Ballad of Sally Ann

This is an online fiddle lesson for the country song "The Ballad of Sally Ann," in the style of Mark O'Connor.

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Genre: Country, Bluegrass
Skill Level: Advanced
Key of G

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Video #1: Here is a video of me playing the country song "The Ballad of Sally Ann."

"The Ballad of Sally Ann" is a traditional fiddle tune.  This arrangement was created by Mark O'Connor and the lyrics were written by Alice Randall, Harry Stinson and Mark O'Connor.  It was recorded in 1991 by the New Nashville Cats.

The Ballad of Sally Ann

With love in his heart and flowers in hand
Johnny proposed to Sally Ann
Sally shivered as she said, 
"I'll love you 'til the day I'm dead"

Refrain: Who's gonna dance with Sally Ann 
Who's gonna touch her tremblin' hand 
When the fiddler takes the stand 
Who's gonna dance with Sally Ann

Johnny got married in his one good suit 
But the ride from church bore strange fruit
Down by road you can hear her cry 
As he hung from a tree, she watched him die

Refrain
Sally attends every wedding 'round here 
Lookin' for her Johnny dear
When wedding bells ring in that town 
A ghostly widow strolls the ground
Refrain

Sail away ladies, Sail away!
Sail away ladies, Sail away!

Darkened shadows cross the floor 
As ghostly lovers dance once more
You can feel them in the room 
If the fiddler plays that tune 
Refrain