t's in the DT, of course, with midi: BUSHES AND BRIARS: as noted by Ralph Vaughan Williams from Charles Pottipher of Ingrave, Essex, in December 1903. It wasn't a chance overhearing, as the DT notes suggest; Vaughan Williams had been specifically invited by the local Vicar's daughters to attend an old people's tea-party their father was giving, so that he could meet some real traditional singers. In fact, he only noted the first verse of Bushes and Briars from Mr. Pottipher, being then new to song-collecting, and later got the rest of the words from a broadside published by Fortey of Seven Dials.Several broadside editions can be seen at Bodleian Library Broadside Ballads. For example:
Bushes and briers Printed between 1858 and 1885 by W.S. Fortey, Monmouth Court, Seven Dials [London].
BUSHES AND BRIARS (DT Lyrics)
Through bushes and briars
I've lately made my way
All for to hear the small birds sing
And the lambs to skip and play
All for....
I overheard a female*
Her voice it rang** so clear
Long time have I*** been waiting for
The coming of my dear
Long time....
Sometimes I am weary****
And troubled in my mind
Sometimes I think I'll go to him*****
And tell to him my mind.
But if I should go to my love
My love he would say nay
If I showed to him my boldness
He'd ne'er love me again
If I showed...
Through bushes...
* or: my own true love
** or: was so clear
*** or: I have
**** or: uneasy
***** or: my love
****** or: show to him
Note: The song was overhead by Vaughan-Williams in 1905 whilst in
Essex. He persuaded the singer, a Mr. Potipher, to let him take it
down. It is supposedly the song which kindled VW's interest in folk
music and led to the modern folk revival. PA
@love
filename[ BUSHBRIR
TUNE FILE: BUSHBRIR
CLICK TO PLAY
PA