The Ballad of Midsomer County

Come sit by me all you
Fine lords and laddies
And I'll tell you the tale
Of 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 was 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
She brought him ale
She brought him supper
Fresh eggs and live eels
For young John Henry
She said eat your fill
And when you are sated
Stay with me here
In Midsomer County
Alas, I can not stay
Said young John Henry
I am bound to another and soon married I'll be
I thank thee supper, my kind and fair maider
But now I must leave here
Midsomer County
Young men don't stray
This maiden will lead you away
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 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