Butcher's Boy
First recording and first release by Kelly Harrell (January 7, 1925 / February 27, 1925)
- Written by
- [Traditional]
- Language
- English
- Comments
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[Roud 409; Laws P24; Ballad Index LP24; Bodleian Roud 409; trad.]
The song is typically known as a Broadside ballad. It tells the tragic tale of a young girl (usually from London City/Town), who commits suicide after being jilted by her lover (a butcher's boy usually named Willie) who left her for another of higher stature. Her father finds her dead body, along with a note dictating her final wishes.
There is an American variant of the story called "Railroad Boy" that replaces the butcher's boy with a railroad boy but tells the same tragic story. Jean Ritchie recorded the song as "Go Dig My Grave" (using the railroad boy). Ritchie registered her version but it's essentially the same song (she just sings the verses in a different order). Frank Proffitt recorded another variant of the same theme called "Morning Fair" - Licensing
- Request a synchronization license