This was one of those bands I loved in the 70s. They took traditional tunes and rocked them up. I LOVE this! It had all the earmarks of a traditional folk song, though I have no idea if it really is. Doesn't matter, really. It is a catchy tune, and if you're going to go around with a song stuck in your head all day, you could do worse.
All Around My Hat
Chorus:
All around my hat I will wear the green willow
And all around my hat, for a twelvemonth and a day
And if anyone should ask me the reason why I'm wearing it
It's all for my true love who's far far away
Fare thee well cold winter and fare thee well cold frost
Nothing have I gained but my own true love I've lost
I'll sing and I'll be merry when occasion I do see
He's a false deluding young man, let him go, farewell he
The other night he brought me a fine diamond ring
But he thought to have deprived me of a far better thing
But I being careful like lovers ought to be
He's a false deluding young man, let him go, farewell he
There's a quarter pound of reasons and a half pound of sense
A small sprig of time and small one of prudence
You mix them all together and you will plainly see
He's a false deluding young man, let him go, farewell he
Wickipedia says the earliest version is from 1820. I was right about willow signifying mourning. I sometimes sing the chorus in the shower, and the result is not as cheery as Maddy Prior's vocal on this tape. Here is what Wikipedia says about her. She has one of those pure clear voices that I always wished I had, and an irrepressible stage presence that went far toward making Steeleye Span as much fun to watch as to hear.
Is this an Irish song? Can't listen but I know the tune.
ReplyDeleteNot much to say today, Ronni, other than my boss bought the staff Strawberry Tarts (a shortcrust pastry case with a large fresh strawberry sitting on a bed of butter frosting, covered in sticky strawberry jelly). I could eat a dozen. Not sure if you get them over there.
Jelly is not the same as jam over here. Just thought I would clear that up.
ReplyDeleteJT we know its better then haveing the other song stuck in your head all day dont we.............
ReplyDeleteMgt, there was an Irish version, with different words. Something about the lover being transported to Australia...
ReplyDeleteAnd, yes, Breeze, this song beats the other one all to the hot place!
F-R-E-E
ReplyDeleteLOL
Don't get me started!
ReplyDeleteHow many shows are you doing a week, Ronni?
ReplyDeleteI am so glad it is Friday.
Are you talking about the play I'm in? It opens on the 23rd, and runs for three weeks. A total of ten performances.
ReplyDeleteAt Sam Bass, the opening weekend is always Friday, Saturday, Sunday, with a freebie dress rehearsal on the Thursday before. The second week will be Thursday through Sunday, and the final one, Thursday through Saturday.
Most shows run four weeks, but this one is a "Spotlight;" the first mainstage show for this director.
I'll be in the hospital then, Ronni. My final exam before they wave me goodbye. But will be back at work on 27 May and will cheer you on from a distance.
ReplyDeleteThank goodness you don't have to be on stage every night.
Happy Spring Vero :)
ReplyDelete.. Ponder
You should check out Battlefield Band, they do Scottish stuff, and Boys of the Lough(loch)do Irish. Oh, and Martin Carthy for generally British stuff, he does lots of ballads.
ReplyDelete