Bills o' Jacks

by Laura Smyth & Ted Kemp

supported by

	/

Streaming + Download

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

Purchasable with gift card

£1 GBP or more

about

Recounting the true story of the Bills o' Jacks murders on the Saddleworth Moor in 1832.
The song was adapted from lyrics featured in the historical novel "Out of Human Sight" by Sophie Parkes.

lyrics

Come listen to this tale of great fame
Of a father and son so brutally slain
At an ale house on the Saddleworth moor
Where the sign of the moorcock hangs by the door

‘Twas on an evening cold and dark
When the stars shone bright and the curs did bark
Across the moors of bog and peat
A young maiden sought her kin to meet

With heart so light to their home she made way
No signs of slaughter did it betray
But when she arrived there quick and neat
She found the blood clotting at her feet

With courage bold through the hall she did go
Although the walls with blood did flow
And lying in a pool of gore
Was her uncle dear to arise no more

Then up the stairs this maiden fled
With skirt and petticoat scarlet red
But how she wept and how she cried
When she reached her grandfather’s own bedside

Oh grandfather come tell to me
Who murdered both my uncle and thee
One word he spoke with his last breath
Before he lay down to meet his death

Straight way unto the house there came
Friends and relations but all in vain
For on that day the two men died
And in one grave now they both shall bide

Now at every hearth in every home
The tale of Bills o' Jacks is well known
Of a father and son so brutally slain
By a stranger without a face or name

credits

released January 1, 2023

license

about

Laura Smyth & Ted Kemp UK

contact / help

Contact Laura Smyth & Ted Kemp

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this track or account

If you like Laura Smyth & Ted Kemp, you may also like:

EP1
by The Magpie Arc

supported by 6 fans who also own “Bills o' Jacks”

Brilliant line up! cant wait for the full album👍 maz2
go to album
Glamour In The Grey
by The Magpie Arc

supported by 6 fans who also own “Bills o' Jacks”

Such a broad range of roots music styles; trad English, modern Scottish, Americana. The first track is fabulous, took me right back to teenage years listening to Fairport. Hope it gets the recognition it deserves Derrick Turner
go to album
Midlife
by Jon Wilks

supported by 5 fans who also own “Bills o' Jacks”
go to album
Ship To Shore
by Richard Thompson

The legendary Richard Thompson's new solo album exemplifies his many musical paths, from pop and cabaret to jazz to traditional folk. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 2, 2024
go to album
Endurance Soundly Caged
by Stick In The Wheel

Adapting their calculated standards into a raw, live setting, the radical UK folk duo rework six highlights from their spellbindincatalogue. Bandcamp New & Notable Dec 7, 2022
go to album
Spider Tales
by Jake Blount

This album speaks to the continuum of African diasporic culture that is central to the vibrant canon of Americana folk music. Bandcamp Album of the Day May 29, 2020
go to album
CONVERSATIONS WE'VE HAD BEFORE
by Eliza Carthy Trio

supported by 5 fans who also own “Bills o' Jacks”

Three of the most talented folk/roots/acoustic artists currently at the very top of their game. Spoiler alert; is Spanish Lady actually about Catherine of Aragon or have I been reading too much Hilary Mantel? ***** bass_campdelta
go to album