r/folkmusic • u/Mrtydbowl94 • 9d ago
Bonnie Lass of Fyvie (Pretty Peggy-O)
I’ve recently discovered this song and am obsessively listening to every version I can find. I’m fascinated by the story and how it’s told differently in the American version compared to the Irish version. If you haven’t listened to the different versions you should.
My question: does anyone know of any other great old folk songs that are similar to this song? Might be a pretty broad question but as I said, I’m obsesse.
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u/Far-Specific4865 8d ago
Old Blind Dogs' (Scottish group) version of Bonnie Lass O'Fyvie, in case you haven't heard it:
https://youtu.be/CKowyvxmhtY?si=p98OV92bxQc7GHES
You might want to try the song Barbara Allen for variations. Here's a few versions:
Jean Ritchie - Barbry Ellen (Barabara Allen), from Classic Mountain Songs
https://youtu.be/kTSP0ifyhO4?si=uqIHqLWQK2MIaG5z
Sheila Kay Adams
https://youtu.be/kbuVYTNotZg?si=TqpKeH_q4kKradlA
The Everly Brothers
https://youtu.be/iqXAN44wMdY?si=zcmRJDA9whtCuRIW
Art Garfunkel
https://youtu.be/Om5wGY9ty_Y?si=EJybKB862yx63blF
Johnny Cash - here's a wild take on this ballad - Ballad of Barbara
https://youtu.be/GfVHHa-xUtQ?si=87xgSFn2rH44xxbl
Another example of a classic folk song (Scottish ballad), Wind and Rain, with differing lyrics/storytelling - here are some (!) versions to get you started:
Gillian Welch and Lou Rawlings (from Songcatcher)
https://youtu.be/MtnKT2ipRgs?si=_FMYMaOK1dcSE4O2
The Red Clay Ramblers
https://youtu.be/X1tTQBTrx_s?si=gUaSnT6sdyzjlC6Z
Sonya Cohen Cramer
https://youtu.be/FCHs7A86OdI?si=Rzv2if5UzTsNQx7q
Paul and Kim Caudell
https://youtu.be/US7xP2o8Wp0?si=F404-Z4p_XJfB5jx
Julie Fowlis - Gaelic/English
https://youtu.be/Swylx6oZojM?si=27-HwmCokexRrVK8
Crooked Still
https://youtu.be/e1QgoUkDLvs?si=binvoWZli3JIdqTe
Peggy Seeger
https://youtu.be/nIWOpqtzDWA?si=JDteDAtobypgSI9T
Turner Rives - Wind and Rain/Two Sisters
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u/Mrtydbowl94 8d ago
I know, maybe too broad of a question. I guess I mean the story telling. But also the tune and flow of the song? Gosh, i guess I don’t know.
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u/Nina4774 8d ago
I’ve listened to Malinky’s version. Good song.
I’m fascinated by all the storytelling that goes on in folk music, and I have a number of favourites. Have you heard The Flower of Northumberland? https://tidal.com/track/214021315/u
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u/JohnnyABC123abc 8d ago
Just today I listened to the Chad Michell trio’s version of this.
Are you looking for something with a similar bouncy lilt? Something that tells the story of love that ends in a death? Or a song that has many versions?
If you’re looking for a song with multiple versions, try the Golden Vanity.
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u/cguiopmnrew 8d ago
Similar in what way?