High Germany (folk song) facts for kids
High Germany is a very old folk song. It was once popular in England, Ireland, and Scotland. This song has been around for hundreds of years!
There are actually three different songs called High Germany. This page is about the most famous one. The other two are The Two Lovers and The Wars of Germany.
The song tells a sad story. It's about a young man, usually named Willy, and his girlfriend, Polly. Willy has to go fight in Germany. "High Germany" means the southern, hilly part of the country.
Willy tries to convince Polly to come with him. He wants her to dress like a man and join the army. Polly says she loves him very much. But she also says she is not strong enough for war. Willy tries to persuade her again. He promises to buy her a horse. He also says they will get married later. But Polly still refuses. She is very sad that her man has to leave for the war.
This song likely comes from a time of real wars. It could be about the War of the Spanish Succession (from 1701 to 1714). Or it might be about the Seven Years' War (from 1756 to 1763).
The song usually starts with these lines:
- Oh Polly love, oh Polly, the rout has now begun.
- We must go a-marching to the beating of the drum.
- Dress yourself all in your best and come along with me.
- I'll take you to the war, my love, in High Germany.
A famous folk song collector, Cecil Sharp, found a version of this song in 1906. He encouraged Gustav Holst to use its tune. Holst used it in his music piece called A Somerset Rhapsody in 1907. Later, Ralph Vaughan Williams also used the tune. He put it in the third part of his well-known English Folk Song Suite in 1923.
Recordings of the Song
Many different versions of "High Germany" have been found. People have recorded the song many times. Some of these recordings can even be found online! Here are a few examples that use different versions of the famous tune.
Early Recordings
- 1908: Archer Lane from Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, sang it. Percy Grainger recorded his voice on a phonograph.
- 1956: Phoebe Smith from Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk, sang it. Peter Kennedy recorded her.
- 1968: Ethel Findlater from Dounby, Orkney, sang it. Alan J. Bruford recorded her.
Popular Music Versions
- 1965: Martin Carthy sang a version of the song. It was on his first album, Martin Carthy.
- 1969: The Dubliners performed the song. It was on their album, At Home with The Dubliners. Luke Kelly sang the main part.
- 1972: The band Pentangle sang their version. It was on their album Solomon's Seal.
- 2011: The band The Dreadnoughts included the song's words and tune. It was part of their medley called "The Cruel Wars".
