Jackaroo - Story and Song - Traditional song

1 month ago
21

Click 1:33 to skip story intro. Jackaroo, also known as, Jack A-Roe, Jack Monroe, Jackero and many other names, is a traditional folk song that dates back to at least to 1830 and possibly much older than that according to Wiki. A lady dresses up as a man so she can be with her own true love in the war. In those times women were not allowed to fight in war. This theme is in many different folk songs. I tell a story before singing and playing it on the guitar. I use sort of what is known as, the Carter scratch right hand pick strum technique.

JACKAROO - Lyrics
traditional

Am C E
There was a wealthy merchant, in London he did dwell
F C F C
He had a beautiful daughter, the truth to you I'll tell
Am E G Am
Oh the truth to you I'll tell

She had sweethearts a plenty and men of high degree
But none but Jack the sailor her true love e'er could be
Oh her true love e'er could be

Now Jackie's gone a sailing with trouble on his mind
He's left his native country and his darling girl behind
Oh his darling girl behind

She went down to a tailor's shop and dressed in man's array
She climbed on board a vessel to convey herself away
Oh convey herself away

Before you get on board Sir, your name I'd like to know
She smiled all in her countenance they call me Jack A Roe
Oh they call me Jack A Roe

I see your waist is slender, your fingers they are small
Your cheeks too red and rosy to face the cannonball
Oh to face the cannonball

I know my waist is slender, my fingers they are small
My cheeks too red and rosy to face the cannonball
Oh to face the cannonball

The war soon being over, she went and looked around
Among the dead and wounded her darling boy she found
Oh her darling boy she found

She picked him up all in her arms and carried him to town
She sent for a physician who quickly healed his wounds
Oh who quickly healed his wounds

This couple they got married, so well they did agree
This couple they got married, so why not you and me
Oh why not you and me

00:00 - Story intro
1:33 - Song starts
4:30 - Happy ending

Loading 4 comments...