Betsy Brown

DESCRIPTION: The singer picks up Betsy Brown in his cart. "Courting," he can't control the cart and gets into trouble with the police for breaking things. He sells the cart to pay the fine. Later he is hauled into court by Betsy for child support. They marry.
AUTHOR: unknown
EARLIEST DATE: before 1867 (broadside, Bodleian Firth b.28(14a))
KEYWORDS: courting marriage bastard crash
FOUND IN: Britain(Scotland(Aber))
REFERENCES (1 citation):
Greig/Duncan7 1451, "Betsy Brown" (1 fragment, 1 tune)
Roud #7150
BROADSIDES:
Bodleian, Firth b.28(14a), "Betsy Brown" or "Riding in a Cart" ("As I walked out one rainy day"), J. Harkness (Preston), 1840-1866; also Firth b.34(39), "Betsy Brown" or "Riding in a Cart"; Harding B 11(259),"Betsy Brown"
NOTES [17 words]: Greig/Duncan7 is a fragment; broadside Bodleian Firth b.28(14a) is the basis for the description. - BS
Last updated in version 2.5
File: GrD71451

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