jean and edna ritchie sing four marys

the ritchie sisters sitting on the porch in viper ky. singing the four marys. Filmed by George Pickow in 1966.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• jean
• ritchie
• folk
• dulcimer
• banjo
• kentucky

[slitmjst]

This is an anglizised version of this song, When I learned it at school 55 years ago the first verse was as follows,

Yestreen the queen had four marys

The nicht she'l hae bit three

there was mary Seaton, Mary Beaton, Mary carmichel and me

[georgepickow]

Well, my Dad said HIS grandparents used to sing in in the older language. I guess we got "Appalachianized" over the years. First of our ancestors landed (perhaps in Virginia) from Scotland in 1768. Jean

[vintagerose2]

Thank you for this. It's a glimpse into the past. I feel like I'm on the porch with them.

[peglegsam]

absolutely amazing video, a beauty, thanks a lot for posting jean and george :)

[lmhartley]

I've got goosebumps! Sounds just the way my Nana and her sister sang it in Dumfrieshire Scotland in the early 60s! They'd both be over well 100 now and they had it from their mother. The tune is spot on. Brought a tear to my eye.

[Nefigreenday]

@slitmjst you're right, I found those lyrics in Virgina Wolf's ''A room of one's own''.

[JacksonsArmyWife]

That porch has not changed one bit this whole time! cant wait for our next reunion so I can hear my Aunt Jean sIng. Her voice is always lovely

[MyMoppet52]

I am sending words in an email. They don't fit here. Her version is beautiful and has been sung for quite a while. Several years ago I researched & song is a number in the Childs Book...or whatever the official book is called. Her tune is rather different. The story is pretty accurate. It explained who the people were & what happened. It is very sad, since it happened even if in a tiny bit different manner. Hope you enjoy. It is on utube as Mary Hamilton if you want to listen. Enjoy!

[crc778Hypnodoc]

@MyMoppet52 Yes please if you could, thank you very much

[MyMoppet52]

@crc778Hypnodoc This is the song that Joan Baez sings. One of the Mary's got pregnant by the Lord (or King). He promised to protect her, but she was executed. It is a lovely song. I don't have all the words but could find them if you still wanted them. Let me know.

[skylersdad100]

OMG. Two true ladies sitting on the porch singing.  There is nothing as heavenly. Thanks so much for posting this.

[crc778Hypnodoc]

Brilliant, does anyone have the words to this song?

[senderti]

amazing video

[idlechatter1234]

Eerie, how alike they sound!!