John Riley
 Versions
Commentary
Lyrics
Versions
| Version |
Length |
Source |
Availability |
Studio
 |
3:16 |
Australian Still Hanging 'Round single. |
Extremely rare. |
Recommended Version.
Commentary
One of the more unusual songs in the Hunters and Collectors back catalogue is
this rare track, a remake of a traditional song called "John Riley".
The original version is by B. Gibson and R. Neff and the
lyrics can be found
here.
Musically this version is simply an
acoustic guitar with Mark singing. The effect is a beautiful
laid back track that showcases Mark's voice in a truly spectacular way. The song
itself is a tale set many years ago of devoted love.
~ Stuart
Lyrics
There was a maid in a garden
And a strange young man came riding
by
And he said "Fair maid will you
marry me?"
And this to him was her reply
"Oh no kind sir, I can not marry
thee
For I've a love who sails across the
sea
And he's been gone for seven years
And I'll be true to his memory"
"What if he's in some battle
slain?
Or drowned in the deep salt sea?
Or what if he's found another love?
And he and she both marry thee"
"But if he's in some battle
slain
Then I shall die when the moon doth wane
And if he's drowned in the deep salt
sea
Then I'll be true to his memory
But if he's found another love
He and she both marry thee
Then I wish them health and happiness
Where they live across the sea"
Well he picked her up
In his arms so strong
And he gave her kissed
One two three
He said "come my love
Come with me
For I'm your long lost John
Riley"
He said "come my love
Come with me
For I'm your long lost John
Riley"
[Bob Gibson and Ricky Neff]
|
