When will you come again, my faithful Johnny?
When will you come again, my faithful Johnny?
When the corn is gathered,
When the leaves are withered
I will come again, my sweet and bonnie,
I will come a-gain.

Then winter's wind will blow, my faithful Johnny,
Then winter's wind will blow, my faithful Johnny,
Though the day be dark with drift,
That I cannot see the lift,
I will come again, my sweet and bonnie,
I will come a-gain.

Then you will meet me here, my faithful Johnny?
Then you will meet me here, my faithful Johnny?
Though the night were Hallowe'en
When the fearful sights are seen
I would meet thee here, my sweet and bonnie,
I would meet thee here.


abc | midi | pdf

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Source: Singing Together, Spring 1961, BBC Publications

Notes:
Described somewhat vaguely as 'Old Scottish Song'. From 'The Daily Express Community Song Book'. The singing directions are given as 'Sad, but not too slow.'

FAITHFUL JOHNNY in the DT is from the singing of the PratieHeads and Jean Redpath. Sound clip for Redpath's "My Faithful Johnny" is HERE; Eileen McGann's clip of "Faithful Johnny" is HERE. Also discussed at the thread: 'Faithful Johnny', where the Beethoven version is posted. However, a recent edition (and recording) of the Beethoven arrangement uses a longer version, and of course the melody is much more sophisticated. The 1890 edition of Beethoven: Schottiche Lieder (C.F. Peters, pp. 8-9) has the first 3 satnzas only.

FAITHFU' JOHNIE (Der treue Johnie)

(1st setting, 1809-10)

Ann Grant

When will you come again, my faithfu' Johnie,

When will you come again?

"When the corn is gathered,

And the leaves are withered,

I will come again, my sweet and bonny,

I will come again."

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