The Ballad of Midsomer County (From "Midsomer Murders")

Come sit by me all you
Fine lords and laddies
And I'll tell you the tale
Of the young John Henry

He met a fair maiden
One bright May morning
As he went a-hunting
In Midsomer County

Pale was the skin
Of the Midsomer maiden
Blue were her eyes
As blue as the sea

And on her fair head
Lay a garland of flowers
Sweet were the roses
Of Midsomer County

Young men, don't stray
This maiden will lead you away
Da, da, da, da

She brought him ale
And she brought him supper
Fresh eggs and live eels
For young John Henry

She said, "Eat your fill
And when you are sated
You'll stay with me here
In Midsomer County"

Alas, I cannot stay
Said young John Henry
I am bound to another
And soon married I'll be

I thank thee for supper
My kind and fair maiden
But now I must leave here
Midsomer County

Young men, don't stray
This maiden will lead you away
La, la, la, la, la

Up went the cry
Of the Midsomer maiden
For shame and for shame
For you have tricked me

You're bound to me now
And I am your lover
I swear, you'll not leave here
Midsomer County

Cold was the blade
Of the Midsomer maiden
Soft was the neck
Of young John Henry

Warm was the blood
That flowed from his body
Red as the roses
Of Midsomer County

Oh, young men, don't stray
This maiden will lead you away
Da, da, da, da