The Ballad Tradition

English and Scottish Ballads

• Date from the 14th & 15th centuries

• Most authors are unknown

• First collected and published during the 18th century

Folk Ballads:Rhymed verse that was either

recited or sung

Typical topics of Folk Ballads:

Murderous acts and the desire for revenge

Tragic accidents and sudden disasters

Heroic deeds motivated by the quest for honor

Jealous sweethearts and unrequited love

Characteristics of English & Scottish Ballads

Dramatize a single incident—the story begins abruptly, often in the middle of the action. Little attention is paid to characterization or background

Little reflection or expression of sentiment—focus is simply on telling what happened rather than on what people think or feel

A strong, simple beat and uncomplicated rhyme scheme, or pattern—they contain repetition of a key word, line or phrase to emphasize ideas, to heighten the emotional content & add musical quality

…Characteristics continued…

Refrain: a regularly repeated line or phrase at the end of each stanza—the refrain allows listeners to join in the chorus and gives them time to remember the verses

The tendency to suggest rather than directly state—ballads often contain sharp psychological portraits and much folk wisdom

Stories that were often based on actual events—these incidents—shipwrecks, murders, accidental deaths—might make headlines today

"Frankie and Johnny were lovers...but he done her

wrong."

“Frankie and Johnny”

Frankie and Johnny began to evolve in the mid-nineteenth century, and has been evolving ever since.  It has no less than a dozen traditional verses, and scores of extras that vary from locality to locality

“Frankie and Johnny”

Listen carefully to the following ballad, keeping in mind the characteristics we just discussed…(no notes required)

Frankie and Johnny were sweethearts

Lordy how they did love They swore to be true to each other

As true as the stars above He was her man He wouldn't do her wrong

“Frankie and Johnny”

Frankie went down to the cornerJust to get a bucket of beerShe said, “Mr. BartenderHas my lovin’ Johnny been here?”He’s my man, he wouldn’t do me wrong

“Frankie and Johnny”

I ain’t gonna tell you no storyI ain’t gonna tell you no lieJohnny left here ‘bout an hour agoWith a gal named Nellie BlyIf he’s your man, he’s doin’ you wrong

“Frankie and Johnny”

Frankie looked over the transom*And much to her surpriseThere on a cot sat JohnnyMaking love to Nellie BlyShe said, “He’s my manBut he’s doin’ me wrong

*a crossbar of wood or stone, dividing a window horizontally.

“Frankie and Johnny”

Frankie pulled back her komonoPulled out her old .44Root-a-toot-toot that gal did shootRight through that hardwood doorShe shot her manBecause he was doin' her wrong

“Frankie and Johnny”

Roll out your rubber tired buggyRoll out your rubber tired hackShe’s taking her man to the graveyardBut she ain’t gonna bring him backShe shot her man…

Because he was doin’ her wrong

“Frankie and Johnny”

This story has no moralThis story has no endThis story goes to showThat you can’t put your trust in menShe shot her manBecause he was doin’ her wrong