Folk and Traditional Song Lyrics:
John Ball

John Ball

John Ball
(Sidney Carter)

PERMISSION TO INCLUDE THIS SONG HAS BEEN DENIED BY THE COPYRIGHT HOLDER,
STAINER AND BELL, LTD., THROUGH THEIR US AND CANADIAN ADMINISTRATOR, HOPE
PUBLISHING CO. (800/323-1049)

John Ball and Wat Tyler were the leaders of the Peasant's Revolt in
England in 1381.  John Ball was a hedge priest whose jingle
"When Adam delved and Eva span, who was then the gentleman?" was
the watchword of the revolt.  The peasant mob met with the child king
Richard II who promised them an end to serfdom.  Either he didn't mean
it or was overruled by his council.  [SOF]
DSw