The Jack-A-Roe Remembrance Day 2009 "Oates Rock"

The Jack-A-Roe is a traditional ballad of uncertain origin, though it is presumed to be of English origin being the most common opening verse is "Oh, there was a wealthy merchant, in London he did dwell". In this version Portland is used being we are playing on the ground defended by the 20th Maine. The song itself is known by many names including "Jack Munro," "Jackie Monroe,""Jackaroe," "Jackaro," "Jackie Frazier," "Jack the Sailor," "Jack Went A-Sailing," "The Love of Polly and Jack Monroe.

The first documented existence of the Jack-A-Roe dates from the early 1830s. This was a very popular folk song during the 1960s and 70s. Covered by Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs, and The Grateful Dead. The ballad tells the story of a girl who dresses as a sailor to find her love, Jack the Sailor, after he went missing during a war.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Jack-A-Roe
• Gettysburg
• Remembrance Day
• History
• Sea Shanties
• Pennsylvania
• Civil War
• Little Round Top
• Traditional Music

[btancisback]

This is a very good version of an amazing song.