| WEDLOCK (DT Version) When Adam was created, He dwelt in Eden's shade, As Moses has related, Before a bride was made; Ten thousand times ten thousand Things wheel-ed all around, Before a bride was form-ed, Or yet a mate was found. He had no consolation, But seemed as one alone, Till, to his admiration, He found he'd lost a bone. This woman was not taken From Adam's head, we know; And she must not rule o'er him, It's evidently so. This woman she was taken From near to Adam's heart, By which we are directed That they should never part. The book that's called the Bible, Be sure you don't neglect; For in every sense of duty, It will you both direct. The woman is commanded To do her husband's will, ln everything that's lawful, Her duty to fulfill. Great was his exultation, To see her by his side; Great was his elevation, To have a loving bride. This woman she was taken From under Adam's arm, And she must be protected From injury and harm. This woman was not taken From Adam's feet, we see; And she must not be abus-ed, The meaning seems to be. The husband is commanded To love his loving bride; And live as does a Christian, And for his house provide. The woman ls commanded Her husband to obey, In everything that's lawful, Until her dying day. Avoiding all offenses, Not sow the seeds of strife- These are the solemn duties Of every man and wife. From White Spirituals of the Southern Uplands, Jackson @religion @marriage filename[ WEDLOK TUNE FILE: WEDLOK CLICK TO PLAY RG
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Here's the Traditional Ballad Index entry on this song:
When Adam Was Created (Wedlock)
DESCRIPTION: "When Adam was created, he dwelt in Eden's shade, As Moses has related, before his bride was made." Then Eve was made from Adam's rib. The rest of the song describes the duties of wedlock, based on this account of the creationAUTHOR: unknown
EARLIEST DATE: 1918 (Cecil Sharp collection); Dumas's tune dated 1869
KEYWORDS: religious Bible marriage
FOUND IN: US(Ap,SE)
REFERENCES (5 citations):
BrownIII 53, "When Adam Was Created" (1 text)
SharpAp 193, "When Adam was Created" (1 text, 1 tune)
Sharp/Karpeles-80E 55, "When Adam Was Created" (1 text, 1 tune)
Lomax-ABFS, pp. 567-569, "Wedlock" (1 text, 1 tune)
DT, WEDLOK*
Roud #728
CROSS-REFERENCES:
cf. "Old Adam and Eve" (theme)
NOTES: I can't help but note that all the details here come from the "J" account of the creation (Gen. 2:4f.). In the "P" account, which occupies Genesis 1:1-2:4, men and women were created together. Make of it what you may.
Brown quotes Jackson to the effect that this derives from Chaucer's "Parson's Tale" or its folk/churchly sources.
In the Sacred Harp, this appears with the tune "Edmonds," credited to E. Dumas and dated to 1869. - RBW
Last updated in version 2.5
File: SKE55
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