The Ballad of Midsomer County (From "Midsomer Murders")

Come sit by me all you Fine lords and laddies And I'll tell you the tale Of the young John Henry He met a fair maiden One bright May morning As he went a-hunting In Midsomer County Pale was the skin Of the Midsomer maiden Blue were her eyes As blue as the sea And on her fair head Lay a garland of flowers Sweet were the roses Of Midsomer County Young men, don't stray This maiden will lead you away Da, da, da, da She brought him ale And she brought him supper Fresh eggs and live eels For young John Henry She said, "Eat your fill And when you are sated You'll stay with me here In Midsomer County" Alas, I cannot stay Said young John Henry I am bound to another And soon married I'll be I thank thee for supper My kind and fair maiden But now I must leave here Midsomer County Young men, don't stray This maiden will lead you away La, la, la, la, la Up went the cry Of the Midsomer maiden For shame and for shame For you have tricked me You're bound to me now And I am your lover I swear, you'll not leave here Midsomer County Cold was the blade Of the Midsomer maiden Soft was the neck Of young John Henry Warm was the blood That flowed from his body Red as the roses Of Midsomer County Oh, young men, don't stray This maiden will lead you away Da, da, da, da