What is the story behind the song Barbara Allen?

“Barbara Allen” (Child 84, Roud 54) is a traditional folk song that is popular throughout the English-speaking world and beyond. It tells of how the eponymous character denies a dying man’s love, then dies of grief soon after his untimely death.

Who wrote The ballad of Barbara Allen?

Roger QuilterBarbara Allen / ComposerRoger Cuthbert Quilter was a British composer, known particularly for his art songs. His songs, which number over a hundred, often set music to text by William Shakespeare and are a mainstay of the English art song tradition. Wikipedia

Who sang the song Barbara Ellen?

Joan BaezBarbara Allen / ArtistJoan Chandos Baez is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and activist. Her contemporary folk music often includes songs of protest and social justice. Baez has performed publicly for over 60 years, releasing over 30 albums. Wikipedia

How old is the song Barbara Allen?

“Barbara Allen” dates back at least to the 17th century. It was perhaps the most commonly sung of tragic ballads from the British Isles that had been carried to the New World by early European settlers.

Who Wrote Lord Randall?

“Lord Randall”, or “Lord Randal”, (Roud 10, Child 12) is an Anglo-Scottish border ballad consisting of dialogue between a young Lord and his mother….Lord Randall.

“Lord Randall”
Written 17th century (earliest known)
Genre Border ballad, folk song
Songwriter(s) Unknown

What does Barbara Allan believe the church bells are saying each time they ring?

Each successive ringing of the “dead-bell,” by means of repetition, captures her obsessive self-awareness, her all-too-powerful sense of guilt encapsulated in “’Woe to Barbara Allan,’” a phrase that also conveys the disapproval and condemnation of the community at large.

What happened to Lord Randall?

The ballad is written in a dialogue form through which Lord Randall is conversing with his mother. The poem is easy to remember because it is written in slant rhyme and incremental repetition. Lord Randall experiences heartache and ultimately death from poisoning.

What is the tone of Barbara Allen?

Within the ballad “Barbara Allan”, the tone of Humor/Petty is used. With Barbara Allan being mad/petty at the fact that John didn’t toast to her specifically, and then committing suicide the day after his death, shows the humor in the ballad, and the pettiness she displays.

What kind of person is Barbara Allen?

Barbara Allan- Very indecisive, and very petty about trivial matters. Seems to be a bit selfish in regards to her feelings, instead of others. John Graeme- Fell in love at a wrong time, and dies a sad death.

Who called for Barbara Allan to come?

Lines 5-8. Sir John sends a servant to fetch Barbara Allan. The servant asks her to hurry and go to Sir John if she is indeed the woman for whom the message is intended, Barbara Allan.

What emotions do they show in Lord Randall?

While Lord Randall’s sadness is not expressed overtly, we see evidence of his melancholy attitude in his emphasis on his physical weariness; in this way, though the poem lacks detailed description of his feelings, we can see emotions projected through Lord Randall’s body.

What country was Lord Randall written?

“Lord Randal” is a traditional Scottish ballad. Scholars believe its original source to be an Italian ballad, “L’Avvelenato.” The earliest printing of this Italian version exists in a 1629 advertisement for a performance by a singer in Verona, in which excerpts of the ballad appear.