English Songs and Ballads

This volume gathers together a lively assortment of English songs and ballads that have long lived in the ears of ordinary people. The compiler has set aside personal favourites, choosing instead verses that once drifted from village pubs to country lanes, giving listeners a broad picture of the nation's poetic voice.

The collection spans everything from rousing war chants and royal toasts to tender love verses and playful nursery rhymes. You will hear the plaintive cry of a shepherd, the swagger of a highwayman, the gentle flow of a river song, and the bright humor of a tavern tune. Familiar opening lines such as “Blow, blow, thou winter wind” sit beside lesser‑known gems, each evoking the rhythms of a time when poetry was sung aloud.

Listening to these pieces feels like stepping into an old cottage hearth, where each melody carries the echo of centuries past. Whether you enjoy the romance of a maiden’s promise or the gritty tale of a wandering minstrel, the anthology offers a warm, accessible entry into England’s rich oral tradition.