SONGS FROM THE BALCONY
There have been versions of this song collected from all over England, Gloucester, Herts, Shropshire, all over I say. It is also known as "Stormy Winds" and formed part of the rich vein of inspiration drawn by Edward Elgar from the immense folk cannon. No denying it this song paints the dualistic life of a shepherd, sometimes venerated as at the top of rural society, sometimes cast off as a virtual beggar.