Who Killed Cock Robin? reveals the dark side of folk songs, filled with tales of murder, revenge, and crime that make modern dramas seem tame, writes DAVID SAUNDERSON
Who Killed Cock Robin? British Folk Songs of Crime and Punishment
When you think of folk songs, you might picture people singing around a campfire or in a cosy pub, sharing tales of love and heartbreak.
Who Killed Cock Robin? British Folk Songs of Crime and Punishment reveals a much darker side to this music – one filled with murder, revenge, and crimes that make even the most shocking Netflix series seem tame.
Compiled by judge Stephen Sedley and folk singer Martin Carthy, this book dives into some of the most disturbing/disgusting songs ever written anywhere.
They’re not just stories about jilted lovers or sad sailors; these are songs that talk about incest, baby-killing, and violent sexual assaults.
It’s a collection that shows just how harsh life could be in the past and how people used songs to deal with it all.
Songs from the Dark Side of History
The songs in Who Killed Cock Robin? come from a range of sources – old manuscripts, printed ballads and stories passed down by word of mouth.
Each song tells a tale of crime and punishment, grouped by themes such as poaching, piracy, highway robbery and abduction.
Every section starts with a background explanation to help you understand the historical context before delving into the songs themselves.
Don’t expect anything cosy or comfortable here. These songs were often born from real pain and suffering.
There are songs about women driven to desperate acts to survive, or men hanged for crimes they may not have committed. The melodies might be catchy, but the lyrics are often gruesome and tragic.
So, why read a book filled with such dark material? Because it offers a glimpse into the real lives of people from centuries ago, who had to navigate a world where laws were often brutal and unfair. The book shows how songs were used to protest against injustice, remember those who suffered, and keep the stories of ordinary people alive.
It’s not all doom and gloom, however. There’s a strange kind of humour here too, the kind that comes from finding a bit of light in very dark times. Some of the songs poke fun at those in power or turn tragedy into a grim joke. It’s a reminder that even in the worst of times, people found ways to laugh and survive.
A Fresh Take on Old Songs
Who Killed Cock Robin? is perfect for anyone who loves folk music, history, or just a good story. It offers a fresh perspective on these old songs, not just as quaint tunes but as powerful pieces of history that carry the voices of the past.
Whether you’re a teenager curious about the darker side of history or an adult who thinks they’ve heard it all, this book is sure to surprise you.
Who Killed Cock Robin? British Folk Songs of Crime and Punishment, published by Reaktion Books, is available from Amazon.