Banks of The Sweet Primroses (Roud 586)
(Traditional - arranged by Antoine & Owena)
“Another Wiltshire traditional song, collected from Inglesham by Alfred Williams, tells the story of an encounter between a young man and woman whilst out walking on a Summer’s morning. The song starts innocently enough with the young man admiring and then attempting to woo the young lady, but she is having none of it and quickly rebuffs his advances, then issuing a warning to all young maidens to be wary of such fellows!”
lyrics
Verse 1
As I walked out one summer's morning,
To view the fields and take the air,
Down by the banks of sweet primroses,
There I beheld a lady fair.
Verse 2
Three long steps I took up to her,
Not knowing her as she passed me by;
I stepped up to her thinking to view her,
She was just like some virtuous bride.
Verse 3
Tell me fair maiden, where are you going?
What's the occasion of all your grief?
I'll make you as happy as any lady,
If you will grant me some small relief."
Verse 4
"Stand off, stand off, you are deceitful!
You are a false deluding swain!
For it's you that's caused my heart to wander,
To give me comfort is all in vain.
Verse 5
I will go down to some lonesome valley,
No man on earth shall there me find,
Where pretty small birds change their voices,
And every moment there blows a blusterous wind."
Verse 6
So come all you young maids that go a-courting,
And give attention to what I say,
For there's many a dark, cloudy morning,
Turns out to be a sunshiny day.
Yes there's many a dark, cloudy morning,
Turns out to be a sunshiny day.
credits
from Clockwork Lens,
released May 7, 2022
Antoine Architeuthis - vocals, bouzouki
Owena Archer - vocals, violin, octave violin
Salisbury-based acoustic folk duo comprising Antoine Architeuthis and Owena Archer. Performing original and traditional folk music with flare and grace. A feast for the ears, the heart and the feet.
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