[Verse]
In Scarlet Town where I was born
There was a fair maid dwelling, made every youth cry
Welladay, her name was Barbara Allen
Born in the merry month of May
When greenbugs, they were swilling
Young Jeremy Grove on his deathbed lay
Poor love of Barbara Allen
He sent his man into the town
To the place where she was dwelling
Says, "Will you come to my master, dear
If your name is Barbara Allen?"
Then slowly, slowly got she up
And slowly camе she nigh him
And all she said when thеre she came
"Young man, I think you're dying"
"Indeed, I'm sick and very sick
And won't get any better
Unless I gain the love of mine
The love of Barbara Allen"
Don't you recall the other night
While at the alehouse drinking
You drank a health to the ladies' round
But slighted Barbara Allen?
And death is printed on his face
And all his heart is stealing
And again he cried as she left his side
Hard-hearted Barbara Allen
As she was walking all the fields, she heard the death-bell tolling
And every toll, it seemed to say
"Hard-hearted Barbara Allen"
When he was dead and laid in grave
Her heart was struck with sorrow
Since Jeremy died for me today, I'll die for him tomorrow
She was buried in yon churchyard
And Jeremy laid anigh her
And from his grave grew a red, red rose
And out of hers, a briar
They grew and grew 'round the old church tower
'Til they could grow no higher
They met and twined in a true love knot
The red rose 'round the briar
The Rose and the Briar was written by Matthew Shaw & Shirley Collins.
The Rose and the Briar was produced by Matthew Shaw.
Shirley Collins released The Rose and the Briar on Fri Jul 30 2021.