#1111731)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Bonny Earl of Livingston
From: Joe Offer

Hello, Happy - I combined your thread with a previous request for a tune, and crosslinked with threads on another version of the song, Fair Mary of Wallington. Take a look at the other versions of the song, and you may get some understanding of the Pratt recording. Keep watching these threads for future developments.
All seven of the Child texts for this song are here (click).

-Joe Offer- (e-mail sent)-


08 Feb 04 - 03:03 AM (#1111735)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Bonnie Earl of Livingstone
From: masato sakurai

Bronson wrote in The Traditional Tunes of the Child Ballads, vol. 2 (p. 417):
Since the musical school of collectors has been at work, this ballad ["Fair Mary of Wallington"] seems not to have been found among English-speaking peoples. It is a pity Mrs. Brown's tune was not saved with the grim words;..."