The Ballad of Midsomer County Lyrics

Come sit by me all you fine lords and laddies
And I'll tell you the tale of young John Henry
He met a fair maiden one bright May morning
Whence he went a-hunting in Midsomer County
Pale was the skin of the Midsomer maiden
Blue were her eyes, as blue as the sea
And on her fair head lay a garland of flowers
Sweet were the roses of Midsomer County
Well, young men don't stray
This maiden will lead you away
“Come take a rest now”, said the Midsomer maiden
“You’re weary from travelling, that I can see
Let us go home now, over yonder the greenwood
Come taste the fruits of Midsomer County”

She led him on through the Midsomer greenwood
Till they came to a hut by a juniper tree
She said “Sir, won’t you, come sit by my fire?
You’ll eat like the king of Midsomer County”
Well, young men don't stray
This maiden will lead you away
She brought him fine ale and she brought him supper
Fresh eggs and live eels for young John Henry
She said, "Come, eat your fill and when you are sated
You'll stay with me here in Midsomer County"
"And alas I cannot stay" said young John Henry
"I am bound to another, soon married I'll be
But I thank thee for supper, my kind and fair maiden
Now I must leave here, Midsomer County"
Well, young men don't stray
This maiden will lead you away
Well, up went the cry of the Midsomer maiden
"For shame and for shame, you have tricked me
You're bound to me now and I am your lover
I swear you'll not leave here, Midsomer County"
Cold was the blade of the Midsomer maiden
Soft was the neck of young John Henry
And warm was the blood that flowed from his body
Red as the roses of Midsomer County
Well, young men don't stray
This maiden will lead you away
Well, deep in the greenwood of Midsomer County
Lies young John Henry, as cold as can be
No headstone to mark him, no lover to grieve him
Save for the roses of Midsomer’s County
Well, young men don't stray
This maiden will lead you away
Lyrics Submitted by Commander Kakapo