Fine Knacks for Ladies

[resonant]

I've downloaded a bunch of great music from y'all this year, so I thought it was time to return the favor. This playlist is all traditional folk.

1. Anachie Gordon, by John Wesley Harding, from "Trad Arr Jones."

Up then spoke her father,
And he's spoken with renown:
O you who are her maidens,
Won't you loosen off her gown?

Jeanie loves one man. Her father forces her to marry another.

2. Martinmas Time by Karan Casey, from "Songlines."

And the quartermaster he comes down,
He gives her eighteen pence-O.
Go find your lodgings in the town;
Tonight there comes a wench-O.

A farmer's daughter tricks a whole regiment of soldiers.

3. False Sir John, by Broadside Electric, from "Black-Edged Visiting Card"

This one, unlike the rest, is electrified, folk-rock style. I got this one as a free download from Amazon.com, and they have several others by the same group.

Look down, look down, says False Sir John,
Thy bridal bed to see.
It's seven women have I drowned here,
And the eighth one you shall be.

The bride-killer killed.

4. Run the Riggin' Again, by Alison Kelley, from The Revels, "Homeward Bound"

But taking off my blue coat,
It oftimes made me smile
For to think I lay with a thousand men
And a maiden all the while.

A girl joins the Navy.

5. Captain Wedderburn's Courtship, by Tim Hart and Maddy Prior, from "Folk Songs of Olde England, Volume 2."

O, said the pretty lady,
Before you me perplex,
It's you must answer questions yet,
And that is questions six.

Captain Wedderburn must answer riddles to win a bride.