John Barleycorn

Broadside ballad entitled 'A Huy and Cry After Sir John Barlycorn'

John Barleycorn MET DP-300-063

John Barleycorn, Duxford - geograph.org.uk - 758286

Masked criminal at the grave of John Barleycorn cph.3b52743

John Barleycorn use of name in headline

John Barleycorn is a British folk song with a history that stretches back centuries. The character of John Barleycorn in the song symbolizes the barley plant, and through the narrative of his suffering, death, and resurrection, the song allegorically describes the agricultural process of growing grain and producing alcohol. The song has been interpreted in various ways, including as a representation of the pagan cycle of death and rebirth, a commentary on the hardships faced by the lower classes, and a celebration of the production and consumption of beer and whiskey.

Origins and History

The origins of John Barleycorn can be traced back to the Middle Ages, with the earliest written version appearing in the 16th century. It is part of a wider tradition of personifying the cereal crops and the spirits made from them. The song has been widely circulated in England, Scotland, and beyond, with numerous versions documented by folk song collectors in the 19th and early 20th centuries, such as Francis James Child who included it in his seminal work, The English and Scottish Popular Ballads.

Lyrics and Interpretation

The lyrics of John Barleycorn vary between versions, but they generally describe the personified figure of John Barleycorn who undergoes trials and tribulations, including being ploughed, sown, cut down, and malted before being transformed into ale or whiskey. This narrative is rich in metaphor and symbolism, reflecting themes of suffering, death, and rebirth that are central to agricultural cycles and practices.

Interpretations of the song often focus on its allegorical representation of the natural cycle of growth, death, and renewal, akin to the Green Man mythology and other pre-Christian traditions. Additionally, John Barleycorn has been seen as a symbol of the resilience and endurance of the common people, and their capacity for renewal and celebration in the face of hardship.

Musical Versions and Legacy

John Barleycorn has been adapted and recorded by numerous artists, particularly within the folk music and folk rock genres. One of the most famous versions was recorded by the British band Traffic in 1970 on their album John Barleycorn Must Die. This version helped to introduce the song to a wider audience and contributed to its status as a classic of the folk rock genre.

The song's enduring popularity is a testament to its deep roots in British and Celtic culture, as well as its universal themes of life, death, and rebirth. John Barleycorn remains a favorite in folk clubs and festivals, and its narrative continues to resonate with contemporary audiences.

See Also

• Folk Music
• Agriculture in the United Kingdom
• Alcoholic beverages in the United Kingdom
• Paganism