Johnie Cock

Johnie Cock(alsoJohnny O'BreadisleyorJock o' Braidislee) is a traditionalScottishfolk ballad, listed as the114thChild Balladandnumber 69in theRoud Folk Song Index.

Synopsis

Johnie Cock is warned by his mother that he is in danger but nevertheless goespoachingand kills a deer. He feeds his dogs and sleeps in the woods. A man (sometimes apalmer,a medieval European pilgrim to theHoly Land) betrays him to foresters, who attack him while he sleeps. Johnie wakes. Either he or his nephew rebukes them for the attack, in most variants saying that even a wolf would not have attacked him like that. In most variants, he fights and kills all of his assailants but one, whom he wounds.

In several versions, he dies of his wounds while still in the wood. In one variant, he is laid low, and the king sends him a pardon.

Recordings

Many recordings made by in the 1930s byJames Madison Carpenterof traditionalAberdeenshiresingers can be heard on theVaughan Williams Memorial Librarywebsite, including versions byBell DuncanofYthan WellsandJohn StrachanofFyvie(who was later recorded singing the song byAlan Lomax).Duncan Williamsonalso sang a traditional version,as didGordeanna McCulloch.The Corriesalso recorded and performed the song a number of times, using the title "Jock O’ Braidislee".