The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #11185   Message #81942
Posted By: Jo Taylor
26-May-99 - 06:49 PM
Thread Name: Origins: Godspeed the Plow/Plough
Subject: RE: godspeed the plow
If it's the one I'm thinking of - & can't find in the DT - I don't think it's a drinking song despite wishing 'good health' to the farmer. Had an idea it dated from aroung the period of the Tolpuddle Martyrs (1830ish?)
Here are some bits I half remember:

I plow & I sow
I reap & I mow
I shear my own sheep & I wear it

forgotten bit -cows, lambs, cure my own ham?

I have lawns I have bowers
I have fruit I have flowers
And the lark is my morning alarmer
So jolly boys now
God speed the plough
Long life and good health to the farmer


Would love someone to come up with the lyrics, it'll be stuck in my head now until I remember it. I had a very old two handled mug with the words on it, I believe these were sold in support of some cause. Sorry to be so vague but my mug lives in England at present & I'm in France...
Help, someone!
Jo