The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #69527   Message #1179757
Posted By: JWB
06-May-04 - 05:47 PM
Thread Name: Need a seafaring love song
Subject: Lyr Add: PLEASANT AND DELIGHTFUL
Guest,

Here's a song that was first published around 1810. I included it on my O'Brian companion CD Roast Beef of Old England.

PLEASANT AND DELIGHTFUL

It was pleasant and delightful one midsummer's morn,
When the fields and the meadows were all covered in corn,
And the blackbirds and thrushes sang on every green spray,
And the larks they sang melodious at the dawning of the day.
And the larks they sang melodious
And the larks they sang melodious
And the larks they sang melodious at the dawning of the day

A sailor and his true love were a'walking that day.
Said the sailor to his truelove, "I am bound far away
I am bound for the East Indies where the load cannons roar
I must go and leave my Nancy, she's the girl that I adore."
(as above)

Then the ring from off her finger she instantly drew
Saying, "Take this my dearest William and my heart will go too."
And whilst they stood embracing tears from her eyes fell,
Saying, "May I go along with you?" "Oh, no, my love, farewell."

"So it's fare thee well my Nancy, I can no longer stay,
For the topsail is hoisted and the anchor aweigh,
And the ship lies awaiting for the next flowing tide;
And if ever I return again, I will make you my bride."

I'm not a tech-savvy guy, so can't do midis and such. This is a pretty well-known song in folk circles, so I'll bet you can get a listen to the tune without much ado.

What's your event? Will you be serving spotted dog, by any chance?

Jerry