The Ballad of Barbara Allen: aka - Barbara Ellen,Barbara Allan, Barb'ry Allen, Barbriallen, etc., is a folk song known in dozens of versions. It has been classified as Child Ballad 84 and Roud 54. The author is unknown, but the song may have originated in England or Scotland[1]. The earliest known mention of the song is in Samuel Pepys' diary for January 2. 1666 (ed. Robert Latham & William Matthews, Vol. vii, London: [1972], p.1.) where he refers to the "little Scotch song of 'Barbary Allen'"
Alright, GeorgiaBoii32, if you think it's a "southern song" composed by a "guy who was born in new orleans," why is it that the song dates back to the 17th century at least (when it was first printed IN ENGLAND) and New Orleans was a newborn itself? It didn't travel that fast.
Also - it's Scottish. Get over yourself. I don't know what "history" you got your info from, but every source I have screams English/Scottish.
- Know what kind of culture the south is known for? Crass idiots like you.
The earliest written mention of this song was in 1666, and it existed orally long before that, and not in The New World, much less New Orleans. It was first actually published by Thomas Percy in 1760 as "Barbara Allen's Cruelty".
@theneil100 You are correct about Scottish culture's influence in American culture; however, there are many variations on this tune. The fact that was passed on by oral tradition accounts for much of that. Also, I would think that you'd be happy to see a Scottish folk song's perpetuation. It's the only bright side I can find to remakes of some of my favorite Beatles songs, too.
I had to learn this on piano the first night I heard it..... what an awesome old folk song.... from the 1930's actually.... and John's voice does it true Justice...
Love the song and the movie. Very Soulful, simple, beautiful lyrics. Really want a full version. Looked everywhere... can anyone tell me where I can find it?
Joan Biaz does it, Bob Dylan does it, Simon and Garfunkle do it, as well as many others. There are more complete versoions as far as lyrics. Unfortunately, John T. does not do a more complete version. I wish he did.
The songs were the only reason why I watched the movie, and God they are GREAT!!! "My true love died for me yesterday, I shall die for him tomorrow":' )
The opening scene of this clip shows real people. I've been there and know it.
seeingthesigns 10 months ago
Does anyone know if John Travolta has a band? I have looked everywhere for it on the net and can't find it.
Camporese27 1 year ago
The Ballad of Barbara Allen: aka - Barbara Ellen,Barbara Allan, Barb'ry Allen, Barbriallen, etc., is a folk song known in dozens of versions. It has been classified as Child Ballad 84 and Roud 54. The author is unknown, but the song may have originated in England or Scotland[1]. The earliest known mention of the song is in Samuel Pepys' diary for January 2. 1666 (ed. Robert Latham & William Matthews, Vol. vii, London: [1972], p.1.) where he refers to the "little Scotch song of 'Barbary Allen'"
xeereaux 1 year ago
Seriously, jenmcmillon is right. Whatshisface that actor singing just ruins this song for me... Completly butchers it
aboybrushedblu 1 year ago
Alright, GeorgiaBoii32, if you think it's a "southern song" composed by a "guy who was born in new orleans," why is it that the song dates back to the 17th century at least (when it was first printed IN ENGLAND) and New Orleans was a newborn itself? It didn't travel that fast.
Also - it's Scottish. Get over yourself. I don't know what "history" you got your info from, but every source I have screams English/Scottish.
- Know what kind of culture the south is known for? Crass idiots like you.
jenmcmillen 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
its a southern song, thru a guy who was born in new orleans...the south is known for this kind of culuture u fucking fatass red headed pussy
GeorgiaBoii32 2 years ago
The earliest written mention of this song was in 1666, and it existed orally long before that, and not in The New World, much less New Orleans. It was first actually published by Thomas Percy in 1760 as "Barbara Allen's Cruelty".
Destiny4511 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
its not a scottish song at all you better fucking do your history you fucking twat.
GeorgiaBoii32 2 years ago
just goes to show how far scottish culture is embedded in the usa,but you americans keep murdering our music
theneil100 2 years ago
@theneil100 It's not a Scottish song. Or it might be, but no one knows for sure, it is just as likely to be an English traditional.
reinkaos82 2 years ago
@theneil100 You are correct about Scottish culture's influence in American culture; however, there are many variations on this tune. The fact that was passed on by oral tradition accounts for much of that. Also, I would think that you'd be happy to see a Scottish folk song's perpetuation. It's the only bright side I can find to remakes of some of my favorite Beatles songs, too.
wireteth 2 years ago
I had to learn this on piano the first night I heard it..... what an awesome old folk song.... from the 1930's actually.... and John's voice does it true Justice...
jptough 2 years ago
Love the song and the movie. Very Soulful, simple, beautiful lyrics. Really want a full version. Looked everywhere... can anyone tell me where I can find it?
AbbyCrystal1 2 years ago
I actually transcribed this version into sheet music if anyone needs it
fastwardo 2 years ago
@fastwardo i would like to have this full song where can i find it?
tamax10 1 year ago
@tamax10 Dolly Parton does an excellent version
Pur9leRain 1 year ago
beautiful film
belal122 2 years ago
This film had such an amazing soundtrack! Travolta should sing more, he sounded great in this.
Emmalala123 2 years ago 9
Anyone have a tutorial for this one?
Dunderkladden 2 years ago
see Barbara Allen cover - John Travolta by drivercs.
the chords are explained.
The lyrics in the movie are a bit modified from the ones you can find on the internet, and this is a shortened version of the traditional song
reouaich 2 years ago
he did an amazing job..i want the full virsion
GeorgiaBoii32 2 years ago 3
its on the soundtrack
punkette344 2 years ago
his voice is perfect for this song... I wish he did, too
DamnIrony 2 years ago
I love this song. Isn't there a complete version somewhere? =(
kjellgren36 2 years ago
Joan Biaz does it, Bob Dylan does it, Simon and Garfunkle do it, as well as many others. There are more complete versoions as far as lyrics. Unfortunately, John T. does not do a more complete version. I wish he did.
TEB1952 2 years ago
So many people have covered this song, but this is my favorite version. I wish he had done all the verses.
TEB1952 2 years ago
I love this song! Isn't there a complete version somewhere?=(
kjellgren36 2 years ago
Great interpretation! John is awesome and so is Grayson
kostatechuva 2 years ago
The songs were the only reason why I watched the movie, and God they are GREAT!!! "My true love died for me yesterday, I shall die for him tomorrow":' )
eetu991 3 years ago
l'ho messa su qui apposta per ascoltarla tutte le volte che voglio e dove voglio :D
stuva 3 years ago 2
@stuva bellissimo film, inaspettato!!! dvd da comprare assolutamente
maxirun11 5 months ago
Per me questa canzone è bellissima, mi fa sognare ogni volta la sento.
schwem203 3 years ago
anche per me è bellissima! ho visto questo video 20 volte oggi! adoro questo film..
leslie8240 3 years ago
I've been listening to it repeatedly for 30 minutes. I gotta go record it myself!
karatemuffin 3 years ago 8
It's so lovely...
leslie8240 3 years ago
Absolutly heartbreakingly beautiful.
Joseffritzl2 3 years ago 3