Molly Bawn a.k.a. Polly Vaughan

EARLY BIRD PRICES ARE AVAILABLE THIS WEEK for my upcoming course The Unquiet Grave- more info below!

Here’s a bit of an Appalachian ballad called Molly Bawn, also known by many names including Polly Vaughan, Molly Vanders, etc. In the final scene of this story, Molly Bawn arrives as a ghost to exonerate Jimmy Rando, her lover & killer, at his trial. In earlier scenes, Rando accidentally kills Molly when he’s out hunting, and mistakes for a swan resting under a peach tree. This song is originally from Ireland, and this version comes from the late Bobby McMillon of Western NC, who used local lyrics with a tune from England that he liked. A few lyrical adaptations here come from William Ritter and myself.

If you want to sink into some good Halloween vibes for autumn and explore traditional lore about death, the afterlife and communication with the dead, you should check out my new course “The Unquiet Grave: Wisdom and Songs from Scotland and Appalachia to Help Us Mourn & Set the Dead Free.” In this course, we’ll explore Appalachian songs alongside Scottish folk tales, music and lore to understand the long-standing protocols that have kept the living and the dead in good relationship, and the ways that song and folk tradition can help us both grieve and release the souls of those dear to us.

Early Bird prices are available until Sept. 8th, so claim your spot now! Get all the info you need using the lynk at the top left of my channel page.

#halloween #ghoststory #appalachianfolk #darkfolklore #appalachianballad