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Love and Murder

[ Roud 15 ; Laws P36 ; Ballad Index LP36 ; trad.]

This grim song is on the Halliard's album The Halliard : Jon Raven; originally published in 1968 and reissued on CD in 1997. Later, this recording was also included in the Halliard's CD Broadside Songs.

Lyrics

In Worcester town and in Worcestershire
A youthful young damsel she lived there
A young man he courted her to be his too
And him for his trade was a ship's carpenter

The king wanted men for to go upon sea
Which caused this damsel to sigh and to say
Oh Billy oh Billy don't you go to sea
Oh don't you remember what you promised me

Early early one morning before it was day
He went to his Polly these words he did say
Oh Polly Oh Polly you must go with me
Before we are married my friends for to see

He led her through woods and the valleys so deep
Which caused this maiden to sigh and to weep
Oh Billy oh Billy you've led me astray
On purpose my innocent life to betray

It is true it is true these words you have said
For all this night I've been digging your grave
The grave being open and she standing by
Which caused this maiden to sigh and to cry

Oh Billy oh Billy please pardon my life
I never will covet for to be your wife
I'll travel the country to set you free
If that you will pardon my baby and me

No pardon here is there's no time for to stand
With that he had a sharp knife in his hand
He stabbed her heart till the blood ran through
And into her grave her fair body he threw

He covered her up so safe and secure
Thinking no-one could find her of that he was sure
He went upon board for to sail the world round
Before this murder ever was found

Early early one morning before it was day
Our captain came up and these words he did say
There's a murder on board which has lately been done
Our ship is in mourning we cannot sail on

Oh then up steps one and indeed it's not me
Then up steps another and indeed it's not me
At length up steps Billy and this he did swear
Indeed it's not me I vow and declare

As he was turning from the captain with speed
He met with his Polly which made his heart bleed
She ripped him she tore him she tore him in three
Because that he murdered her baby and she

Acknowledgements

Transcribed by Garry Gillard.