Geordie (ballad)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Geordie is Child ballad 209, existing in many variants.
Contents |
[edit] Synopsis
The "Geordie" of the title is taken for a crime, to hang; it may be rebellion, murder, horse-stealing, or poaching deer. His wife (or lady) goes to appeal for his life, sometimes refusing offers to marry her, once widowed, along the way.
She pleads for his life, mentioned the children she had borne him, usually seven, or twelve; she may still be pregnant with the youngest, or the youngest has never seen his father. A ransom is set, and many people give her money, which adds up to enough to buy his life.
[edit] Adaptations
- One of the earliest versions is by folk legend Joan Baez, who included a live performance of the song on her first live album in 1962.
- The British folk rock band Trees included it on On the Shore album.
[edit] See also
The Laird O Logie features another woman pleading for her lover's life.
The Maid Freed from the Gallows depicts the condemned pleading for a stay of execution while the ransom may yet arrive.
[edit] External links
 |
This folk song-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
