Why does a song become a favorite oldie, even across generations? The problems of heart versus head versus hormones have been fodder for songs even older than one's parents and grandparents. These three spoken ballads, originating in the British Isles but well-traveled into American Appalachia, and recorded even by some of today's musicians, tell tales of careless love and heroism and the real (or satirical) effects of an individual's words and actions and willfulness.

With short introductions and an American (plus a little Irish) accent, these tales feature strong teenaged protagonists, and one cantakerous middle-aged antagonist, who might might have stepped out of news stories of today.

A short sample of the traditional tune follows each reading. Music by Jamie Myerson.

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