John Barleycorn

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

JOHN BARLEYCORN (J8x32) 3C (4C set) Dulcie Bond Second Sheaf Collection

1- 8 1s dance down middle nearer hands joined (3 steps), dance up (3 steps) and cast to 2nd place own side (2s step up 7-8)
9-16 1s turn 1st corner RH, partner LH; turn 2nd corner RH and partner LH to face 1st corner
17-24 1s dance ½ diagonal reel of 4 with 1st corners; 1s dance ½ diagonal reel of 4 with 2nd corners
25-32 1s turn RH while corners chase clockwise ½ round to own sides; 1s cross up and cast round 2s to 2nd place own side. 213

(MINICRIB. Dance crib compiled by Charles Upton, Deeside Caledonian Society, and his successors)

Dance Information

John Barleycorn is a traditional British folk character associated with barley cultivation and the production of alcoholic drink, especially ale and whisky. The name appears in old English and Scottish folk songs and ballads dating back several centuries.

The story describes the growing, harvesting and processing of barley in symbolic human form. In most versions, John Barleycorn is cut down, beaten and transformed, representing the agricultural cycle and the making of alcohol from grain.

The best-known Scottish version of John Barleycorn - Song was published by Robert Burns in 1782. Burns stated that he based his text on an older traditional ballad.

There was three kings into the east,
Three kings both great and high,
And they hae sworn a solemn oath
John Barleycorn should die.

The older traditional folk version of John Barleycorn, collected from earlier English folk-song sources and forming the basis of many later versions and adaptations of the song, begins:

There were three men come out of the West
Their fortunes for to try
And these three men made a solemn vow
John Barleycorn must die.

Mainly Norfolk - John Barleycorn provides extensive information about the history, symbolism and development of the traditional John Barleycorn ballads, including English and Scottish versions, historical notes, folk-song archive references, recorded performances and later adaptations of the song.

John Barleycorn Song - Information Video

Sign For The John Barleycorn, Threshers Bush

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