William
A very sad tale of a boy's brief life. In early infancy William's parents impress on him the importance of strength and bravery above all else. To please them he joins the army and thanks to their doctrine, faces up to the enemy alone and is killed. His parents, though grieving, are proud of his heroics - and as if to underscore their ultimate solitude, Leon the singer "leaves them there alone" and ends the tale.
The original recording is of a solo performance by Leon, whereas the 1991 remake is a duet with Martin Carthy.
The original recording is of a solo performance by Leon, whereas the 1991 remake is a duet with Martin Carthy.
Recordings
Version 1 (1971)
Version 2 (1991) With Martin Carthy
Cover version (2005) By Roy Bailey
Version 2 (1991) With Martin Carthy
Cover version (2005) By Roy Bailey