Many will be familiar with this song from the recording by the Copper Family and it has been taken up by many people in the folk scene. Versions of the song have oftern been collected in England but rarely elsewhere. Broadsides gave the song the title “The New Sailor’s Farewell” as well as “Lovely Nancy”. The theme, and many of the words are also found in such songs as “Swansea Town” and the Irish “Holy Ground”.

Notes by Gwilym Davies 9 May 2015