“Jamie Douglas”
Description
The singer laments that her happy marriage to Lord James Douglas has been ruined by accusations made by (Blackwood). She tries to convince her husband that she is true. He will not be convinced, and sends her away
Notes
Although based on actual events, the stress of this song seems rather different from the history outlined by Child. That this song is akin to "Waly, Waly" is beyond doubt; too many of the lyrics of the former show up in the latter. "Waly, Waly" has, however, achieved a life of its own (despite the near-compete loss of plot), and so is listed separately.
Most scholars think this the older song, but there are those who hold out for the influence passing the other way -- i.e. that verses from "Waly Waly" have entered "Jamie Douglas." - RBW
Cross references
- cf. "Waly Waly (The Water is Wide)" (lyrics)
References
- Child 204, "Jamie Douglas" (17 texts)
- Bronson 204, "Jamie Douglas" (8 versions including "Waly, Waly")
- BarryEckstormSmyth pp. 469-474, "Jamie Douglas" (notes and scattered stanzas, plus a text of "Waly Waly" and a part of Child A)
- Leach, pp. 546-551, "Jamie Douglas (3 texts, but the third is "Waly Waly")
- Friedman, p. 101, "Jamie Douglas" (2 texts, but the second is "Waly Waly")
- OBB 87, "Jamie Douglas" (1 text)
- Roud #87
- BI, C204