The Ballad Tradition

English and Scottish Ballads Date from the 14 th & 15 th centuries Most authors are unknown First collected and published during the 18 th century

Folk Ballads: Rhymed verse that was either recited or sung Typical topics of Folk Ballads:  Murderous acts and the desire for revenge  Tragic accidents and sudden disasters  Heroic deeds motivated by the quest for honor  Jealous sweethearts and unrequited love

Characteristics of English & Scottish Ballads Dramatize a single incident— the story begins abruptly, often in the middle of the action. Little attention is paid to characterization or background Little reflection or expression of sentiment— focus is simply on telling what happened rather than on what people think or feel A strong, simple beat and uncomplicated rhyme scheme, or pattern— they contain repetition of a key word, line or phrase to emphasize ideas, to heighten the emotional content & add musical quality

…Characteristics continued… Refrain: a regularly repeated line or phrase at the end of each stanza— the refrain allows listeners to join in the chorus and gives them time to remember the verses The tendency to suggest rather than directly state— ballads often contain sharp psychological portraits and much folk wisdom Stories that were often based on actual events— these incidents—shipwrecks, murders, accidental deaths— might make headlines today

"Frankie and Johnny were lovers...but he done her wrong." “Frankie and Johnny” Frankie and Johnny began to evolve in the mid- nineteenth century, and has been evolving ever since. It has no less than a dozen traditional verses, and scores of extras that vary from locality to locality

“Frankie and Johnny” Listen carefully to the following ballad, keeping in mind the characteristics we just discussed… (no notes required) Frankie and Johnny were sweethearts Lordy how they did love They swore to be true to each other As true as the stars above He was her man He wouldn't do her wrong

“Frankie and Johnny” Frankie went down to the corner Just to get a bucket of beer She said, “Mr. Bartender Has my lovin’ Johnny been here?” He’s my man, he wouldn’t do me wrong

“Frankie and Johnny” I ain’t gonna tell you no story I ain’t gonna tell you no lie Johnny left here ‘bout an hour ago With a gal named Nellie Bly If he’s your man, he’s doin’ you wrong

“Frankie and Johnny” Frankie looked over the transom* And much to her surprise There on a cot sat Johnny Making love to Nellie Bly She said, “He’s my man But he’s doin’ me wrong *a crossbar of wood or stone, dividing a window horizontally.

“Frankie and Johnny” Frankie pulled back her komono Pulled out her old.44 Root-a-toot-toot that gal did shoot Right through that hardwood door She shot her man Because he was doin' her wrong

“Frankie and Johnny” Roll out your rubber tired buggy Roll out your rubber tired hack She’s taking her man to the graveyard But she ain’t gonna bring him back She shot her man… Because he was doin’ her wrong

“Frankie and Johnny” This story has no moral This story has no end This story goes to show That you can’t put your trust in men She shot her man Because he was doin’ her wrong