The Gleeman
Notes on In Limbo
References:
- Air; Baring-Gould (1895-1896)BGEM, vol II, pp32-33,
Arranged by Fleetwood Sheppard.
- Text; Baring-Gould (1895-1896)BGEM, vol II, pp32-33.
Comments:
According to Baring-Gould (ibid, p. iv of the Notes to Songs), he first
heard this song from an old charwoman in south Devon (whom he refers to
as "Old Mary"). He says he later found it again as "The Fantastick
Prodigal" in "The Merry Musician", dated 1716.
I have ignored the piano accompaniment and just given the air for the
text. According to a note underneath the verses on p33, the fourth
verse can be omitted in singing. Fleetwood Sheppard gives a time
signature of 76 for a dotted crotchet.
