The Ballad of Midsomer County

Come sit by me all you
Fine Lords and Laddies
And I'll tell you the tale
Of young John Henry
He met a fair maiden
One bright May morning
Whence he went a-hunting
In Midsomer County

Pale was the skin
Of the Midsomer maiden
Blue were her eyes
As blue as the sea
And on her fair head
Lay a garland of flowers
Sweet were the roses
Of Midsomer County

Young men don't stray
This maiden will lead you away

Shе brought him ale
And she brought him supper
Frеsh eggs and live eels
For young John Henry
She said, "Eat your fill
And when you are sated
You'll stay with me here
In Midsomer County"

"Alas I cannot stay"
Said young John Henry
"I am bound to another
And soon married I'll be
I thank thee for supper
My kind and fair maiden
But now I must leave here
Midsomer County"

Young men don't stray
This maiden will lead you away

Up went the cry
Of the Midsomer maiden
"For shame and for shame
For you have tricked me
You're bound to me now
And I am your lover
I swear you'll not leave here
Midsomer County"

Cold was the blade
Of the Midsomer maiden
Soft was the neck
Of young John Henry
Warm was the blood
That flowed from his body
Red as the roses
Of Midsomer County

Oh, young men don't stray
This maiden will lead you away