The Keeper

Album: English Folk Songs (1670)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "The Keeper" is a folk song that is fairly consistent lyrically with only minor variations, and was at one time popular with the primary school repertoire in the English curriculum.

    Beginning with the words "The keeper did a-hunting go" or "The keeper did a-shooting go," it is performed in 4/4 or sometimes 2/4 time.

    The song was collected by Cecil Sharp from Robert Kinchin at Ilmington, Warwickshire, 1909, and appears in the 1974 edition of Cecil Sharp's Collection Of English Folk Songs, Volume II, which was edited by Maud Karpeles. It is also number 1519 in the Roud Folk Song Index.
  • In spite of its use in primary schools, "The Keeper" has not always been considered suitable material for the young. The earliest known version is a black-letter ballad of 15 verses. The British Library holds a copy; dated 1670? and published at London, the catalogue entry reads: The Huntsman's Delight; or, the Forresters Pleasure. [A song.] By Joseph Martin. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Matt Sorum

Matt SorumSongwriter Interviews

When he joined Guns N' Roses in 1990, Matt helped them craft an orchestral sound; his mezzo fortes and pianissimos are all over "November Rain."

Supertramp founder Roger Hodgson

Supertramp founder Roger HodgsonSongwriter Interviews

Roger tells the stories behind some of his biggest hits, including "Give a Little Bit," "Take the Long Way Home" and "The Logical Song."

U2 Lyrics

U2 LyricsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the lyrics of U2?

U2

U2Fact or Fiction

How did The Edge get his name? Did they name a song after a Tolkien book? And who is "Angel of Harlem" about?

Chris Fehn of Slipknot

Chris Fehn of SlipknotSongwriter Interviews

A drummer for one of the most successful metal bands of the last decade, Chris talks about what it's like writing and performing with Slipknot. Metal-neck is a factor.

Early Days of MTV

Early Days of MTVFact or Fiction

If you can recall the days when MTV played videos, you know that there are lots of stories to tell. See if you can spot the real ones.