“The Ploughboy (I)”
Description
In this confused composite of floating verses, the ploughboy courts Molly, but then departs to become a soldier. He will build Molly a castle and take her away. She nonetheless rejects him
Notes
This song consists almost entirely of floating material (see the cross-references), and is fairly incoherent as a result. The largest element is "Green Grows the Laurel" (to such an extent that it's almost a version of that song), but there are plenty of other elements. The composite probably didn't circulate widely as an independent entity. - RBW
"[O]ne source credits Charles Dibdin as its author," according to Yates, Musical Traditions site _Voice of the People suite_ "Notes - Volume 5" - 25.8.02. - BS
My guess would be that Dibdin is responsible for some of the floating material; on that basis, I have not listed him in the "author" field, even as a possibility. - RBW
Cross references
- cf. "Green Grows the Laurel (Green Grow the Lilacs)" (floating lyrics)
- cf. "The Streams of Lovely Nancy" (floating lyrics)
- cf. "The Blackbird and Thrush" (theme)
Recordings
- Lizzie Higgins, "Lovely Molly" (on Voice05)
References
- SHenry H780, p. 345-346, "The Ploughboy" (1 text, 1 tune)
- Roud #1446
- BI, HHH780