It's a bit of a mystery, as is so often the case with traditional songs - they have a habit of evolving as they are passed along. The earliest evidence we have of the song are from broadsides, printed under variations of the title "A Lamentable Ballad of the Little Musgrove" at some time in the 17th century. The protagonist has been called "Little Mushiegrove" in versions of the song collected in Scotland and "Little Matha Grove" in Canada, hinting at how the name "Mattie Groves" might have emerged. At least a dozen different names for the lord have been used. The song seems to have some lyrics in common with "Fair Margaret and Sweet William". www.vwml.org/search?advq=0|rn|52&is=1
![Martin Simpson - Fair Annie [Official Audio]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/w5YGntCX3Ac/mqdefault.jpg)
![Martin Simpson - Fair Annie [Official Audio]](/img/tr.png)
![Martin Simpson - Never Any Good [Official Audio]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/cBq2upq_AG8/mqdefault.jpg)
This song has been recorded by so many great artists under many different titles and styles but this is easily one of the best.
Master piece ❤ stunning beautiful
Astonishes me how Martin is not one of the most famous singer, songwriter, musicians that there is out there.
Agreed. He's one of our finest contemporary guitarists. His music never fails to make me feel something. It's true art.
Why aren't there like 4million comments on Martin Simpson videos because he is truly a brilliant musician, singer and fingerstyle guitarist
Totally agree
Can anyone explain to me how this song is Matty Groves but not Matty Groves? Not calling anyone a rip.. folk is just fascinating.
Well played!
It's a bit of a mystery, as is so often the case with traditional songs - they have a habit of evolving as they are passed along. The earliest evidence we have of the song are from broadsides, printed under variations of the title "A Lamentable Ballad of the Little Musgrove" at some time in the 17th century.
The protagonist has been called "Little Mushiegrove" in versions of the song collected in Scotland and "Little Matha Grove" in Canada, hinting at how the name "Mattie Groves" might have emerged. At least a dozen different names for the lord have been used. The song seems to have some lyrics in common with "Fair Margaret and Sweet William".
www.vwml.org/search?advq=0|rn|52&is=1
@@j.dietrich You waited years for this moment and you did not disappoint.