Bawdy Ballads
By Alex Bentley
While we dig deep in these songs, we’ll talk about all kinds of things: archetypes, history, folklore, and how so many of these songs hold vast potential for inspiration of new creations.
Bawdy BalladsJul 13, 2022
Episode 8: F'boys, or who's gonna take care these kids?
Welcome back everyone! Today we'll talk about those timeless fboys, and how people manage when they fall victim to them.
Kentish Dick: or the Lust Coachman of Westminster.
A trial of skill, performed by a poor decayed gentlewoman.
Episode 7: Barbara Allen and The Suffolk Miracle..
Today we look at death and love, and there's even a revenant. While we do that we look at the dangers of the "one true love" myth and the importance of rejection in our lives.
Episode 6: Golden Booties or Cougar Huntin.
Today we look at Golden Booties about a young man going for older women, and the fortunes they provide. Then we'll look at the Cougar archetype and how and why they terrify society so much.
Wisecrack video on the economics of dating.
"A Pleasant Jigg between Jack and his Mistress" or when the lady needs a bit of rough.
Today we look at the song "A Pleasant Jigg between Jack and hIs Mistress" which covers what happens when the lady of the house decides she needs to sleep with the help, and why we love this archetype so much.
"A Favorite Love Song" or "One Night as I Lay on My Bed"
Today we look at an actually sweet song and one that is still sung today as "One Night as I Lay on My Bed" as performed by Steeleye Span and others. We will also look at the lover at the window archetype and how it appears today, including Jimmy Hughes' song "Steal Away".
"One Night as I lay on my bed"
Debauchery Scared... prostitutes, fools, and tricksters oh my!
Today we look at a great example of three archetypes that appear together. The fool, the prostitute, and the trickster. I also barely get through a list of slang terms for vagina from the 16th and 17th centuries, and how the fool, the prostitute, and the trickster are still working their magic as seen in the Depp vs Heard trial.
A Cuckold by Consent
Today we look at "A Cuckold by Consent" from 1681 that tells the story of a thirsty miller who gets instant karma.
For show transcripts and additional links please visit the website: BawdyBallads.
For a look at the original copy and woodcuts, please visit the English Broadside
A bawdy introduction.
A quick and dirty introduction of Bawdy Ballads and what you can look forward to in the future.