See
folkopedia.efdss.org/wiki/When_Adam_was_created
for Cecil Sharp Appalachian collection of this song, which I learned in the 60s from a record of an American woman singer whose name I regret to have forgotten; but remember singing it at the 1970s wedding of Fred Woods, editor of Folk Review, to his wife Monica [Nicky].
The Copper Family have a Sussex version of it -- second track of Disc 3 of their famous 4LP set of 1971 -- Leader LEA 4048. Also in Bob's first Sussex book, A Song For Every Season, Heinemann 1971.
≈M≈
Lyrics copy-pasted from link above. -Joe Offer-
collected by Cecil Sharp from Reverend Jasper Robertson, Burnsville, North Carolina, 1916.
Words and music in Eighty English Folk Songs
WHEN ADAM WAS CREATED
- When Adam was created he dwelled in Eden’s shade
As Moses has related before his bride was made
Ten thousand times ten thousand of creatures swarmed around
Before his bride was formed or animate was found
- He had no conversation, he seemed like one alone
Then to his admiration he found he’d lost a bone
Great was his exaltation when first he saw his bride
Great was his elevation to see her by his side
- This woman was not taken from Adam’s head, we know
And she must not rule over him, ‘tis evidently so
This woman was not taken from Adam’s feet we see
And he must not abuse her, the meaning seems to be
- This woman she was taken from under Adam’s arms
And she must be protected from hunger and from harm
This woman she was taken from near to Adam’s heart
By this we are directed that they must never part
- To you most loving bridegroom, to you most loving bride
be sure you live as Christians and for your house provide
Avoid all discontent and don’t sow the seeds of strife
As is the solemn duty of every man and wife