Bluegrass Messengers

My Father Gave Me An Acre of Land- Draufield 1853 Child L

[From: Notes and Queries, 1st S., VII, 8. Notes and queries: Volume 7 - Page 8; 1853. The Elfin Knight; Child, Version L; Signed D. (Draufield)

R. Matteson 2011]

"Old Song"

1    My father gave me an acre of land,
      Sing ivy, sing ivy
My father gave me an acre of land.
      Sing green bush, holly and ivy

2    I ploughd it with a ram's horn.
      Sing ivy, sing ivy
I ploughd it with a ram's horn.
      Sing green bush, holly and ivy.

3    I harrowd it with a bramble.
      Sing ivy, sing ivy
I harrowd it with a bramble.
      Sing green bush, holly and ivy

4    I sowd it with a pepper corn.
      Sing ivy, sing ivy
I sowd it with a pepper corn.
      Sing green bush, holly and ivy.

5    I reapd it with my penknife.
      Sing ivy, sing ivy
I reapd it with my penknife.
      Sing green bush, holly and ivy.

6    I carried it to the mill upon the cat's back.
      Sing ivy, sing ivy
I carried it to the mill upon the cat's back.
      Sing green bush, holly and ivy

   * * * (Note: "Then follows some more which I forget but I think it ends thus,")

7    I made a cake for all the king's men.
      Sing ivy, sing ivy
I made a cake for all the king's men.
      Sing green bush, holly and ivy