“The Banks of the Dee (II)”

Description

The singer "heard a maid a-sighing... And, 'Johnny,' she was crying, 'oh how could you leave me?" He recalls leaving her on the spot, and how they promised to be true. He tells her her love was slain in battle, then reveals that he is her love

Notes

Huntington was of the opinion that this was the source for the song "The Banks of Champlain" which he found in the 1838 journal of the _Nautilus_. I disagree. There are several "Banks of the Dee" songs, and the other (to the tune "Langolee") fits "The Banks of Champlain" much better. - RBW

Cross references

  • cf. esp. "John (George) Riley (I)" [Laws N36] and references there

References

  1. SHenry H583, p. 314, "The Banks of [the] Dee" (1 text, 1 tune)
  2. Roud #3814
  3. BI, HHH583

About

Author: unknown
Earliest date: 1935 (Sam Henry collection)
Found in: Ireland