From the recording Polly's Revenge / Ralph Stanley II & The Clinch Mountain Boys
Ralph Stanley II & The Clinch Mountain Boys Unleash "Polly's Revenge" – A Bold Reimagining of the "Pretty Polly" Legend
Available In Store: March 22, 2024
Artist: Ralph Stanley II & The Clinch Mountain Boys
Song: Polly’s Revenge
Upcoming Album: To be announced
Songwriter- David Carroll
Publisher- Madkal Music, BMI
Stanley Family Records
ISRC#: TCAJP2585282
Musicians/instruments:
Ralph Stanley II- Lead guitar, Lead vocals
Stanley Efaw- Fiddle, mandolin, baritone vocals
Curtis Coleman- Banjo
Alex Leach- Guitar, tenor vocals
Randall Hibbitts- Upright Bass
Special guest on (Where the Dim Lights are The Dimmest)- Wyatt Ellis- Mandolin
Producers- Ralph Stanley II, Kristi Stanley, Bobby Starnes
Engineer- Jim Price
Studio- Hat Creek Recording Company
Mixing Engineer- Jim Price
Album Artwork: Teresa Ellis and Kristi Stanley
Song Bio
In the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where bluegrass echoes through the hollers, Ralph Stanley II and The Clinch Mountain Boys are set to release their electrifying new single, "Polly's Revenge," on May 22, 2024. Premiering at the Ralph Stanley Hills of Home Festival, this powerful track breathes new life into the chilling traditional ballad "Pretty Polly," a cornerstone of Appalachian storytelling. With haunting melodies and razor-sharp harmonies, the band transforms a tale of betrayal into a saga of retribution, honoring the legacy of bluegrass icon Dr. Ralph Stanley while forging a path forward.
The original "Pretty Polly" tells a grim story: a young woman lured to her death by a deceitful lover, her fate sealed in the dark woods. In "Polly's Revenge," written by David Carroll, the narrative shifts. Polly rises from her tragic end, a spectral force seeking justice. This bold reimagining pulses with themes of empowerment and redemption, giving voice to a character silenced for centuries. Ralph Stanley II’s soulful delivery, paired with The Clinch Mountain Boys’ masterful instrumentation, creates a sound that’s both timeless and urgently modern.
“Dad always told stories through song, and Polly’s Revenge carries that torch,” says Ralph Stanley II. “This is Polly’s story reclaimed—her strength, her fire. It’s what bluegrass does best: keeping the past alive while speaking to today.”
As the son of Dr. Ralph Stanley, whose lonesome voice defined bluegrass for generations, Ralph II weaves tradition with innovation. The Clinch Mountain Boys—featuring Stanley Efaw (fiddle, mandolin, vocals), Randall Hibbitts (upright bass, vocals), and Curtis Coleman (banjo, vocals)—deliver a performance that honors the band’s 79-year legacy while pushing the genre’s boundaries. From the mournful cry of the fiddle to the driving pulse of the banjo, Polly’s Revenge is a testament to bluegrass music’s enduring power to tell stories that haunt and heal.
The single’s release coincides with the 2025 Ralph Stanley Hills of Home Festival (May 22–26) in McClure, Virginia, a celebration of music, heritage, and community. Fans can experience the live debut of Polly’s Revenge amidst the misty peaks of the Blue Ridge, where the Stanley family’s music was born. The track will be available on all streaming platforms, with exclusive early access at https://ralph2.com.
Radio stations can request Polly’s Revenge via Stanley Records and Bell Buckle Media by contacting Valerie Smith at bellbucklerecords.com. For interviews or promotional materials, reach out to Kristi Stanley at krististanley391@yahoo.com.
About Ralph Stanley II & The Clinch Mountain Boys
Ralph Stanley II carries the torch of his father, Dr. Ralph Stanley, with a career marked by #1 hits, Grammy nominations, and global acclaim. Leading The Clinch Mountain Boys, he blends authentic bluegrass with contemporary fire, captivating audiences from Virginia to Europe. Join them at the Hills of Home Festival (131 Hills of Home Park, McClure, VA 24269) for a weekend of music and memory. Learn more at https://drralphstanleyfestival.com.
Lyrics
Polly's Revenge
Songwriter- David Carroll
Publisher- Madkal Music, BMI
[Verse 1]
Well I know you've heard the story of that girl that lost her life
A pretty girl named Polly stabbed to death by Willy's knife
Most think that story ended when they threw him in that cell
But gather round, good people, 'cause I got much more to tell
[Verse 2]
That awful Willy Hatfield was the one that took her life
He stabbed her through the heart because she couldn't be his wife
She begged to him and pleaded, but he didn't pay no mind
In cold blood Willy killed her, left her body there behind
[Verse 3]
Well sure enough they caught him and they locked him in a cell
The judge rolled in next mornin', said there wouldn't be no bail
The jury found him guilty and they sentenced him to die
And when the sun came up next mornin', they'd hang ol' Willy high
[Verse 4]
But just before the daybreak, three men sprang ol' Willy free
They had their faces covered up and Willy couldn't see
And he didn't ask no questions as they all rolled out of town
They made it to the ol' mineshack and there they all climbed down
[Verse 5]
Ol' Willy said, "I thank you boys," and stuck out his right hand
They didn't say a word and Willy didn't understand
That Polly had two brothers and a daddy who had swore
That come hell or high water, they would even up the score
[Verse 6]
Next mornin' they found Willy and it was a sight to see
They'd cut him up in pieces scattered there among the trees
In blood a note was written on the door and it did say
"You can rest now, pretty Polly, 'cause he didn't get away."