1947 | Appalachian ballad singer Texas Gladden | "The Devil and the Farmer's Wife" [Child 278]

This video exists for educational purposes. The audio, which was poor in the original footage, has been significantly restored. The film has been artificially colorized and edited. On-screen historical context and lyrics have been added.




“I have a perfect mental picture of every song I sing.  I have a perfect picture of every person I learned it from, very few people I don't remember.  When I sing a song, a person pops up, and it's a very beautiful story.  I can see Mary Hamilton, I can see where the old Queen came down to the kitchen, can see them all gathered around, and I can hear her tell Mary Hamilton to get ready, I can see the whole story, I can see them as they pass through the gate, I can see the ladies looking over their casements, I can see her as she goes up the Parliament steps, and I can see her when she goes to the gallows.  I can hear her last words, and I can see all just the most beautiful picture.”

Texas Gladden




Please see the video for information about the song and the singer.

The commentary is spoken by Pete Seeger.



Here is a wonderful rendition of the song performed by Texas Gladden and accompanied by her brother Hobart Smith (1897-1965):    • The Devil And The Farmer's Wife  

And this is a recording of Gladden singing the ballad at the Washington, D.C. National Folk Festival in 1938:    • The Devil And The Farmer's Wife (Live At T...  

Each version uses slightly different lyrics.


You can compare the Texas Gladden's recordings to other traditional versions:
Jean Ritchie (Kentucky, USA):    • The Little Devils  
Walter Pardon (Norfolk, England):    • Walter Pardon - The Devil & The Farmer's Wife  
Thomas Moran (Co. Leitrim, Ireland):    • The Farmer's Curst Wife (Child 278) - Thom...  


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