Blacksmith (song)

[5] Several traditional singers from the south of England have recorded versions of the song, such as the travellers Phoebe Smith (1969)[6] and Caroline Hughes (1963/66),[7] Harry Brazil of Gloucestershire, George "Pop" Maynard of Sussex (1962),[8] Tom Willett of Surrey (1960),[9] Charlie Scamp of Kent (1954).

[10] The recordings of Tom Willet, Phoebe Smith, Caroline Hughes and George "Pop" Maynard can be heard via the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library website.

Maddy Prior (of Steeleye Span) also sings an a cappella version of the song on her solo album Ballads and Candles (2000).

[11] (collected by Ralph Vaughan Williams from Ellen Powell, 1909) A blacksmith courted me, nine months or better He bravely 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

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 loved a one and he proved deceitful