“Nelly the Milkmaid”

Description

Nelly, coming home from the wake (a country dance, not a funeral), is seduced, her ravisher, sometimes named Roger, assuring her he was merely "shooting at the cat." In some versions she gives birth to a son whom she names Shoot the Cat.

Recordings

• O. J. Abbott, "Nellie Coming Home from the Wake" (on Abbott1)

References

1. Randolph-Legman I, pp. 169-172, "Nelly the Milkmaid" (2 texts, 1 tune)
2. Fowke/MacMillan 62, "Nellie Coming Home From the Wake" (1 text, 1 tune)
3. Roud #1606
4. BI, RL169