Classic English and Scottish Ballads from Smithsonian Folkways

The 19th-century scholar Francis James Child meticulously and authoritatively compiled 305 Scottish and English ballads into the highly influential collection known as "Child Ballads." Although Child feared these ballads would vanish from human memory, they continue to be adored, studied, and actively performed across disciplines and genres. Classic English and Scottish Ballads from Smithsonian Folkways (from The Francis James Child Collection) introduces listeners to 21 of these traditional songs from the label’s rich collections at the Smithsonian Institution, and demonstrates the timelessness of their themes—from murder and ghosts to jealousy and unrequited love. 72 minutes, 40-page booklet with extensive notes.

Track Listing

101	Lord Thomas and Fair Ellender (Child No. 73)	Mike Seeger	03:50
102	Golden Vanity (Child No. 286)	Doug Wallin	03:23
103	The Mermaid (Child No. 289)	The Golden Eagle String Band	04:14
104	Mathie Groves (Child No. 81)	Dillard Chandler	06:14
105	The Hanging of Georgie (Child No. 209)	Iron Mountain String Band	01:56
106	Gypsy Davy (Child No. 200)	Margaret MacArthur	01:57
107	Thomas the Rhymer (Child No. 37)	Ewan MacColl	06:52
108	Lady Margaret (Child No. 74)	Pete Seeger	02:51
109	Lord Randall (Child No. 12)	Jean Ritchie	02:54
110	Pretty Polly and False William (Child No. 4)	Paul Clayton	03:46
111	Andrew Batan (Child No. 250)	Warde Ford	03:36
112	Three Nights Drunk (Child No. 274)	The Blue Ridge Buddies with E.C. and Orna Ball	02:36
113	Lord Bateman (Child No. 53)	The New Lost City Ramblers	05:34
114	The Two Sisters (Child No. 10)	Ellen Stekert	01:37
115	Gallis Pole (Child No. 95)	Lead Belly	02:47
116	Lord Barnett (Child No. 68)	Ella Parker	02:35
117	The False Knight upon the Road (Child No. 3)	Artus Moser	02:23
118	Barbara Allen (Child No. 84)	Dan Tate	02:52
119	The Great Silkie of Sule Skerry (Child No. 113)	Paul Clayton	05:03
120	The House Carpenter (Child No. 243)	Dorothy Rorick	02:38
121	The Farmer's Curst Wife (Child No. 278)	Horton Barker	03:07