Broadside ballad entitled 'The New Ballad'

Commentary

This ballad begins: 'INto the month of March, / As I went to the North, / Beyond the Carnemont. / Far beyond Tay and Forth.' The text preceding it reads: 'THE NEVV BALLAD. / OF THE LASS OF PEATIES MILL. / To its own Proper Tune.'

It has been suggested, due to this sheet's place in its collection, that it was published in Glasgow in 1701. This is, however, now completely unverifiable. The lyrics to this piece differ from that composed by Allan Ramsay (1686-1757), although he used the same tune. His lyrics begin 'The lass of Peaty's Mill', and he is supposed to have written them whilst staying with Sir William Cunningham of Robertland.

Early ballads were dramatic or humorous narrative songs derived from folk culture that predated printing. Originally perpetuated by word of mouth, many ballads survive because they were recorded on broadsides. Musical notation was rarely printed, as tunes were usually established favourites. The term 'ballad' eventually applied more broadly to any kind of topical or popular verse.

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