Broadside Ballads

Our class is well underway! We are currently knee deep in exploring the use of broadside ballads.  For a little history lesson, these were the pamphlets used during the 16th and 17th century to spread ideas of protest throughout the western world. Usually on the "broadside" of one sheet of paper, the text was combined with satirical images. The lyrics were set to familiar tunes so that the message was accessible to all, especially the lower class citizens.  Broadsides were sold for a penny each by street salesman and often included critiques of policy and government, and stories of inequality. They are thought have had two purposes. On one hand, they were used to raise consciousness of public ills and on the other, they were direct calls for action.  I believe many of them had both qualities. 

      Above is an example of a traditional English broadside. In class, we listen to modern day renditions of English ballads sold long ago.  Singer Paul Clayton had a specific interest in the historical impact of these ballads and created a collection including the song Bonny Bunch of Roses. Within the lyrics, we find a narrator (these were not typically first-person stories).  The ballad depicts a hopeful Europe as Napoleon began his first mission. They believed he would end oppression of the Lords upon the lower class.  The narrator is a peasant and reflective of common sentiment throughout the British Isles.  The term "Bonny Bunch of Roses" is thought to be a metaphor of grief regarding the, then current, state of the British empire.

   While broadsides seem to be logically a tool of the past, they have significant relevance within our culture today.  Pete Seeger's Ballad of Old Monroe is a perfect example of that.  Seeger's song was relevant to the civil rights movement and the controversial arrest of a black man for harboring two white strangers when they lost their way in Monroe, North Carolina.  This 1961 event spurred wide public upset when the man was charged with kidnapping.  Seeger's song was commissioned by the defense attorney and became very popular right before the trial.  With obvious intent, the song was instrumental in determining the verdict and setting the tone for future civil rights trials.

   Many believe that broadsides have not lost their utility even today in the information age.  Some consider YouTube marvels to have the same impact.  In general, I would rather distinguish between the broadside ballad in print and a video version, if only to hold to the strict sense of the definition.  However, I believe the power behind shared songs that are easily acceptable to all.

One of my favorite projects around this idea comes from a group called Playing for change.  Here is a bit of their work.

Stand By Me.

Let me know what you think!