High Germany (Roud 904), is a traditional folk song, once known throughout England, Ireland and Scotland, with a history spanning hundreds of years.
"Willy" attempts to persuade her to change her mind, stating that he will buy her a horse to ride, and that they will eventually wed. "Polly" still refuses and laments that her man has been drafted away from her.
[1] Cecil Sharp collected a version in 1906,[3] and successfully encouraged Gustav Holst to use the melody in A Somerset Rhapsody (1907).
Ralph Vaughan Williams later used the melody in the third movement of his famous English Folk Song Suite (1923).
Countless versions of the ballad have been found,[4] including numerous recordings, several of which are available online.