Perhaps the most famous of the old Appalachian ballads brought from across the Atlantic, there are countless versions of Barbara Allen, also known as Bar'bry Allen, Barb'ry Ellen and Barbara Ellen, among other variations. It is over three centuries old. Samuel Pepys refers to it as the "little Scottish tune" in his Diaries in 1666. I's origins are somewhere in the British Isles: Scotland, England and Ireland all claim it, although Scotland is probably the most likely. Versions are found as far afield as Italy and Scandinavia, as well as the US. According to one source, there are over 98 versions of the tune in Virginia alone.
To visit a site with nine versions of the lyrics: Click Here.
To visit a site with three very old variations, presumably closer to the original: Click Here.
Don't forget, the 33rd Hancock County Fall Festival begins one week from today! Saturday, Oct. 3 and Sunday, Oct. 4. For more information: Click Here.
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