The Bonny Hind Explained

"The Bonny Hind" (Roud 205, Child 50) is a traditional English-language folk song.^[1]

Synopsis

A squire persuades a maiden to lie with him. Afterward, she asks his name, and he reveals that he is a lord's son. She calls him a liar: she is that lord's daughter. The horror-struck son reveals that he was long at sea. She stabs herself to death, and he buries her. He goes home and grieves for a "bonny hind" whatever his father can do to distract him.^[2]

Recordings

• June Tabor, Abyssinians (1983)
• Ewan MacColl, Blood & Roses Volume 4 (1986)
• Martin Carthy, Signs of Life (1998)
• Michael John Harris & Martyn Bates, Murder Ballads (Incest Songs) (1998)

See also

Ballads on a similar theme:

• "The Bonnie Banks o' Fordie"
• "Sheath and Knife"
• "The King's Dochter Lady Jean"
• "Lizie Wan"

Notes and References

1. [Francis James Child]
2. Web site: The Bonny Hind (Roud 205; Child 50) . 2024-09-04 . mainlynorfolk.info.