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High Germany

from Role Call by Jan and Paul Ramsey

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about

A traditional folk song, once known throughout England, Ireland and Scotland, with a history spanning hundreds of years. There are three songs with basically the same words as the one known as High Germany. The version sung here is the best known one, the others being The Two Lovers or True Lovers (Round 1445) and The Wars of Germany (Roud 5608).


The song deals with a young man, usually named “Willy” or “William” and his lover Polly. They are lamenting about his conscription to fight in ‘High Germany’ (referring to the southern, Alpine part of the country). He attempts to convince her to accompany him. Polly professes her love, but declares she is not fit for war. William attempts to change her mind, stating that he will buy her a horse to ride, and that they will eventually wed. Polly still refuses, whilst being aggrieved that her man has been drafted away from her. The historical setting of the ballad is most likely either the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714) or, more likely, the Seven Years’ War. The song was subsequently adapted to fit the Napoleonic Wars (1813-38).


The words seem to have first appeared on broadsides2 in the late 18th Century. Cecil Sharp collected a version in 1906, and Gustav Holst used the melody in A Somerset Rhapsody (1907). Ralph Vaughan Williams also used the melody in the third movement of his English Folk Song Suite (1923).

lyrics

Oh Polly love, oh Polly, the rout has now begun
And we must go a-marching to the beating of the drum
Go dress yourself all in your best and come for a walk with me
I'll take you to the wars me love in High Germany

Oh William love, oh William, come list what I do say
My feet they are so tender, I cannot march away
And besides, my dearest William I am with child by thee
Not fitted for the war, me love, in High Germany

I'll buy for you a horse, me love, and on it you shall ride
And all of my delight shall be in riding by your side
We'll stop at every alehouse and drink when we are dry
Be true to one another, get married by and by

Oh, cursed be them cruel wars that ever they should rise
And out of Merry England press many a man likewise
They pressed my true love from me, likewise my brothers three
And sent them to the war, me love, in High Germany

My friends I do not value my foes I do not fear
For now my love has left me I wander far and near
And when my baby it is born a-smiling on my knee
I'll think on lovely William in High Germany

credits

from Role Call, released January 11, 2023
Traditional

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Jan and Paul Ramsey Grimsby, UK

Jan and Paul first began singing together when they were students. Jan plays guitar and sings lead vocals, and Paul plays single reed harmonica and vocals. They are renowned for their close harmonies. Over the years they have performed extensively in the UK and overseas. They have held various residencies in UK folk clubs and are currently residents at Grimsby Folk Club. ... more

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