Richard Thompson - Willi O' Winsbury

[@j1948via]

I love this beautiful old song, sung so soulfully here by Richard Thompson. I've performed it solo a cappella at an open mic and thoroughly enjoyed singing it. Like so many of Richard's songs, it tells a compelling story. And his voice is right in my comfort zone :-)

[@suzannelawson9215]

Do you also sing it with guitar?

[@kpedersen3334]

So this is where Thompson's "Farewell Farewell" came from!

[@Trollificusv2]

Long-time RT fan and never knew he'd done a version of this. Wonderful, as might be expected...but I'll always and forever have the Pentangle version cemented in as best ever. It was our kids' favorite lullabye. They called it "The King Song" and our daughter was completely confused when she first heard it on the radio: "Not Mommy! Not Mommy!" she said, and was kind of distressed. Love it, a wonderful, and wonderfully archaic story, and a rare ballad o' the isles that has a happy ending. Indeed, one of the most joyous endings of any song I know.

[@RealTubaBoy]

RT hands down, every time. No matter what 😂💜

[@tunguskalumberjack9987]

My favorite version is definitely by Pentangle, from a live show they did for TV. There are two versions that pop up most often, both for TV, but I’m talking about the one where Jacqui is wearing a black top, and not the more colorful outfit. They are both beautiful, but I just find that one to be the best for me. I appreciate others who perform it- of the many, I like Lady Moon’s the best. I believe her name is actually Eva Holbrook- she plays the mandolin as accompaniment, and her voice is pretty amazing- she does a lot of classic British Isles folk songs. This one was okay, but it didn’t move me the way that Pentangle’s or Eva’s do. Still, I always appreciate hearing a different version, as every one has it’s own special flavour. Sorry to leave such a long comment! TL/DR- I love the Pentangle version 🖤

[@nightsketcher]

@RealTubaBoy RT indeed! (if it's that dimension of soulful depth you're after)

[@2visiondigital]

Excellent comment for me. Pentangle for the win. Dick Gaughan may be the first I heard. Rare indeed a traditional song that sounds like a lament yet with a happy ending. There are quite a few fine versions. Makes me think it is partially the song - like Lord Franklin or Reynardine, hard to go wrong.

[@suzannelawson9215]

The late Irish folk singer, Anne Bryne does a very lovely version of this song. You can hear her cover on KZbin. Just type her name and the song title, and you can also listen to many other songs she sang.

[@wm.stclaire3127]

One of my favourite songs.

[@3000ajtrinity]

best version of this song i have ever heard

[@1sosalini]

watch the version by anais mitchell and jefferson hamer at the folk awards , stunning , and I love Richard's playing and always have .

[@b4rneypup1]

Dick Gaughan's is brilliant too. I prefer that.

[@Ggdivhjkjl]

Have you heard the version by

[@mayterry3676]

I like Andy Irvine's version too.

[@tatjana9229]

Try the one by Ye Vagabonds

[@wm.stclaire3127]

A truly wonderful song

[@mcriff422]

At first I thought the accompaniment was a piano. One of RT's Lowden guitars, no doubt. Amazing tone.

[@jeffwhitehead7990]

Richard’s approach to playing guitar has been significantly influenced by piano … specifically, using both his right and left hand to play “separate” parts simultaneously around bass, rhythm, melody, fills etc to achieve a fuller “orchestral” sound with acoustic guitar accompaniment. Folks often think there is more than one guitar being played in some of his music when there is only one- him playing separate parts simultaneously. and … I had a Lowden O25 and that guitar sounded more like a piano than any guitar I’ve ever heard (not an O25 on this track but, the F body lowdens share that tonal DNA)

[@vickystanley8853]

Beautiful rendition.

[@prettygoodfolk]

Richard Thompson is masterful as always, but check out Andy Irvine's version, recorded in 1968 when he was with Sweeney's Men. I believe it's the first recording of this old Scottich song, Child Ballad #100.

[@TheGB1950]

Whats really strange a version is used in the original Wickerman

[@barryedwards4803]

Recorded by Andy Irvine of Sweeney's Men and also by Pentangle, John Renbourn, Anne Briggs and Dick Gauguin amongst others.

[@RealTubaBoy]

My favorite.

[@cje1]

and to think that RT didn't think he could sing when he started off

[@johnbrereton5229]

Another great version, for any one who is interested is by Christie Reeves its here on KZbin and sung in a church.

[@greenetolstoy]

wow!

[@sumerisle]

excelent

[@mikezarro696]

Donovan’s version is absolutely beautiful.

[@petewhite58]

when was this recorded? Great version

[@sophiafakevirus-ro8cc]

Reverb me off😂