Broadside ballad entitled 'Woo'd and married and a'

Verse 1: 'The Bride came in from the Barn, / and she was dighting her Cheeks, / How can I be married to Day / that has neither Blankets nor Sheets / I have neither Blankets nor Sheets / & wants a Covering too / The Bride that has a things to borrow / has e'en right meckle to dow.' The text beneath the title reads 'Sung by Mr Lauder at the little Theatre in the Hay Market.' This broadside was published by J. Oswald in St Martin's Church Yard, probably in London. Early ballads were dramatic or humorous narrative songs derived from folk culture that predated printing. Originally perpetuated by word of mouth, many ballads survive because they were recorded on broadsides. Musical notation was rarely printed, as tunes were usually established favourites. The term 'ballad' eventually applied more broadly to any kind of topical or popular verse. Although the composer is not credited on the broadside, this song is known to have been written by Alexander Ross (1699-1784), an Aberdeenshire man who studied at Marischal College in Aberdeen before becoming a schoolteacher. His work, which also included the play 'Helenore', was admired by Robert Burns (1759-1796). The 'Mr Lauder' cited as the song's performer is probably Harry Lauder (1870-1950), the Portobello-born music-hall singer who began his professional career in the 1890s and went on to achieve international renown in the 20th century.

Collection

Popular Print in Scotland, 1650-1850

Inventory Number

4502013

Title

Broadside ballad entitled 'Woo'd and married and a'

Object Type

PhysicalObject

Measurements

- 200 x 328mm