Barley Straw 'Tis of a jolly old farmer Who lived in the west country. He had the finest daughter That ever my eyes did see. 'Tis of a rich young squire, 'Was living there close by, And he found he wouldn't be easy Until he'd had a try. So he dressed himself as a tinker And he travelled on his way. Until he came to the farmer's house 'Was standing there close by. "Oh, have you got any kettles or Pots or pans to mend. Oh, have you got any lodgings Me being a single man". "Oh, yes" replied this pretty fair maid, Not thinking any harm. "Oh, you can stay with us all night If you sleep in our old barn". So after tea was over And she went to make his bed, The tinker following after He stole her maidenhead. The tinker, he being nimble He jumped up and he barred the door, And she spent all night in the tinkers arms Amongst the Barley Straw. "Oh, since you've slept with me all night Don't think of me none the worse". He's put his hand in his pocket and Pulled out a heavy purse. "Here's fifty pound I will give to you To pay the nurse's fee, And if ever I came this way again, Fair maid I will marry thee". "Oh, since you cannot now marry me, Pray tell to me your name. Likewise your occupation And where and whence you came". He's whispered softly in her ear "Oh they call me Davey Shore, And if ever I came this way again, You'll remember the Barley Straw". Now six month being over, And the nine month coming on, This pretty little fair maid Is the mother of a son. Her father cried "Oh, daughter dear, Who has done you this harm". "Oh, I'm afraid it was the old tinker Who slept in our old barn". Recorded by Martin Carthy IP
Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!