A Sunday Thread For Druids, Wiccans, Pagans and Heathens, Shamans, Brujas, Voodoo Priests And Devil Worshipers

John Barleycorn is an old English folk song with roots in Paganism.  It tells the story of a barley crop that is plowed, sowed and harrowed in, with clods thrown "upon his head"; of the rains that caused Barleycorn to spring forth and stand until "he looked both pale and wan"; of the beard that grew and the scythes that "cut him off at the knee".

The song continues to describe how John Barleycorn is hauled away and ground between two stones so there will be beer and whiskey.  Of course, John Barleycorn gets his revenge when the men who mistreated him take to drinking.   

Most of us are familiar with Traffic's version of the song.  Here's a version by a modern Druid who calls himself Damh the Bard.  Enjoy!