Broadsheet ballads titled 'I've Been Roaming' and "Isabel'.

Publisher Thomas Birt (1824 - 1841)

Composer Rowley Bishop

Lyricist Thomas Bayly

Date1824 - 1841

Object number00031095

NameBroadsheet

MediumWoodcut and printed text on paper mounted on card

DimensionsOverall: 257 x 102 mm, 0.023 kg

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionBroadsheet ballds titled 'I've Been Roaming' and 'Isabel'. 'I've Been Roaming' was written by Charles E. Horn, and first appeared on broadsheets around 1825.HistoryI'VE BEEN ROAMING I've been roaming -- Ive been roaming, Where the meadow dew is sweet; And I'm coming -- and I'm coming With its pearls upon my feet. I've been roaming -- I've been roaming Wher the meadow dew is sweet! And I'm coming -- and I'm coming With its pearls upon my feet. I've been roaming -- I've been roaming O'er the rose and lily fair; And I'm coming -- and I'm coming With their blossoms in my hair. I've been roaming, &c. I've been roaming -- I've been roaming Where the honey-suckle creeps; And I'm coming -- and I'm coming With its kisses on my lips. I've been roaming, &c. I've been romaing -- I've been roaming Over hill and over plain; And I'm coming -- and I'm coming To my bower back again. Over hill, &c. ISABEL. Sung by Miss Stephens. WAKE! dearest wake! and for ever united We'll rove by yonder sea, Where oft our vows of love we plighted. Oh! then I'll part from thee. There oft I've gaz'd with smiles delighted, Our last farewell shall be; Isabel! Isabel! Isabel! One look tho' that look be in sorrow Fare-thee-well! fare-thee-well! fare-thee-well! Far hence I shall wander to-morrow Ah! me! farewell! ah! me! Dark is my doom, and from thee I sever, Whom I have lov'd aline; It wer cruel to link thy fate for ever, With sorrow like my own; Go smile on livelier friends and never Lament me when I'm gone. Isabel! Isabel! &c. And when at length in the lovely bowers, Some happier youth you'll see, You'll cull for him Spring's sweetest flowers, And he'll sing of love to thee. And when thou think'st of those vanish'd hours, Oh! tell him to love like me. Isabel! Isabel! &c. Broadsheet rhymes and verses were the cheapest prints available during the 18th and 19th century. They were sold by street sellers known as Flying Stationers, who charged a minimal fee of a penny or half-penny. They featured popular songs that were often sung in homes, inns and taverns and covered a range of themes relating to contemporary events or stories. Printed alongside the songs were woodcut illustrations. Most of the broadsheet publishers did not date or mark their works, making it difficult to pinpoint when they were produced. Maritime scenes, events and stories were commonly depicted on sheet music and ballads. The launch, commission or arrival of a specific ship was often commemorated in the lyrics and cover designs. For people living in the 19th century the sea and maritime vessels was an everyday accepted part of life, necessary for the transportation of commercial cargo, passengers, whalers, mail and naval forces.SignificanceBroadsheets were designed as printed ephemera to be published and distributed rapidly. This also meant they were quickly disposed of with many of them not surviving the test of time. The museum's broadsheet collection is therefore a rare and valuable example of how maritime history was communicated to a wide audience, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries. They vibrantly illustrate many of the themes and myths surrounding life at sea. Some of them also detail stories about transportation, migration.