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Title
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John Barleycorn
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Singer
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Unknown
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Notes
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Alfred Williams - 'John Barleycorn is another ballad that exists in a variety of forms. It is undoubtedly of English origin. The poet Burns gave it a Scotch cast and is said to have improved it, but it will not require a very astute critic to perceive that the English versions, with all their rudeness are much better than the one penned by Burns: they are more pointed, simpler, stronger and truer than his. This ballad was extremely popular in the South, especially at harvest homes. I have given two versions, both current around Highworth and Lechlade. Obtained of Elijah Iles, Inglesham.'
Transcribed and edited by Chris Wildridge, 2007.
