Ballad of America

Billy Barlow

Historical Era Era 4: Expansion and Reform (1801-1861)

Tags English Roots Hunting Political

About Billy Barlow

An old English version of this Southwestern ballad describes a quintet shooting a cutty wren with bows and arrows. It was a song of protest by the hungry British peasantry. In most American versions, a squirrel, rat, or other small animal replaces the cutty wren.

Lyrics to Billy Barlow

Billy Barlow

"Let's go a-huntin’,” says Risky Rob
"Let's go a-huntin’,” says Robin to Bob
"Let's go a-huntin’,” says Dan'l to Joe
"Let's go a-huntin’,” says Billy Barlow

"What shall we hunt?" says Risky Rob
"What shall we hunt?" says Robin to Bob
"What shall we hunt?" says Dan'l to Joe
"Hunt for a rat," says Billy Barlow

"How shall we get him?" says Risky Rob
"How shall we get him?" says Robin to Bob
"How shall we get him?" says Dan'l to Joe
"Borrow a gun,” says Billy Barlow

“How shall we haul him?” says Risky Rob
“How shall we haul him?” says Robin to Bob
“How shall we haul him?” says Dan’l to Joe
“Borrow a wagon,” says Billy Barlow

"How shall we divide him?" says Risky Rob
"How shall we divide him?" says Robin to Bob
"How shall we divide him?" says Dan'l to Joe
"Hack him to pieces," says Billy Barlow

"I'll take shoulder,” says Risky Rob
"I'll take side,” says Robin to Bob
"I'll take back,” says Dan'l to Joe
"Tail bone mine,” says Billy Barlow

"How shall we cook him?" says Risky Rob
"How shall we cook him?" says Robin to Bob
"How shall we cook him?" says Dan'l to Joe
"Each as you like it,” says Billy Barlow

"I'll broil shoulder" says Risky Rob
"I'll fry side,” says Robin to Bob
"I'll bake back,” says Dan'l to Joe
"Tail bone raw!" says Billy Barlow

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Video of Billy Barlow

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Compact Disc with Billy Barlow

This song is available on the compact disc:
Ballad of America Volume 2: America Singing