Benjamin Britten
The Ballad of Green Broom
There was an old man lived out in the wood
And his trade was a-cutting of broom, green broom
He had but one son without thought without good
Who lay in his bed till 't was noon, bright noon
The old man awoke one morning and spoke
He swore he would fire the room, that room
If his John would not rise and open his eyes
And away to the wood to cut broom, green broom
So Johnny arose and slipp'd on his clothes
And away to the wood to cut broom, green broom
He sharpen'd his knives, and for once he contrives
To cut a great bundle of broom, green broom
When Johnny pass'd under a Lady's fine house
Pass'd under a Lady's fine room, fine room
She call'd to her maid: "Go fеtch me," she said
"Go fetch mе the boy that sells broom, green broom!"
When Johnny came into the Lady's fine house
And stood in the Lady's fine room, fine room
"Young Johnny" she said, "Will you give up your trade
And marry a lady in bloom, full bloom?"
Johnny gave his consent, and to church they both went
And he wedded the Lady in bloom, full bloom;
At market and fair, all folks do declare
There's none like the Boy that sold broom, green broom