Handsome Molly

from Born To Be Mild: 1st Demo Album by David A. Harley

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about

This traditional song (Roud 454) may have come originally from the UK, but in the 20th century came back to us in various versions ('Handsome Molly', 'Loving Hannah') probably via Jean Ritchie and Peggy Seeger, among others. I first heard 'Handsome Molly' from Topsy Christie in the 1960s: I didn't learn that version at the time, but when I assembled a version of my own, I tried to get the same ballad-y sort of feel rather than the commonly-heard bluegrass version.

The lyric somes from a variety of sources: The lyric is not dissimilar to Doc Watson’s, but his version is faster and more bluegrass-y, with a tune somewhat reminiscent of ‘Poor Ellen Smith’.

I sometimes hear this sung with the second verse sung as a chorus.

lyrics

I wish was in London
Or some other seaport town
I’d set foot on a steamboat
And I’d sail the ocean round

Sailing on the ocean
Or sailing on the sea
I’d think of handsome Molly
Wherever she may be

I went down to church last Sunday
And as she passed me by
I knew her mind was changing
By the roving of her eye

Do you remember Molly
When you gave me your right hand
You said if e’er you married
That I would be the man

But now you’ve gone and left me
Go on with whom you please
While I lie here in sorrow
Lamenting at your ease

I’ll go down to the river
When everyone’s asleep
And think on handsome Molly
And lay me down and weep

Her hair as dark as ravens
Her eyes were black as sloes
Her cheeks were like the lilies
That in the morning blow

And I wish was in London
Or some other seaport town
I’d set foot on a steamboat
And sail the ocean round

Sailing on the ocean
Or sailing on the sea
I’d think of Handsome Molly
Wherever she may be

credits

from Born To Be Mild: 1st Demo Album, released February 1, 2022
Traditional, arranged and adapted by David A. Harley.

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about

David A. Harley England, UK

David Harley is a former professional musician, administrator, IT security editor, author and researcher, and former much else that is even less impressive. He now lives in Cornwall. More info at whealalice.com