English and other Versions- 12A. Billie Boy
[Above is an early broadside from the Bodleian Library that is essentially the same as the frist published version by David Herd in 1776, titled, The Lammy. Macneill's celebrated and popular version, published in The Bee in 1791, is essentially the same as Herd's and may have been his source. There is a close relationship with Child No. 12 Lord Randal as well as a relationship with Bonny Lad, Highland Lad (Russell). The early Scottish versions were in dorian mode and the tune is said to have originated from "Muirland Willie," a melody a century older.
R. Matteson 2011]
CONTENTS:
The Lammy- Herd (Scotland) 1776
My Boy Tammy- Macneill (Scotland) 1791
My Boy Hobbie O- Lord Byron (Parody) 1820
Bottom's Song- Parody of Lammie- 1832
My Boy Willy- Halliwell (Suffolk) c. 1846
My Boy Billy- Halliwell (Yorkshire) c. 1849
My Boy Willy- Bradley 1911; Sharp
Billy Boy- Terry (Northumbrian) 1920
My Boy Tommy O- Riordan (Kerry) 1921
Bonny Lad, Highland Lad- Russell (Upwey) 1930
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Songs from David Herd's Manuscripts
By David Herd
IX. [I AM TO COURT A WIFE]
I
I Am to court a wife,
And I'll love her as my life,
But she is a young thing
And new come frae her minnie. (mother)
II
She's twice six, twice seven,[1]
Twice twenty and eleven,
Alack, she's but a young thing,
And new come frae her minnie!
1 and twice seven.