John Barleycorn, a name synonymous with English and Scottish folk tradition, is more than just a song title; it’s a personification of barley, the grain at the heart of beer and whisky. This timeless ballad, indexed as Roud 164, Master title: John Barleycorn, and G/D 3:559, narrates the life cycle of barley from planting to brewing, using vivid imagery and metaphorical language to explore themes of death, resurrection, and the potent spirit of alcohol.
Rooted in ancient agricultural practices and possibly pre-Christian beliefs, John Barleycorn’s story has resonated through generations. Its enduring popularity is evidenced by its numerous recordings and mentions across a vast range of folk music resources, from Sabine Baring-Gould’s Songs of the West to The New Penguin Book of English Folk Songs. The song’s presence in such esteemed collections underscores its significance within the folk canon.
The Ballad’s Journey Through Time and Tradition
The earliest known printed version of “John Barleycorn” dates back to a 1620 broadside, described as “a pleasant new ballad about the murther of John Barleycorn.” Even Samuel Pepys, the famous 17th-century diarist, owned a copy, considering it old even then. This historical depth suggests a much older oral tradition preceding its printed form, hinting at pagan origins and rituals associated with vegetation gods and corn spirits.
Robert Burns, the celebrated Scottish poet, further cemented the song’s legacy in 1786 with his poem “John Barleycorn,” which he acknowledged was “partly composed on the plan of an old song known by the same name.” Burns’ adaptation, while literary, drew heavily from the folk tradition, ensuring the ballad’s continued circulation and relevance.
The Narrative Unfolded: From Seed to Spirit
“John Barleycorn” typically unfolds in a series of verses that depict the maltreatment of John Barleycorn, representing the barley grain, through the stages of farming and brewing. The narrative often begins with men vowing to kill John Barleycorn, symbolizing the planting of the barley seed in the ground:
There were three men come out of the west
Their fortunes for to try,
And these three men made a solemn vow,
John Barleycorn should die.
This initial act of “killing” is followed by descriptions of ploughing, sowing, and harrowing, actions necessary for cultivation but portrayed as violent acts against John Barleycorn. However, Barleycorn’s story is one of resilience and rebirth. Despite being buried and seemingly dead, he inevitably springs back to life:
They let him lie for a very long time
Till the rain from heaven did fall,
Then little Sir John sprung up his head
And soon amazed them all.
This resurgence mirrors the natural cycle of barley growth and links the song to ancient myths of the Corn King, a figure representing the spirit of vegetation, who dies and is reborn to ensure agricultural fertility.
The ballad continues to detail the harvest, where men with scythes cut down Barleycorn, followed by further brutal treatments like threshing, malting, and grinding – all essential steps in preparing barley for brewing. The miller’s role, grinding Barleycorn between two stones, is often depicted as the most violent act.
This image illustrates a traditional barley harvest, reflecting the agricultural practices described in the “John Barleycorn” ballad.
From Maltreatment to Potent Brew: Barleycorn’s Triumph
Despite the repeated violence inflicted upon him, John Barleycorn ultimately triumphs. He is transformed into ale or beer, a potent drink that embodies his spirit and vitality. The final verses of many versions celebrate the power of barleycorn to invigorate and embolden:
Here’s little Sir John in a nut-brown bowl
And brandy in a glass
And little Sir John in the nut-brown bowl
Proved the stronger man at last.
The drink made from John Barleycorn is portrayed as capable of empowering men, making them forget their woes and enhancing their joys. This transformation from a mistreated grain to a life-affirming beverage is central to the song’s enduring appeal.
Diverse Versions and Musical Interpretations
The rich history of “John Barleycorn” has resulted in numerous versions, both lyrical and musical, reflecting regional variations and individual artistic interpretations. Collectors like Cecil Sharp and Ralph Vaughan Williams documented various renditions in the early 20th century, preserving the song as a living tradition.
Notable Recordings and Performances:
- Early 20th Century Collections: Cecil Sharp collected a version from Shepherd Hayden in Bampton, Oxfordshire, in 1909, which became a widely referenced version, notably included in The Penguin Book of English Folk Songs.
- Folk Revival Era: The mid-20th century folk revival saw “John Barleycorn” embraced by prominent artists. A.L. Lloyd recorded a version in 1956, highlighting its connection to the Corn King myth. Mike Waterson and Martin Carthy also popularized versions, often based on the Shepherd Hayden text.
- Electric Folk and Beyond: Traffic’s 1970 album John Barleycorn Must Die, featuring a version Steve Winwood learned from the Watersons, brought the song to a wider rock audience, demonstrating its cross-genre appeal. Steeleye Span also recorded multiple versions, further solidifying its place in the electric folk movement.
- Contemporary Interpretations: From The Young Tradition’s a cappella rendition to contemporary artists like Jim Moray and Sam Lee, “John Barleycorn” continues to be reinterpreted, ensuring its relevance for new generations.
The Watersons, influential figures in the British folk revival, helped popularize “John Barleycorn” among wider audiences.
The Enduring Legacy of John Barleycorn
“John Barleycorn” remains a powerful and evocative folk ballad due to its multi-layered themes. It serves as a historical record of agricultural practices, a celebration of beer and ale, and a symbolic exploration of death and rebirth. Its enduring presence in the folk repertoire testifies to its deep connection to human experience and the cyclical nature of life itself. Whether sung in a traditional folk club or reimagined by contemporary musicians, the spirit of John Barleycorn continues to flow, as potent and vital as ever.
Further Exploration:
For those interested in delving deeper into the world of “John Barleycorn” and folk music, the following resources are highly recommended:
- Books: The Penguin Book of English Folk Songs, Everyman’s Book of English Country Songs, Travellers’ Songs From England and Scotland, The Folk Handbook.
- Recordings: Explore albums by The Watersons, Martin Carthy, Steeleye Span, Traffic, and numerous other artists mentioned in this article to experience the diverse interpretations of “John Barleycorn”.
- Online Resources: The Vaughan Williams Memorial Library (VWML) and the Mudcat Cafe forum offer extensive archives and discussions on folk songs, including “John Barleycorn”.
By exploring these resources, you can further appreciate the rich tapestry of tradition and artistry woven into the ballad of John Barleycorn.
