Name: John Riley
Duration: P00H03M12S
Description: A traditional English folk song that is also known under many other titles as: Johnny Riley; Pretty Fair Miss; The Brisk Young Sailor; The Single Soldier; The Broken Token; and A Fair Young Maid All in her Garden, to name but a few! Whatever the name, the song is derived from Homer's Odyssey, interpreted through the 17th century English folk ballad tradition.

John Riley

from Role Call by Jan and Paul Ramsey

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about

A traditional English folk song that is also known under many other titles as: Johnny Riley; Pretty Fair Miss; The Brisk Young Sailor; The Single Soldier; The Broken Token; and A Fair Young Maid All in her Garden, to name but a few! Whatever the name, the song is derived from Homer's Odyssey, interpreted through the 17th century English folk ballad tradition.

lyrics

Fair young maid all in a garden
Strange young man passer by
Says fair maid will you marry me
This then sir was her reply

Oh no kind sir I cannot marry thee
For I’ve 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 drownded in the deep South Sea
What if he's found another love
And he and his love both married be

If he's on some battle slain
I will die when the moon doth wain
If he’s drowned in the deep South Sea
I’ll be true to his memory

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

He’s picked her up all in his arms
And kisses gave her one two three
Saying weep no more my own true love
I am your own John Riley

credits

from Role Call, released January 11, 2023
Traditional

license

about

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

jprfolk.com

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