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Molly Bond
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Jerry Garcia once said in an interview: “I’m a sucker for a sad song.”

So am I….

I first encountered this traditional ballad back in the late 1990s.
It was covered by that fantastic English folk-rock group the OYSTERBAND.
It has haunted me ever since.

Its origins appear to go back before 1799. It probably developed from earlier
and similar ballads like “Polly Vaughn.”

After years of toying with the idea, I have finally mustered up the courage
to cover it myself.

Heart-felt thanks to my dear friend Joyce Dorrance for her vocal contributions.
I couldn’t have pulled this off without her help!

Take a break from polarizing politics, and give this song about an irreversible
and heart-wrenching tragedy a spin.

Hope some of you can enjoy it.

Be well my friends!
Released: 01-Apr-2026
Category: Folk
Application: Logic Pro
File type: mp3
File size: 14.9 Mb
Plays: 18
Downloads: 1
Weekly plays: 10
Weekly downloads: 1
License: No derivative works allowed
AI assisted with lyrics: No
AI assisted with music/production: No
Lyrics
I
Come all you young gallants that delight in a gun.
Beware of your shooting at the setting of the sun.

II
It happened one evening in a large shower of hail;
when under a bower my love was concealed.

III
Her apron flew around her. I took her as a swan;
and I shot my own darling at the setting of the sun.

IV
And as I approached her and found it was she.
My limbs they grew weary and my eyes couldn’t see…

V
The ring on her finger… Most bitterly I cried:
Oh Molly if you were livin’ you’d have been my fond bride!

VI
Then home to my father like lightning I did run!
Saying: “Father! Dearest father, do you know what I’ve done?”

VII
“Her apron flew around her. I took her as a swan;
and I shot my own darling at the setting of the sun.”

VIII
“Her apron flew around her. I took her as a swan;
and I shot my own darling and where should I run?”

IX
His father in the corner with his hair turnin’ grey:
“Oh my dear Johnny don’t you run away.”

X
“Stay in this country until your trail comes on.
You never shall be hung by the laws of this land.”

XI
On the day of the trail to the judge she appeared:

“As GOD is my witness, young Johnny must go clear!
My apron flew around me. He took me as a swan…
And I know his heart lies bleeding
for his own Molly Bond.”
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Comments
artist
Clear & clean sound 
Awesome ballad ...
artist
I enjoyed this a lot. Joyce did well on this. Gun safety is paramount in any era.
artist
@yoslounge 
Thanks for clocking in on this Omar!
😋
Latest song: You Me & The Sea
21 days ago
artist
@awigze 
Thanks Andy. I especially love ghostly "oooh" before the last verse. Joyce totally nailed it. 
It's a goose pimple moment!
As for gun safety, you're absolutely right. No anti-gun message here, but definitely a call for safe practice. But even that is mere backdrop for a tragic love song ...
😋
Latest song: You Me & The Sea
21 days ago
artist
Btw, the gun in the photo is an English Flintlock Fowler. It is likely the gun that would have been used for hunting at the time the song was written.
😋
Latest song: You Me & The Sea
21 days ago
artist
Tragic story, and beautiful rendition.
Latest song: Bohemian Lovers
21 days ago
listener
Very nice Mike ! You did a fine job on your vocals on this one . Also I'm a sucker for flute. Ha...Loved it'
 
20 days ago
artist
@Dyl 
Many thanks Dyl!
😋
Latest song: You Me & The Sea
20 days ago
artist
@Chips 
Hey Don! Thanks for listening and commenting on yet another slow and sad tune.
😜
RE the vocals... My old mic that I've used for two decades finally gave up the ghost. My last two posts were done with a new mic which seems to work better!
😋
Latest song: You Me & The Sea
20 days ago
artist
Excellent and eclectic arrangement and an understated and effective vocals. Enjoyed this a lot Mike.
20 days ago
artist
Fantastic performance!!!!!
Latest song: Luis
19 days ago
artist
@Bowman 
Thank you Charlie!
I love it when an old folk song gets new life breathed into it...
😋
Latest song: You Me & The Sea
19 days ago
artist
@DexAmco 
You are too kind Dan!
🤗
Latest song: You Me & The Sea
19 days ago
artist
Nice production.  Joyce sounds great. Enjoyed.
Latest song: Done With You
18 days ago
artist
@Telemetry 
Many thanks Ray!
😋
Latest song: You Me & The Sea
18 days ago
artist
i love the instrumentation in this arrangement. the flute + vocals counterpoint especially hooked me!
Latest song: Dr. Kumar
15 days ago
artist
@kpwatershed 
Ever since I first heard (and saw) Jethro Tull back in 1970 I have loved the flute. I can't play the thing. I've tried but sound horrific. Thank goodness for the synth!
Glad you enjoyed this little foray of mine into English folk!
😋
Latest song: You Me & The Sea
14 days ago
artist
this song gives me chills.  Well done.  Your singing is perfect for traditional sounding folk and Joyce icing on the cake.
Latest song: Bomb Iran
13 days ago
artist
@TrebleFace 
Thanks for checking this out Matt. I'm glad you feel I did this justice. I was nervous about covering it. Oysterband's version gave ME chills. If I managed to convey even a little bit of what they did in their cover of this old gem I can die a happy man!
😋
Latest song: You Me & The Sea
13 days ago
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