John Riley

Another very ancient folk ballad.

JOHN RILEY
(Trad.)

Fair young maid all in a garden
Strange young man, passerby
He said, "Fair maid, will you marry me?"
This then, sir, was her reply:

Oh, no, kind sir, I cannot marry thee
For I've a love who sails all on the sea.
He's been gone for seven years
Still no man shall marry me

What if he's in some battle slain
Or if he's drowned in the deep salt sea
What if he's found another love
And he and his love both married be?

Well, if he's in some battle slain
I will die when the moon doth wane
And if he's drowned in the deep salt sea
I'll be true to his memory

And if he's found another love
And he and his love both married be
I'll wish them health and happiness
Where they dwell across the sea

He picked her up all in his arms
Kisses gave her: One, two, three
Said, weep no more, my own true love
I am your long-lost John Riley!

Category:

Music

Tags:

• John
• Riley
• Folk
• ballad
• Joan
• Baez

[Romamb]

one of your very best performances.

[marcoacca]

@Romamb Really? Thanks as usual, you know. Ciao, M.

[Romamb]

@marcoacca really! i thought you were fantastic in this one.

[marcoacca]

@Romamb You're too kind. Thanks for your friendship. It means a lot, truly. M.

[nondepouk]

superbe Marco; thank you to share

[marcoacca]

@nondepouk Merci mon ami! Ciao, M.

[WoodenMosquito]

I've missed your songs, Marco.

[marcoacca]

@rhopen Thanks for listening, Ron. Ciao, M.

[rhopen]

Very fine Marco. -Ron

[MrERN94]

@marcoacca Sì certo: adoro il tuo modo di suonare.. vorrei saperlo fare ank'io così.. per quanto riguarda il tuo stile di canto è molto particolare.. forse, scusa se mi permetto di farti un appunto, dovresti lasciarti un pò più andare.. comunque è più una questione di stile che di intonatura (per quanto riguarda quella ci sei) e quindi è una cosa personale.. In conclusione ribadisco i miei complimenti: continua così!! ;))