John Barleycorn Must Die was one of the first albums I ever owned. Steve did an incredible job reimagining a song that goes back several hundred years. I was just a kid and didn't understand the symbolism. It wasn't until a few years later, hearing Steeleye Span's version, that I realized he was actually the personification of adult beverages. I love the contrast in the last verses between the two. Traffic:
The huntsman he can't hunt the fox, nor so loudly to blow his horn
And the tinker he can't mend kettle nor pot
Without a little barleycorn
Steeleye:
They've worked their will on poor John Barleycorn, but he's lived to tell the tale
For they pour him out of an old brown jug and they call him home-brewed ale
Like most Gillian Welch songs, this is beautiful and haunting. She and David Rawlings put on a heck of a good show, too. Just the two of them, picking and singing, no other accompaniment, no percussion, doesn't need anything else.
May be more than a wee bit of a stretch relating to the theme but a great tune from a great live album….Lonnie Donegan, Van, and Chris Barber. My thanks to Hoops66 for bringing Lonnie Donegan up!
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.