"The Maid Freed from the Gallows" is one of many titles of a centuries-old folk song about a condemned maiden pleading for someone to buy her freedom from the executioner. It was recorded in 1939 as "The Gallis Pole" by folk singer Huddie "Lead Belly" Ledbetter, but the most famous version was this arrangement from from Zeppelin's 1970's album "Zeppelin III". Although it exists in many forms, all versions recount a similar story. A maiden (a young unmarried woman) about to be hanged (for unknown reasons) pleads with the hangman, or judge, to wait for the arrival of someone who may ransom her. The first person (or people) to arrive, who may include the father, mother, brother, and sister, have brought nothing and often have come to see her hanged. The last person to arrive, often her true love, has brought the ransom gold to save her. Although the traditional versions do not always speak of the fate of the condemned one, it is accepted that she is freed and escapes execution. Ransomed by one who loves her. The Zeppelin song "Gallows Pole" does not include the ransom moment and has the maiden swinging from the "Gallows Pole" this was not in the original, and as we have already said the original was to end on a nots of triumph and ransom.
I think I see my friends coming, Riding many a mile.
Friends, did you get some silver?
Did you get a little gold?
What did you bring me, my dear friends, To keep me from the Gallows Pole?
What did you bring me to keep me from the Gallows Pole?
I couldn't get no silver, I couldn't get no gold,
You know that we're too damn poor to keep you from the Gallows Pole.
Hangman, hangman, hold it a little while,
I think I see my brother coming, riding many a mile.
Brother, did you get me some silver?
Did you get a little gold?
What did you bring me, my brother, to keep me from the Gallows Pole?
Brother, I brought you some silver, yah
I brought a little gold, I brought a little of everything
To keep you from the Gallows Pole.
Yes, I brought you to keep you from the Gallows Pole.
Hangman, hangman, turn your head awhile,
I think I see my sister coming, riding many a mile, mile, mile, mile.
Sister, I implore you, take him by the hand,
Take him to some shady bower, save me from the wrath of this man,
Please take him, save me from the wrath of this mad man.
Hangman, hangman, upon your face a smile,
Tell me that I'm free to ride,
Ride for many a mile, mile, mile.
Oh, yes, you got a fine sister, She warmed my blood from cold,
She brought my blood to boiling hot, To keep you from the Gallows Pole, Pole, Pole, Pole, yeah, yeah
Your brother brought me silver, Your sister warmed my soul,
But now I laugh and pull so hard And see you swinging on the Gallows Pole, yah
But now I laugh and pull so hard And see you swinging on the Gallows Pole, Pole, Pole
Swingin' on the Gallows Pole! [x3]
Swingin' on the Gallows Pole, Pole, Pole, Pole, Pole, Pole, Pole, yeah
The song "Gallows Pole" can be thought of as covering two themes. It is clear from the lyrics that it is both about "longing" and "ransom". The maiden is constantly waiting (Longing) to be set free from the Gallows pole by members of her own family but this does not happen in the way that it is intended to happen. In the lyrics a solution to free the maiden is offered "Take him to some shady bower" is code for (You know what) and the hangman is also bribed with silver. In Zeppelin's version of "The Gallows Pole" the young maiden hangs despite a ransom being paid. Ransom is the cost that is given in order to obtain freedom for the one being made captive. In the song here nothing seems to convince the hangman to let the maiden go, not sex, not money either.
"Longing" and "Ransom" are part of the gospel story. Jesus comes to a people who are longing for freedom from the oppressors of Rome and of the hard legalistic religious regime also. Jesus rightly speak of this in the parable of the Wicked Tenants
There is a similarity between the "Gallows Pole" and the parable Jesus spoke as in both stories there is a process of waiting while yet another person is sent, or turns up, or is hoped for. The other theme of Ransom that is in the song "Gallows Pole" is one of the themes of the Old Testament and that of the New Testament. Ransom is at the heart of the gospel. Simply "Ransom" in the New Testament is the thinking that humankind is held in captivity and sin and is in need of freeing by a ransomer (Jesus) the ransomer pays the price with his own life and the captives are freed. It's a way of understanding the atonement (The Cross) . Jesus pays the ultimate price, the ultimate sacrifice. Jesus pays the debt and ransoms humankind. Another word for "ransom" would be "redemption" in this context. Jesus redeems with his life. Jesus himself speaks of this in Mark 10:45
These are the words of Jesus himself. Jesus here is speaking of "Ransom" in the context of serving. this indeed would be the highest form of serving that some one gives their life to set others free. The story of the gospels is that Jesus on the cross ransoms humanity, and he offers people the choice of freedom and true liberty. Jesus like the "Gallows Pole" story is suppose to end.
To all who are waiting for and hoping for a change in circumstances Jesus is only a prayer away. Ransom is what he offers, Freedom from captivity and not enslaving. Jesus comes to all of us today and knocks at the door and offers us a chance at freedom. He offers hope, grace, mercy and love. May you have a great day today that is filled with God appointed moments.
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