Listen to this song!
Sam Hall
On February 4, 1921
James Craig succeeds Edward Carson as Ulster unionist leader, and later, on the 7th of June becomes the first Prime Minister of Northern Ireland.
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The Blacksmith
(Trad)
A blacksmith courted me, nine months and better
He fairly won my heart, wrote me a letter
With his hammer in his hand he looked quite clever
And if I was with my love I'd live forever

But where is my love gone, with his cheeks like roses?
And his good black billycup gone decked round with primroses
I'm afraid the scorching sun will shine and burn his beauty
And if I was with my love I'd do my duty

Strange news is come to town, strange news is carried
Strange news flies up and down, that my love is married
I wish them both much joy, though they can't hear me
And may God reward him well for the slighting of me

Don't you remember when you lay beside me?
And you said you'd marry me and not deny me
If I said I'd marry you, it was only for to try you
So bring your witness love, and I'll not deny you

Oh, witness have I none, save God Almighty
And may He reward you well, for the slighting of me
Her lips grew pale and wan, it made her poor heart tremble
To think she'd loved the one and he proved deceitful
This Southern English song uses the “blacksmith” as an epitome of virility, with the hammer filling the bill as a phallic symbol.
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to the Ballad Archive:
1. The McGregors
2. The Bloody Sarks
3. The Irish Pub
4. The Catalpa
5. The Galway Girl
MOST POPULAR BALLADS
in February:
1. Ireland's Call
2. A Mother's Love Is A Blessing
3. The Raggle Taggle Gypsy
4. The Soldier's Song
5. All For Me Grog
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of all time:
1. Ireland's Call
2. The Soldier's Song
3. The Raggle Taggle Gypsy
4. After The Ball Is Over
5. All For Me Grog