Molly Vaughan- Phoebe Smith (Suffolk) 1969 REC
[From the recording, "The Voice of the People Volume 3, track 17," Phoebe Smith, 1998 (rec 1969), "Once I Had A True Love" TSDL193. Liner notes follow. Her version, once titled "Molly Varden," was recorded first in 1956 (BBC recording 23099) by Peter Kennedy.
Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqjgda7Ci-c
R. Matteson 2016]
Once a traveller, Phoebe Smith was settled in her East Anglian home at the time of these recordings. She sings in the distinctive, highly dramatic style of the travellers, and excels in traditional ballads. “One of the finest performers.”
Molly Vaughan- sung by Phoebe Smith from East Anglia, 1969. Transcription Gardham/Matteson.
As I went a-shooting, till a shower came on;
With her apron bound round her, taking her for a swan.
And it's through my sad misfortune, I shot my own Molly Vaughan.
Molly Vaughan dear, I love you, you were my own heart's delight
And it's if you were alive, I would have wed you this night.
It were home to his uncle, like lightning dew fell
"Dearest uncle, dearest uncle, for it's what shall do?
It is through my sad misfortune, I shot my dear Molly Vaughan."
"Stay in your own native country, and don't run away.
For I'm sure you will be righted, by the laws of this land."
There were judges and juries, and there's no one could see,
And a vicelord like thunder saying, "Hanging must be."
And she appeared all there among them like a fountain of snow.
There were judges and juries, saying, "Hanging must be,"
She said, "Don't you hang my true love, for my true love, loved me."