I was reminded of Kathleen Ferrier's lovely performance of this old folk song here by Denis Healey (Baron Healey) in his appearance on BBC Radio 4's "Desert Island Discs". I must explore more of her work.

"The Lancashire-born contralto Kathleen Ferrier (1912- 1953) proved to be the most significant British female singer to emerge after the end of the Second World War in 1945. Her professional singing career spanned a single decade (1942-1953), but in that time she rose to international recognition in a remarkably short time. Her early death from cancer at the age of 41, far from allowing her name and reputation to disappear with time, has increased her reputation through her recordings for succeeding generations. Her memory also remains undimmed for those who heard her in person. It was a unique voice that transcends time. As the Daily Mail commented following her death: "The singer who stirred the world more than any other artist of her time"." (Naxos Records).

Here are the words, as sung here (as with all folk music, there are now multiple versions of the lyrics after years of these words being passed down the generations - primarily by word of mouth):

I know where I'm going
And I know who's goin' with me
I know who I love
But the dear knows who I'll marry.

I have stockings of silk
Shoes of fine green leather
Combs to buckle me hair
And a ring for every finger.

Some say he's black
But I say he's bonnie
The fairest of them all
My handsome winsome Johnny.

Feather beds are soft
And painted rooms are bonnie
But I would leave them all
To go with my love Johnny.

I know where I'm going
And I know who's goin' with me
I know who I love
But the dear knows who I'll marry".

For me, "Donny" would work very well ;)

свернуть