Who Shall Count for thee: meaning

Subject: Who Shall Count for thee: meaning
From: Dan Evergreen
Date: 15 Nov 99 - 11:24 AM

This intriguing Scots folksong is sung on a CD by Jean Redpath. I wonder what the writer meant by the lines, "Who shall count for thee, and what will be the measure?"

Subject: RE: Who Shall Count for thee: meaning
From: WyoWoman
Date: 15 Nov 99 - 07:43 PM

I don't know, but I like the phrase. We'll see if refreshing this brings any new information.

Good luck in your quest.

WyoWoman

Subject: RE: Who Shall Count for thee: meaning
From: Brendy
Date: 15 Nov 99 - 08:02 PM

Just one of probably many interpretations.
Who will account for you, like outside the Pearly Gates,
and what will be the criteria.
The line seems to be using biblical references where on the last day the measure of a 'man' was to be reckoned.
Bren.

Subject: RE: Who Shall Count for thee: meaning
From: Metchosin
Date: 15 Nov 99 - 08:11 PM

Could be, is your life going to be measured in quick time or slow march and who is the piper calling your tune as in Brendy's interpretation or in a secular context.

Subject: RE: Who Shall Count for thee: meaning
From: Metchosin
Date: 15 Nov 99 - 08:18 PM

typo again or just fuzzy thinking : whoever paid the piper is calling your tune

Subject: RE: Who Shall Count for thee: meaning
From: Brendy
Date: 15 Nov 99 - 08:25 PM

It might be handy to hear the line or two before and the couple after to get the whole thing in context;
It could quite easily be a reference to Lorenzo, or whatever is name was in "The Merchant of Venice" tring to get out of his deal with Shylock.
Confusing the issue,
Breandán.

Subject: RE: Who Shall Count for thee: meaning
From: catspaw49
Date: 15 Nov 99 - 08:38 PM

It may also be similar in meaning to the gospel song "Who Will Sing" using the line,

"When I come to the Cross by the Silent Sea
Tell me, who will sing for me?"

Spaw

Subject: RE: Who Shall Count for thee: meaning
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 15 Nov 99 - 10:08 PM

I've always understood the lines as meaning 'account', i. e. speak in your favour and know you fully. I've known wives who valiantly defended their consistently grumpy / rude /curmudgeonly (or worse) husbands against criticism because they were able to perceive differnet sides to them. (I'm sure there are instances of the other way round, too, but I can't remember any just now.) - Susanne

Subject: RE: Who Shall Count for thee: meaning
From: WyoWoman
Date: 15 Nov 99 - 10:19 PM

Dan, could you give us the verse that includes it so we can hear the context?

WW

Subject: RE: Who Shall Count for thee: meaning
From: Dan Evergreen
Date: 16 Nov 99 - 10:37 AM

Actually, it is the chorus: "Who shall count for thee, and what will be the measure? What in time will prove to be thy greatest treasure?" The verses concern a man who is rich but who has alienated all his friends: "Rich and bold thou art; in thy hand is plenty. Silver is thy store, and yet thy heart is empty." (chorus) "Rich in silks and fine coats of finest leather, but can they the storms of friendless trouble weather?" (chorus) "Rich in music sweet, strings and voice combining, Yet bitter is thy tongue; thy friends and foes aligning." (chorus) "Rich in loving poured, like a rain upon thee; Not for love's reward, but angry glances from thee. Still I shall count for thee, and to the fullest measure; Constancy shall prove thy friends thy greatest treasure."

Subject: RE: Who Shall Count for thee: meaning
From: Jon W.
Date: 16 Nov 99 - 11:19 AM

Great song. Can anyone post a tune? And shouldn't the last word of the 3rd verse be "maligning"? Or am I folk-processing it?

Subject: RE: Who Shall Count for thee: meaning
From: MMario
Date: 16 Nov 99 - 11:41 AM

I would say Susanne has pegged it. It would certainly be consistant with the lyrics....