The Bailiff’s Daughter of Islington | Traditional English Folk Ballad Revival

(Note: As with any AI recreation, occasional small errors in interpretation may occur, but the goal is always faithful revival.)

A heartbreaking traditional English ballad: the bailiff’s daughter disguises herself to find her squire’s son, only to hear he believes her dead – until the joyful revelation. One sorrowful male voice and a weeping parlor piano, exactly as it moved listeners for centuries when love tested by time and disguise triumphed at last.

[Verse 1]
There was a youth and a well-loved youth,
And he was a squire’s son,
He loved the bailiff’s daughter dear,
That lived in Islington.

[Verse 2]
But she was coy and would not believe
That he did love her so,
No, nor at any time would she
Any countenance to him show.

[Verse 3]
When seven years had passed away,
She put on mean attire,
And straight to London she did go
To inquire for her heart’s desire.

[Verse 4]
“Give me a penny, thou prentice good,
Relieve a maid forlorn.”
“Before I give you a penny,” he said,
“Pray tell me where you were born.”

[Verse 5]
“Oh, I was born at Islington.”
“Then tell me if you know
The bailiff’s daughter of that place.”
“She died, Sir, long ago.”

[Verse 6]
“If she be dead, then take my horse,
My saddle and bridle also,
For I will to some far country
Where no man shall me know.”

[Verse 7]
“Oh, stay! oh, stay! thou goodly youth,
She standeth by thy side,
She is here alive, she is not dead,
But ready to be thy bride.”

[Final]
There was a youth and a well-loved youth…


Perfect for stories of love that finds its way home.

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