Inspired by the release of Amy Jeff's book 'Old Songs. Stories of Love and Death from Traditional Ballards', illustrated by Gwen Burns, we asked our Members what their favourite Old Songs were. They did not disappoint!
Here we've gathered together examples of these songs, from manuscripts in our archives where possible, and recordings by a range of artists and musicians.
Listen to a playlist of all the tunes on YouTube
I’m sure mine changes regularly, but right now it’s 'Dark Eyed Sailor'. I’m just a sucker for broken token songs and it has one of those timeless classic melodies. - Mick Jenkinson
Dark Eyed Sailor, Sep 1898, Lucy Broadwood Collection. LEB/2/63/6
Roud number 265
The old song I sing most is "The Leaves of Life".
I love the tune and the words tell a story that draws people in. It is a Christian tale, yet it speaks to all people. - Stella Redburn
Leaves Of Life, Aug 1923. Cecil James Sharp Collection. CJS2/9/3373
Roud Number 127
'Thorney Moor Woods' - Jane McGraw
In Thorney Moor Woods. May 1923. Cecil James Sharp Collection CJS2/10/4949
Roud number 222
Lou Killen
'Spencer The Rover'- learned from the Copper Family. I love the way this song’s character, experiencing mental health problems, finds revelation in nature and basic food (“it tasted more sweeter than the gold he had wasted”) and fulfilment in unconditional family love. Robin Williamson once told me that he considers it the greatest English folk song - and I wouldn’t disagree with him! - Stephen Hunt
Spencer The Rover. Oct 1919. Clive Carey Manuscript Collection CC/1/330
Roud number 1115
Look out for the article in the next issues of Members' only magazine EDS, by Andy Turner on Spencer The Rover.
One of the old songs I use a lot is 'An Acre of Land'. This is great for children they and love the nonsense of it. They also love to create their own silly verses.
It’s also great for encouraging solo singing. Soloists can sing the first and/or third line, and then everybody else joining in for lines two and four. We also get a lovely contrast of the one voice and then the gusto of everybody singing together. I find this to be particularly great for Primary School aged children.
Older children love the minor sound of 'The Keys of Canterbury.' It also tells good story, as does 'Reuben Ranzo', which also gives great opportunities for solo singing.
So many wonderful songs for all ages, although you do have to pick them carefully! - Angela Fogg
An Acre of Land Aug 1904. Ralph Vaughan Williams Folk Song Collection RVW2/2/131
Roud number 21093
The Keys of Canterbury Apr 1909 George Gardiner Collection GG/1/21/1357
Roud number 573
Reuben Ranzo Anne Geddes Gilchrist Papers AGG/3/155/6
Roud number 3282
The song I find myself singing most is 'Jack Hall', I like the way Walter Pardon sings it, so try to channel a bit of that.... A mixture of mischief and defiance.... - Richard Foster
Jack Hall Alfred Williams Folk Song Collection. AW/1/52
The song I sing most often is T'he Banks of Sweet Primroses', specifically the June Tabor version. It has a beautiful melody and ends with the the lovely and optimistic lines:
For many a dark and a cloudy morning
Turns out to be a bright sunshiny day - David Sidonio
I sing 'Banks of the sweet primroses' most often, as in my opinion, it is the epitome of what an English folk song is. - John Patrick Stait
Banks Of Sweet Primroses Jan 1904 Cecil James Sharp Collection CJS2/10/108
2 songs learnt from the McPeake record, I enjoy the tunes: 'The Next Market Day' and 'Verdant Braes of Skreen' - Mo Waddington
The Next Market Day - see the lyrics on Lyric Playground
Verdant Braes of Skreen - see the lyrics on Mainly Norfolk
The old songs I remember include 'The Taylor and The Mouse' by Shirley Collins and 'Green Grow The Rushes Oh...' My mum sung them on regular long car journeys to Kent. Think she began when I was about 3 years old.
Both songs remind me of my mum, the joy of storytelling through song and the rare times my mother sang. - Stella Chevalier
The Taylor and The Mouse - see the lyrics on Mainly Norfolk
Green Grow the Rushes. Aug 1909. Ralph Vaughan Williams Collection RVW2/1/151
