I believe where this song comes from, “gypsy” was about as low and hated as it got. But one is the Hero here, in a song that wasn’t made by gypsies. Surely then there is something beyond ones lowest fortune, if a gypsy can win a great lady with only a song. What qualities about the Gypsy might be preferable to those of a Great Lord?
Located under “Black Jack Davy,” is an eighteenth century offspring.
Button above: John Scott.
Keys: Am. Written, Dm.
“Child No. 20 (J)” on the song sheet refers a collection of early English songs compiled by Harvard Professor Francis James Child (1825-1896) which is regarded as a seminal work, Early English songs, The English and Scottish Ballads.