We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Polly Vaughan

from Homecoming by Alex Cumming

/

  • Buy the Full Digital Album

  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    Homecoming is the debut solo album from folk singer and accordionist Alex Cumming. This album explores the world of traditional song and dance music from both sides of the pond and takes you on an exciting and emotional journey through the thoughtful and intricate arrangements. The album is produced and recorded by Alex's long-time collaborator Pete Ord and features the incredible musicianship of fiddler Audrey Jaber, guitarist Max Newman along with various special guests.

    Includes unlimited streaming of Homecoming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 7 days

      $20 USD or more 

     

about

This song was one of the key songs on my folk singing journey. I remember just being so fascinated by the melody, ornaments and lyrics, and there was a true sense of excitement once I had learned to sing it the way I wanted. I learnt this song from Sandra Kerr, during my first year at Newcastle University, studying on the Folk and Traditional Music Degree back in 2011.

lyrics

Come all of you fellows that carry a gun,
I will have you sent home by the light of the sun,
For young Jimmy was a fowling, and a fowling all alone,
When he shot his own true love, his own Polly Vaughan

She was walking through the green fields, when a storm it came one,
And she hid in the green bush, the shower to shun.
With her apron around her, he mistook her for a swan,
And he shot his own true love, his own Polly Vaughan

When first he came to her and found it was she,
A shakin’, a tremblin’, his eyes scarce could see.
“Oh well now that you are dead love, and your sorrows are all o’er,
Farewell my dear Polly, I will see you no more”.

Then off ran young Jimmy with his dog and his gun,
Saying “Uncle, dearest Uncle, have you heard what I have done?
Oh cursed be that gun smith that made my own gun,
For I shot my own true love, in the room of a swan”

Then out came old uncle with his locks hanging grey,
saying “Jimmy, dearest Jimmy, don’t you run away,
With her apron around her, he mistook her for a swan,
and they never will hang you for the crime that you have done”.

Well the trial it did come on, and Polly appeared,
crying “uncle, dearest uncle, let Jimmy go clear,
With my apron around me, he mistook me for a swan,
and his heart still lies bleeding for Polly, his own”.

credits

from Homecoming, released February 28, 2024
Alex Cumming: Lead Vocals

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Alex Cumming image

Alex Cumming Brattleboro, Vermont

Alex Cumming is a traditional Singer, Accordionist, Pianist and dance caller hailing from England, now living in Brattleboro VT, USA. He performs songs and tunes from around the United Kingdom and America with a great depth of knowledge of the tradition. Alex has made his mark on the folk scene with his rhythmic dance-able accordion style, strong voice and his fun and engaging stage presence. ... more

contact / help

Contact Alex Cumming

Streaming and
Download help

Shipping and returns

Redeem code

Report this track or account

Alex Cumming recommends:

If you like Alex Cumming, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Featuring Riley Pinkerton (aka The Rat Queen) from the theatrical NYC rockers, Castle Rat.
listen now