When Jones' Ale was New facts for kids

"When Jones' Ale Was New" (Roud 139) is a classic English folk song. It tells the story of different working men who gather at a pub or tavern to enjoy some ale. The song has been around since the 1500s and is still popular today, especially in folk music clubs. People have sung it for hundreds of years, and you can find versions from England, Scotland, and even the USA. Over time, the song has changed a bit, but its fun spirit remains the same.

What is "When Jones' Ale Was New" About?

The song begins with three friends who come together to join a lively group at an inn. They order beer and sherry to help them feel happy and merry. The main idea is that they are having a great time "When Jones' ale was new."

Who Shows Up at the Inn?

After the first three friends, different tradesmen arrive. Each one often brings their tools or something that shows what they do for a living. They also say or do something that represents their job. The number and types of tradesmen can change depending on who is singing the song. Sometimes, the song mentions jobs that were important in the singer's local area.

For example, a soldier might arrive, looking brave and ready to protect England. He might even draw his sword! In some versions, the soldier is very friendly with the landlady's daughter, which might help him get good service and plenty of ale.

Another common character is a dyer, who works with colors. He might sit by the fire, ready to join the fun. The song might joke about him drinking so much that his face turns the color of his dyes!

Different Versions of the Song

The song has many different versions. For instance, the Copper Family from Sussex, England, has a version called "The Jovial Tradesmen." In their song:

• A ploughman arrives, sweating from his hard work in the fields. He wakes up early to guide his plough, turning the soil over hills and valleys.
• They also include a blacksmith and a scytheman. These were very important jobs in farming villages long ago.

A tinker is another character who often appears in the song. Tinkers used to travel around fixing pots and pans. In the song, the tinker might ask if anyone has old pots or kettles to fix, promising his repairs are strong and will fix any holes.

Sometimes, a mason (a builder who works with stone) shows up. He might complain that his hammer needs sharpening. He might even wish that all churches and tall buildings would fall down, so there would be lots of work for masons! Other characters like a hatter (who makes hats) or a thatcher (who puts straw roofs on houses) also appear in some versions.

The Chorus

Many versions of the song, especially those sung in English folk clubs today, have a catchy chorus. It reminds everyone of the fun they are having:

• They order their pints of beer and bottles of sherry.
• They drink to help them feel happy and merry.
• This happens "When Jones' ale was new, my boys, when Jones' ale was new."

Who Has Sung This Song?

Many people have recorded or performed "When Jones' Ale Was New" over the years.

Old Recordings

You can find recordings of traditional singers performing this song. For example, the British Library Sound Archive has recordings from singers like Spud Bailey, Bob and Ron Copper, Fred Jordan, and Walter Pardon. Peter Kennedy also recorded Harry Illes in 1957.

In 1941, John A Lomax recorded a version from "Sailor Dad" Hunt in Virginia, USA. This recording was later released on a special album by the Library of Congress.

Modern Versions

Many folk singers and groups have also recorded their own versions of "When Jones' Ale Was New." Some of these include A L Lloyd, Martin Wyndham-Read, John Kirkpatrick, and Danny Spooner.

The group The Kipper Family even made a version called "When Peculiar Ale was New." This might be a funny reference to Theakston's Old Peculiar, which is a popular type of traditional English beer.