[2] Two or three butchers, variously name Johnson, Dixon, Jinkson, Jackson, Dickie amongst others, are travelling on horseback when they see a naked woman tied up by the side of the road.
[2] Originally printed as a broadside in England in the 17th century by Paul Burges,[3] the ballad made its way to America where it was collected by Randolph in Ozark Folksongs amongst others.
However, in the modern era, the lyrics of the Gryphon and Roy Bailey versions of the song are very similar to the text below: It's of three jolly butchers as I've heard many say: They were going to some market town their money for to pay.
Then Johnson being a valiant man he made those bullets fly, 'Til nine of them bold highwaymen all on the ground did lie.
This wicked woman standing by young Johnson did not mind, She took a knife all from his side and stabbed him from behind.
Then she was down to Newgate brought and bound in irons strong, For killing the finest butcher as ever the sun shone on.