As has just been clearly stated, the colour reference is simply to do with regimental colours and the song clearly, just like any good folk song, has been absorbed and adapted into its regional regimental variations. The version we do is a dorset one. We first knew it as the 'White' cockade as many others do. Yorkshire regiment I think? Correct me if I'm wrong. Most people have tended to interpret it as a marching song. We simply slowed it down. Steve Knightleys grandfather was in the Dorsets and was based in Dorchester for many years. He met Steves grandmother there. Thats why the song has such a strong resonance for us. As far as I'm comcerned, the most important thing about traditional song is its clear line to our forbears and how they might have thought and felt. Its not academic, its simply a fundamental part of us.