Rocky Road (Green Green)

DESCRIPTION: Playparty, with several possible plots, but typical chorus "Green green, rocky road, Some (young) lady's green. Tell me who you love, tell me who you love...." In one game, a girl is called into a circle, calls a boy, and so forth
AUTHOR: unknown
EARLIEST DATE: 1950 (recording, children of Lilly's Chapel School)
KEYWORDS: playparty courting
FOUND IN: US
REFERENCES (2 citations):
Courlander-NegroFolkMusic, p. 154, "(Green, Green, Rocky Road)" (1 text); p. 277, "Green Green Rocky Road" (1 tune, partial text)
Killion/Waller-ATreasuryOfGeorgiaFolklore,pp. 227-228, "Old Green FIeld" (1 text)

Roud #15657 and 18175
RECORDINGS:
Children of Lilly's Chapel School, "Green Green Rocky Road" (on NFMAla6, RingGames1)
ALTERNATE TITLES:
Green Green
Green Green Rocky Road
Red Green
Red Light Green Light
NOTES [84 words]: This should not be confused with the shape-note hymn "Rocky Road," nor with the pop-folk song "Green, Green", both of which are separate songs.
The version of this song usually sung by revival singers was adapted by Len Chandler from the traditional song found in Courlander. The folk-revival version also incorporates lyrics from "Rosie, Darling Rosie," which was also collected and recorded by Courlander. - PJS
Roud separates "Old Green Field" as #18175, but the two songs look very alike to me. - RBW
Last updated in version 5.2
File: CNFM154

Go to the Ballad Search form
Go to the Ballad Index Song List

Go to the Ballad Index Instructions
Go to the Ballad Index Bibliography or Discography

The Ballad Index Copyright 2024 by Robert B. Waltz and David G. Engle.