“When the Boys Go A-Courting (Over the Mountain, Poll and Sal)”

Description

The young man goes out courting; the girl thinks him too poor. He borrows his master's horse to impress her. Later, he and his (cousin) go courting together. The girls' mother kicks them out. His mistress punishes him. He keeps chasing girls

Notes

The final verses of this seem to be from "The Keyhole in the Door" or something similar, but the whole song is rather disjointed. What's clear is the motivation: The singer devotes his whole attention to courting and watching girls -- and pays for it, until at last he gets married. - RBW

References

  1. Huntington-Whalemen, pp. 312-314, "Poll and Sal" (1 text, 1 tune)
  2. DT, POLLSAL*
  3. Roud #385
  4. BI, SWMS312

About

Author: unknown
Earliest date: 1817 (Journal from the Herald)