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The earliest known Scots text of this fine ballad dates from the late 1790s. The Scots texts are full narratives, with characterisations and humour, often ending with Geordie riding off with his true love who has begged - literally - for his freedom. The English texts are more of the "goodnight" broadside type, dating back to several 17th-century sets. Some scholars say that these latter were the orihginal and that the Scots set was adapted from them. Manu of the texts collected since do not state exactly what Georgie has done to earn the death penalty - in the earlier texts he was no common thied but a man intent on keeping common lands open to folk for grazing and hunting. My version was originally taken from the singing of Mrs. Evelyn Skaggs of Wayton, Arkansas.

lyrics

As I walked over old London's Bridge
It was in the morning early,
There I espied a most pretty fair maid
Lamenting for her Georgie.

She said, Now saddle to me my black,
Bridle him right gaily,
And I will ride now this livelong night
And beg for the life of Georgie.

She rode, she rode until she came there,
It was in the morning early,
Down on her bended kneed she fell
Saying, Spare the life of Georgie!

She now took out her purse of gold
Crying, Lawyers, money a-plenty!
Just fee yourself now and think on me
And plead for the life of Georgie!

Then Georgie's lawyer he rose up
Says, I've nothing at all against him.
By his own confession now he must die
And the Lord have mercy on him.

The judge looked over his left shoulder;
He looked both sad and sorry;
My pretty fair maid, you have come too late,
Georgie's gonna be hung tomorrow.

Georgie walked up and down the hall,
Bidding adieu to many,
But when he came to his own true love
That grieved him worse than any.

Georgie was hanged in them golden chains,
Such chains you don't see many;
Georgie he come of a noble race
And loved a virtuous lady.

Georgie is buried in Harlan State
And over him grows a willow,
With a marble slab at his head and feet
And his true love's arm for a pillow.

credits

from Blood & Roses Volume 3, released September 14, 1982
Peggy Seeger -vocals

Produced by Neill MacColl
Engineered by Nick Godwin
Recorded at Pathway Studios, London

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Ewan MacColl London, UK

This site is maintained by the MacColl family, aiming to make Ewan's catalogue available to download.
Ewan MacColl is known to most as a songwriter and singer, but he was also of significant influence in the worlds of theatre and radio broadcasting. His art reached huge numbers through the folk clubs, greater numbers through his recordings and untold millions through the radio. ... more

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