Billy Boy

From Vol. 2
Family Favorites

SUGGESTED KEY: F

CAPO: Fret 3

CHORD FAMILY: D

TIME SIGNATURE: 4/4

SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate

A Little About This Song…

Billy Boy is a folksong with a melody originating centuries ago in the British Isles. The lyrics appear to be based on the Old English ballad “Lord Randall.”

The tune began to appear in New England after the American Revolution, along with many immigrants. Some of the Irish, Scots, and English moved to the Appalachian Mountains and remained until the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. When they moved again, they took along this little song and its popularity spread from the Ohio River westward.