Richie - Here's the Here's A Health Unto All True Lovers from MFS. Notes say: "Sung by Mr.William Gilkie and his mother, Mrs.Sandy Gilkie, Sambro, N.S., September, 1950. Although this reminds me of "When Barney Flew Over the Hills to His Katie," and "The Drowsy Sleeper," it is neither, and I know of it from no one but Mr.Gilkie." Let me know if you want the tune posted. Mick
HERE'S A HEALTH UNTO ALL TRUE LOVERS Oh here's a health unto all true lovers And unto mine where'er she be. This very night love I mean to be with you, It's many's a long mile she is from me. It's let this night be as dark as dungeons And there no gay light all to appear. My steps shall guide thee without a stumble All in the arrums of you, my dear. It's when he came to his true love's window He gently knelt down all on the stone, And through the keyhole he whispered slowly Saying, "My jewels are you alone?" She rose her head from her soft white pillow And almost naked was her lily white breast, "Who's there, who's there tapping at my window, Disturbing me from my long night's rest?" "It is your own true love, pray don't discover But open the door love and let me in, For I am wet after my long night's journey, Besides I'm wet love unto the skin." It's when this long night was passed and over And then the cocks they began to crow, We kissed, shook hands, I in sorrow parted, I took my leave and from her did go. Source: Helen Creighton, Maritime Folk Songs, originally from Mr.William Gilkie and his mother, Mrs.Sandy Gilkie, Sambro, N.S., September, 1950.
|