The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #65945   Message #1090766
Posted By: Mudlark
11-Jan-04 - 09:47 PM
Thread Name: Origin: Strawberry Fair (Anthony Newley)
Subject: RE: Strawberry Fair (Newley or not)
Actually, when I searched under "Strawberry Fair" I got "The Drummer and the Cookie"....In the thread link one verse only was mentioned of the version of St. Fair that I've sung for years...

As I was going to Strawberry Fair
Singing, singing buttercups and daisies
Met a lady making her way
Fol de deeee
Her eyes were blue and gold was her hair
As she went on the S. F.
Reevo reevo fol de diddle di do
Reevo reevo fol de diddle deee

Said she, "Kind sir, my roses are red"
Singing, singing...
"Cherry red," the pretty maid said
Fol de deee
My cherries are fair and plenty to spare
As I go down to S. F.
Reevo reevo...

Says I, "Your roses will soon fade away"
Singing, singing
"Scare have cherries longer to stay!"
Fol de dee
"So farethewell, I'll none of your wares
And I'll not go to S. F."
Reevo, reevo etc.

Ancient liner notes on a Cynthia Gooding LP (where I learned the song) claimed the roses and cherries allusion were sexual.