Versions

Version	Length	Source	Availability
Studio	3:21	Australian Still Hanging ‘Round single.	Extremely rare. Not available new.
Studio	3:21	Australian Still Hanging ‘Round single.	The Vault digital download at True Believers, 8 December 2013.

Recommended Version.

Commentary

One of the more unusual songs in the Hunters and Collectors back catalogue is this rare track, a remake of a traditional song called “John Riley”. The original version is by B. Gibson and R. Neff.

Musically this version is simply an acoustic guitar with Mark singing. The effect is a beautiful laid back track that showcases Mark’s voice in a truly spectacular way. The song itself is a tale set many years ago of devoted love.

~ Stuart

Lyrics

There was a maid in a garden
And a strange young man came riding by
And he said “Fair maid will you marry me?”
And this to him was her reply

“Oh no kind sir, I can not marry thee
For I’ve a love who sails across the sea
And he’s been gone for seven years
And I’ll be true to his memory”

“What if he’s in some battle slain?
Or drowned in the deep salt sea?
Or what if he’s found another love?
And he and she both marry thee”

“But if he’s in some battle slain
Then I shall die when the moon doth wane
And if he’s drowned in the deep salt sea
Then I’ll be true to his memory

But if he’s found another love
He and she both marry thee
Then I wish them health and happiness
Where they live across the sea”

Well he picked her up
In his arms so strong
And he gave her kissed
One two three

He said “come my love
Come with me
For I’m your long lost John Riley”

He said “come my love
Come with me
For I’m your long lost John Riley”

[Bob Gibson and Ricky Neff]