"Pretty Polly" | Revisited
Added 2018-10-17 19:47:55 +0000 UTC(fCFA#C one step below gDGCD aka "Modal Tuning," "G Modal" or "Pretty Polly Tuning.")
I know I've uploaded this song before, but a recent question from Justin H. prompted me to take another go at it:
"Clifton, you mentioned that some songs will put you in a 'trance' when played. You mentioned this happened to you while playing ‘German War’ recently… and other songs like ‘Pretty Polly,' and ‘East Virginia’ also have this affect. I notice that while listening to you play these songs 2-finger style, with that repetitive drone sound, it creates a much different (trance-like) mood than if played overhand style (where it seems more up-beat and rhythmic). Can you comment on this?"--Justin
Away back in England a lady did dwell (x2)
Her name was pretty Polly boys I loved her so well
Polly pretty Polly yonder she stands (x2)
With gold rings on her fingers and lily white hands
Polly pretty Polly come take me in kind (x2)
Let me sit down beside you and tell you my mind
My mind is to marry and never to part (x2)
The first time I saw you you wounded my heart
Polly pretty Polly come go along with me (x2)
Before we get married some pleasure to see
He took her over mountain and valleys so deep (x2)
At length pretty Polly she began to weep
Saying, "Willy O dear Willy I'm a'feared of your way" (x2)
"I fear you will lead my poor body astray"
They went on a piece farther and what did they spy? (x2)
But a newly dug grave with a spade lying by
"Polly pretty Polly you've guess just about right" (x2)
"I dug on your grave the best part of last night"
She fell to her knees and she pleaded for her life (x2)
Saying, "Let me go a'begging if I cannot be your wife"
But he stabbed her through the heart and the heart's blood did flow (x2)
And down in the grave pretty Polly did go
He rolled the cold clay over her and started for home (x2)
Leaving nothing behind but the wild birds to moan
It's a debt to the Devil poor Willy must pay (x2)
For killing pretty Polly and running away
Comments
Thanks Clifton.
Vintage Electric
2024-02-12 00:22:46 +0000 UTCThanks, Stephan. "Pretty Polly" is one I really need to do a lesson/tab on, as it's often requested. I will soon. Others on my short list include "Southern Texas," "Shortening Bread," "Marching Through Georgia," "Morphine," "Coke Oven March..."
Clifton Hicks
2020-12-13 12:27:22 +0000 UTCThat's a really awesome version, thanks Clifton! I followed you on youtube and stumbled over a couple of versions of "Pretty Polly" there. I'm trying to get into that two finger drop thumb pattern ever since, playing along with your videos.. With this version of "pretty Polly" you come close to that rolling feeling of the train-like sound. Woooah!!
Stephan Ensthaler
2020-12-13 09:40:29 +0000 UTCWill do.
Clifton Hicks
2018-10-18 02:17:03 +0000 UTCThat modal tuning alone just sounds sad and melodic. I haven't been able to stop trying to imitate "Hold On!" for a couple months now. On the same subject of tuning etc., when you get a chance, can you talk about tuning to 432hz? I ran across one of your youtubes of "Going up North" tuned like that in standard G.
Taylor Davis
2018-10-18 01:02:52 +0000 UTCSunshine through the planks like bars in a cell
Bobby Banks
2018-10-17 20:34:59 +0000 UTCSorry, will add to the description! gDGCD
Clifton Hicks
2018-10-17 20:31:53 +0000 UTCGreat, as usual. What is the tuning?
Carol Stewart
2018-10-17 20:03:44 +0000 UTC
