“Kelly the Pirate (II)”
Description
A British warship is commanded to guard merchant vessels. The warship meets Bold Kelly, who refuses to surrender. The pirate ship is taken and Kelly sent to prison
Notes
Several pirates named Kelly/Kelley are known from the late seventeenth century, notably James Kelley, an associate of Captain Kidd hanged in 1701. But their circumstances do not seem to match this song. - RBW
References
- Laws K32, "Kelly the Pirate II"
- Peacock, pp. 846-847, "Kelly the Pirate" (1 text, 1 tune)
- Mackenzie 81B, 81C, "Kelly the Pirate" (2 texts, 1 tune)
- DT 566, KELPIR2 KELPIR3
- Roud #1625
- BI, LK32