Come All You Fair and Tender Ladies

"Come All You Fair and Tender Ladies" (a.k.a. "Tiny Sparrow" or "Little Sparrow") (Roud #451) is an American folk music ballad, originating from the Appalachian region.[1] It has been recorded under either of its two title variations by numerous artists, including The Carter Family, Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, Odetta, Jean Ritchie, Peter, Paul and Mary, The Kingston Trio, Leon Bibb, Makem and Clancy, Emmylou Harris, Bob Dylan, Dave Van Ronk, The Rankin Family, The Country Gentlemen, Murray Head, Dolly Parton, and Gene Clark and Carla Olson.[2][3][4][5] The title of the song varies from recording to recording, and prior to the 1960s the song was usually known as "Tiny Sparrow" or "Little Sparrow". Some versions substituted "Sparrow" with "Swallow", another species of bird.[6] In more recent times, the song's title sometimes finds "Maidens" substituted for "Ladies", and "Come All Ye" or "Come All You" sometimes omitted.[7]

In 2010, Marideth Sisco performed a portion of the song in the film Winter's Bone.[8]

References

1. Santelli, Robert; George-Warren, Holly; Brown, Jim (2001). American Roots Music. Harry N. Abrams, Inc. p. 192. ISBN 0-8109-1432-8.
2. "Come All You Fair and Tender Ladies cover versions". Allmusic. Retrieved 2011-02-10.
3. "Tiny Sparrow cover versions". Allmusic. Retrieved 2011-02-10.
4. "Come All Ye Fair and Tender Ladies cover versions". Allmusic. Retrieved 2011-02-10.
5. "Gene Clark / Carla Olson - So Rebellious a Lover". Allmusic.com. Retrieved 2017-11-13.
6. Pete Seeger version of the song.
7. "Come All Ye Fair And Tender Maidens". deaddisc.com. Retrieved 2011-02-10.
8. "Winter Bone Soundtrack track listing". wintersbonemovie.com. Archived from the original on 2011-02-10. Retrieved 2011-02-10.