Cecil Sharp's Note 41 (1916)

No. 41. Bedlam

For other versions with words, see the Journal of the Folk-Song Society (volume i, p. 146; volume ii, pp. 37, 93, and 291; volume iii, pp. 111 and 290); English County Songs (p. 71); and Songs of the West (No.92).

For words only, see Garret’s Newcastle Garlands (volumes i and ii), and Logan’s A Pedlar’s Pack of Ballads and Songs (pp. 172–189).

“Mad songs” are great favorites with English folksingers, and I have collected several examples. The tune in the text is frankly a harmonic melody, chiefly remarkable for its very beautiful final phrase.