Geordie (English Ballad) – Feat. Maria Elena Lippi

"Geordie" is the no. 209 of the "Child Ballads", the collection of English and Scottish folk songs realized by the philologist Francis James Child in the 18th century. There are many versions of this song, both from England and Scotland, and some of them have a happy ending. Yet, in the one we chose, made popular by Joan Baez and transposed to Italian by Fabrizio De André, there is no such finale. Here a passerby sees a woman riding to London, hoping to save her beloved Geordie, who has been sentenced to hanging for theft. But the judge is inflexible: Geordie's life will not be spared.
Much can be said about this song and its versions. For example, "Geordie" is the general name used to address men from Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Also, the character has noble origins, and the song might have been inspired by the true story of George Gordon, a rebellious count sentenced to death, but eventually saved thanks to his family's effort.
All these aspects are certainly fascinating. But let us focus on the timeless truth we can grasp from this version: the cruelty of men often expressed in laws and in the blind exercise of power, which does not know nor compassion nor forgiveness. Justice can be a cold word, undermining the solemn motto on the facade of the Old Bailey (the Criminal Court in London): "Defend the children of the poor and punish the wrongdoer". Punishment is generously bestowed, whilst no true balance is applied.

Lyrics:

As I walked out over London bridge
One misty morning early,
I overheard a fair pretty maid
Was lamenting for her Geordie.

My Geordie will be hanged in a golden chain,
'Tis not the chain of many
He was born of king's royal breed
And lost to a virtuous lady.

Go bridle me my milk white steed,
Go bridle me my pony,
I will ride to London court
To plead for the life of my Geordie.

My Geordie never stole nor cow nor calf,
He never hurted any,
Stole sixteen of the king's royal deer,
And he sold them in Bohenny.

Two pretty babies have I born,
The third lies in my body,
I'd freely part with them every one
If you'd spare the life of Geordie.

The judge looked over his left shoulder,
He said fair maid I'm sorry
He said fair maid you must be gone
For I cannot pardon Geordie.

My Geordie will be hanged in a golden chain,
'Tis not the chain of many,
Stole sixteen of the king's royal deer
And he sold them in Bohenny.

Vocals: Maria Elena Lippi
Piano and arrangement: Francesco Zigliotto

Shooting: Pier Giuseppe Puggioni
Setting: Tower Bridge; Hyde Park (London)

Видео Geordie (English Ballad) – Feat. Maria Elena Lippi канала Lonely Tones