Georgie- Chandler (OK) 1896 Moore
[From Ballads and Folk-Songs of the Southwest by the Moores, 1964. Their notes follow.
R. Matteson 2013, 2016]
40 Geordie
The "Geordie" of this ballad (Child, No. 209) is probably George Gordon, fourth Earl of Huntly, and the time is 1554. Speaking of the historical events associated with the ballad, Child (IV, 124) notes that "the ballad would be quite as faithful to history as many others." Other references are Belden, 76-78; Chappell, 37; Cox, 135-136; Creighton and Senior, 73-75; Davis, 435-38 ; Gardner and Chickering, 317 ; Greenleaf and Mansfield,40; Journal, Vol. XX,319 (Belden), Vol. XXXII, 504 (Richardson); Ord, 456-57; Randolph, I, 161-165; Scarborough, Song Catcher, 213-15; and Sharp, I, 240-43.
Georgie- Sung by Mrs. I. N. Chandler (OK) 1896 Moore; Learned from Barbara Fugate at Protem, MO in 1896.
As I walked over London bridge,
It was in the morning early;
I thought I heard some damsel say,
I must plead for the life of Georgie.
Go saddle me up my coal-black steed,
And bridle him up so gaily,
I'll ride, I'll ride this lonesome night
To plead for the life of Georgie."
She rode, she rode, till she got there
'Twas in the morning early
She fell upon her bended knees,
Crying, "Spare me the life of Georgie."
Young Georgie walked up and down the hall,
He bidding adieu to many;
But when he came to his own true love,
It grieved him worse then any.
The judge walked up to this damsel fair,
And spoke so very gently;
"Young George must for this crime repay,
We demand the life of Georgie."
Georgie was hanged with a silken rope,
Such ropes there are not many;
Young George was of a noble race,
And was loved by a virtuous lady.