Hi,

I'm new to this forum, so please forgive any errors I make in posting (but do let me know, so I can avoid them in future).

I'm trying to trace further information about a song my mother sings.

She learnt it in school in New Zealand in the 1950s. She was told it was a folk song, but it may be Victorian parlour music.

I think it may be a translation from another language than English, as the lyrics are a little stilted, as if they've had trouble fitting them to the melody.

There's a PDF of the tune up at http://diaspora.gen.nz/~maire/Music/index.htm

The lyrics are:

Under our cottage window
Frost is on the ground
And the water in the fountain
Now is icy bound.

With a hatchet, I'll come over
And break through the glistening cover
Then the water, free from bondage,
Will be once more found.

Under our cottage window
Snow-white roses grow
Tell me dear one, 'midst this beauty
What can bring you woe?

I need something more than flowers
In this dreary world of ours
For my heart is sad and lonely
And my hot tears flow.

I'd love to hear from anyone who is able to give me further information about the song.

Thanks very much.

Maire