John Barleycorn Must Die?
I've heard a lot of versions of that British folk song, but the version by Traffic still stands out as the best version of any folk song for that matter. How about you guys, What's your favorite folk song or favorite version of a traditional folk song?
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That's a great version. I find it hard to choose but I think I'll go for, Barbara Allen by Jim Moray. Banks of the Nile by Fotheringay is a close second.
John Barleycorn is a certainly a metaphor for alcohol, it isn't a real man's title. The announcing "John Barleycorn need to die" is a reference to alcoholism, and a hope that the drunks will "kill John Barleycorn" by means of ceasing to drink alcohol and emerge as sober.