Folk Files

Author: Olivia Harding

Welcome to Folk Files, a podcast hosted by Olivia Harding that seeks to uncover the mysteries of folk music throughout the ages and dive deep into the tangled history of murder ballads, sea shanties, rebel songs, and other music that has withstood the test of time!
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Language: en

Genres: Music, Music History

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Folk Files #2.8 - Stand and Deliver
Episode 8
Thursday, 28 August, 2025

Robbers, bandits, highwaymen…there are a lot of English folk songs about outlaws. In this episode of Folk Files, we’ll look at why there are so many songs about criminals and what patterns exist in these ballads. Then, we’ll look at Robbers’ Retreat in an attempt to figure out why the song (also known as Cadgwith Anthem) doesn’t seem to follow any of those patterns.Host: Olivia HardingSupport Folk Files: https://www.patreon.com/c/FolkFilesPodcast*This episode of Folk Files was recorded on the road. Apologies for any lapses in quality.*Musical excerpts:ARTIST: Steeleye SpanWORK: Cadgwith AnthemSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMBpPYA8ebYARTIST: Ewan MacCollWORK: Alan Tyne O’HarrowSOURCE: https://ewanmaccoll.bandcamp.com/track/alan-tyne-o-harrowARTIST: Martin CarthyWORK: Newlyn TownSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wM7hDJI85uIARTIST: Roger McGuinnWORK: Whiskey in the JarSOURCE: https://youtu.be/i8iAp0mTKjo?si=htJCj3YzGDz4UWsoARTIST: Loreena McKennittWORK: The HighwaymanSOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=YGFo0xn4JeYARTIST: Ewan MacCollWORK: The Crafty FarmerSOURCE: https://youtu.be/GT_uXRERmsE?si=bNwLhDjFCXB9yuijARTIST: Magpie LaneWORK: The Highwayman OutwittedSOURCE: https://youtu.be/kXHL6omuz3c?si=pnX3AOzB6sbfoNZuARTIST: Jackie OatesWORK: Robbers’ RetreatSOURCE: https://youtu.be/ZzPA52DWzwM?si=ZkM3a4WDugEpC4ypARTIST: The Mousehole Male Voice ChoirWORK: The Cadgwith AnthemSOURCE: https://youtu.be/yXFIUuWARB0?si=mgpBLQqoKOYtge7NARTIST: The Longest JohnsWORK: Cadgwith AnthemSOURCE: https://youtu.be/UiBlnnN2PWU?si=78Mzy7npMptFomP1ARTIST: Bounding MainWORK: Cadgwith AnthemSOURCE: https://youtu.be/KQbYYnoM3wM?si=UF20bLf7VaKn-lGD