Origins: 'Wedlock' song (Adam and Eve)

Subject: 'Wedlock' song (Adam and Eve)
From: GUEST,AR
Date: 23 Jul 15 - 06:30 AM

Hello - I recently heard a great version of a song which is in the Mudcat DT under the title of 'Wedlock', and I'm trying to find out who the recording was by.

The song begins with the line 'When Adam was created he dwelt in Eden's shade.'

The recording that I heard featured a simple repeating guitar motif and was sung by a (North American?) male tenor voice, joined halfway through by a female voice in harmony, and, I believe, joined again towards the end by yet another female voice.

Does this version of the song sound familiar to anyone? If so, I'd love to find out who recorded it. Thanks.

Subject: RE: 'Wedlock' song (Adam and Eve)
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Jul 15 - 08:05 AM

Bump...

Subject: ADD: When Adam Was Created
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 24 Jul 15 - 10:59 AM

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-

Roud 728

collected by Cecil Sharp from Reverend Jasper Robertson, Burnsville, North Carolina, 1916.

Words and music in Eighty English Folk Songs

WHEN ADAM WAS CREATED

1. 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
   
   
2. 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
   
   
3. 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
   
   
4. 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
   
   
5. 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
   

Subject: RE: 'Wedlock' song (Adam and Eve)
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 24 Jul 15 - 01:53 PM

A link to the Copper Family version I mentioned above

http://www.thecopperfamily.com/songs/coppersongs/old.html

---

Lyrics copy-pasted from link above. -Joe Offer-

OLD ADAM

When Adam was first created
And lord of the universe crowned,
His happiness was not completed
Until that a helpmate was found.
He had all things in food that were wanting,
To keep and support him in life,
He'd horses and foxes for hunting,
Which some men love more than a wife.

He'd a garden so planted by nature
Men cannot produce in his life,
But yet the all-wise Creator
Still saw that he wanted a wife.
Then Adam he lay in a slumber
And there he lost part of his side,
And when he awoke with a wonder,
He beheld his most beautiful bride.

In transport he gazed upon her,
His happiness now was complete,
He praised his beautiful donor,
Who had thus bestowed him a mate.
She was not took out of his head, sir,
To reign and to triumph o'er man;
Nor was she took out of his feet, sir,
by man to be trampled upon.

But she was took out of his side, sir,
His equal and partner to be,
But as they're united in one, sir,
The man is the top of the tree.
Then let not the fair be despised
By man, as she's part of himself,
For woman by Adam was prized
More than the whole world full of wealth.

Man without woman's a beggar,
Suppose the whole world he possessed;
And the beggar that's got a good woman
With more than the world he is blest.

---

Notes:

This song came from George Copper of Rottingdean.

This song is from the Coppersongs2 CD and also from The Copper Family Song Book - A Living Tradition.

---

Note from Joe Offer: this melody is quite different. I can't find an online recording for you to hear.

Subject: RE: 'Wedlock' song (Adam and Eve)
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 24 Jul 15 - 01:56 PM

... a rather nicely sardonic version in places: I like "He had horses and foxes for hunting, Which some men love more than a wife".

≈M≈

Subject: RE: 'Wedlock' song (Adam and Eve)
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 24 Jul 15 - 02:21 PM

Hurrah! I found the version I first learnt from on You Tube. The singer was called Salli Terri

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjHyEsvPGNU

Subject: RE: 'Wedlock' song (Adam and Eve)
From: Janie
Date: 24 Jul 15 - 04:13 PM

the song apparently has a pretty interesting history. Also goes by the titles "When Adam Dwelt," Adam and Eve's Wedding Song," and "Song of Creation" Several books attribute it to Abraham Lincoln, stating it is a poem he wrote for his sister's wedding in 1826. This claim appears based on information from a Mr. Herndon who collected Lincoln's writings after his assassination and was given some papers of early writings of Lincoln by a neighbor of the Lincoln's in Indiana. One book questions this and has information saying it was written by a William H. Bozarth in Grayson, Ky in 1818. More at the following link, including Mr. Bozarth's version, titled "Song of Creation." https://books.google.com/books?id=rB4dAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA322&lpg=PA322&dq=%22When+Adam+was+Created+He+dwelt+in+Eden%27s+Shade%22&sour

Subject: RE: 'Wedlock' song (Adam and Eve)
From: Janie
Date: 24 Jul 15 - 04:19 PM

Found a recording by Douglas Jimerson by searching "Adam and Eve's Wedding Song." He is an American Tenor, but on this recording there are no harmonies. Adam and Eve's Wedding Song Douglas Jimerson

Subject: RE: 'Wedlock' song (Adam and Eve)
From: Janie
Date: 24 Jul 15 - 04:46 PM

It appears the writer of the melody (tune - not sure of proper nomenclature) Wedlock was Henry F. Chandler, circa 1854. Has also been used with other hymns. At least I think. Having some trouble navigating hymnary.org and get information that seems to vary.

Subject: RE: 'Wedlock' song (Adam and Eve)
From: Janie
Date: 24 Jul 15 - 04:49 PM

Another recording, by Custer LaRue under the name "Wedlock"

Wedlock, Custer LaRue

Subject: RE: 'Wedlock' song (Adam and Eve)
From: GUEST,AR
Date: 24 Jul 15 - 06:48 PM

Dear Janie and MGM·Lion, thanks for your help and information. It's very useful.

I came across Salli Terri's version in my researches too, and this appears to be the same tune as the version I heard sung by a male American tenor... the recording I heard was taken off an old LP and was perhaps from the late sixties or early seventies, judging by the recording quality and the style... it wasn't sung in traditional Sacred Harp style, nor in Jimerson's more 'classical' tenor style - I was using the term 'tenor' more to denote the range of the voice, which in the recording I'm trying to find is a lot 'folkier'... in fact, it put me in mind of Ewan McColl, oddly, although it's clearly American (perhaps New England???).

Thanks again.

Subject: RE: 'Wedlock' song (Adam and Eve)
From: Janie
Date: 24 Jul 15 - 07:44 PM

I found one page on hymnary.org that said O God, The Rock of Ages is sung to the wedlock tune by Chandler in some hymnals. Now I can't find that page again.

Subject: RE: 'Wedlock' song (Adam and Eve)
From: Janie
Date: 24 Jul 15 - 08:26 PM

The google link I gave above is to a free (public domain) book available on download from Google called "Abraham Lincoln as a Man of Letters" by Luther Emerson Robinson, pub. 1918.

His sources are described at the link on pages 322-326. It seems very likely from his documentation the song/poem was written by William H. Bozarth. Refer to the link or the book for details. I've transcribed both Lincoln's version and Bozarth's versions below, just so they are archived on Mudcat. Not capable of including all the details contained in the text.

Adam and Eve's Wedding Song - Abraham Lincoln's version, 1826 (attributed to him by an Indiana neighbor after his death)

When Adam was created
He dwelt in Eden's shade,
As Moses has recorded,
And soon a bride was made.

Ten Thousand times ten thousand
Of creatures swarmed around
Before a bride was formed,
And yet no mate was found.

The Lord then was not willing
That man should be alone
But caused a sleep upon him,
And from him took a bone.

And closed the flesh instead thereof,
And then he took the same
And of it made a woman,
And brought her to the man.

Then Adam he rejoiced
To see his loving bride
A part of his own body,
The product of his side.

The woman was not taken
From Adam's feet we see
So he must not abuse her,
The meaning seems to be.

The woman was not taken
From Adam's head, we know,
To show she must not rule him—
'Tis evidently so.

The woman she was taken
From under Adam's arm,
So she must be protected
From injuries and harm.





The Song of Creation William H. Bozarth

when adam was created he dwelt in edons shad
as moses has recorded and same a bride was made
ten thousand times ten thousand Creatures swarmd around
before a bride was formed and yet no mate was found

he had no conversation but seamed as yet alone
til to his admiration he found he had lost a bone
great was his Elevation when first he saw his bride
great was his exaltation to see her by his side

he spake as in a rapture as from which you came
as from my left side attracted and woman is your name
then adam he rejoiced to see his loving bride
apart of his own body the produce of his side

this woman was not taken from adams feet we see
so we must not abuse her the meaning seems to bee
this woman was not taken from adams head we know
to show she must not rule him its evidently so

this woman was Extracted from under adams arm
so she must be protected from injury and harm
this woman was extracted from near to adams heart
by which we are directed that they shall never part

here is Council for the bride groom & likewise for the b[ride]
let not this sacred volum be ever laid aside
the book thats Cald the bible be shore you dont neglect
in thought word and action it does you boath direct

the bride she is Commanded her husband to obey
in every thing that is lawful until her dying day
the bridegroom is Commanded that is to love his bride
live as becomes a christian and for his house provide

the bride she is Commanded to obey her husbands w[ill]
in every thing thats lawful his duty to fulfil
avoiding all offences throughout the human life
these are the sollom duties of every man and wife


On the back of the sheet containing this song is the following inscription, with the signature of the author and the date of composition.

"The Song of Creation wrote by
Wm. H. Bozarth August 14th 1818"
For Miss Ally Grieves
Grayson County
Kentucky 1818

Subject: RE: 'Wedlock' song (Adam and Eve)
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 25 Jul 15 - 01:29 AM

Informative Wikipedia entry on Salli Terri.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salli_Terri

≈M≈

Subject: RE: Origins: 'Wedlock' song (Adam and Eve)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 25 Jul 15 - 01:36 AM

I hope y'all dont mind that I pasted in the lyrics from Mike's links above. Our threads make more sense if they have lyrics in addition to the links. For comparison, here is the Digital Tradition version, which appears in Lomax, American Ballads and Folk Songs and it taken from White Spirituals of the Southern Uplands, Jackson.

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

I think this is the melody Salli Terri is singing in the YouTube recording.

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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 creation
AUTHOR: 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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The Ballad Index Copyright 2015 by Robert B. Waltz and David G. Engle.

Subject: ADD Version:Edmonds (When Adam was created)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 25 Jul 15 - 02:00 AM

This song also appears in the Sacred Harp with the same tune - tune identified as EDMONDS:



EDMONDS
(Edmund Dumas)

When Adam was created,
He dwelt in Eden's shade;
As Moses has related,
Before a bride was made.
Ten thousand times ten thousand
Of creatures swarmed around,
Before a bride was formed,
Or any mate was found.

He had not 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,
In every thing 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 abused,
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 is commanded
Her husband to obey,
In every thing that's lawful,
Until her dying day.

Edward Dumas, 1869

Subject: RE: Origins: 'Wedlock' song (Adam and Eve)
From: GUEST,AR
Date: 26 Jul 15 - 01:27 PM

Thanks everybody for all your helpful input and interesting information regarding this song.

I'm still looking for that specific recording of this song which I heard - American male singer, sparse guitar accompaniment, two female harmony vocals, recorded late sixties/early seventies approx. Does that ring any bells for anyone? Don't know what title it was recorded under...

Thanks again.

Subject: RE: Origins: 'Wedlock' song (Adam and Eve)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 03 Aug 15 - 10:25 PM

There may be an image of a broadside here:

https://repository.library.brown.edu/studio/item/bdr:264770/

But the website seems to be down right now.

Subject: RE: Origins: 'Wedlock' song (Adam and Eve)
From: GUEST,DonWade
Date: 09 Apr 16 - 05:04 PM

GUESTAR is possibly thinking of a version by Jerry Epstein with Angelita Porcella (and I think Jeff Warner). Track 8 of Minstrel Records JD-214; "Jerry Epstein; Her Bright Smile Haunts Me Still". (Issued in 1999, currently out of print.) Since it's out of print, I've put an mp3 on the web at: http://www.minstrelrecords.com/JD-214/JD-214_08.mp3

Subject: RE: Origins: 'Wedlock' song (Adam and Eve)
From: GUEST,AR
Date: 10 Apr 16 - 07:13 PM

Dear Don Wade - yes! That's the very recording I heard last year and was trying to identify. It's very generous indeed of you to post it online. Thanks very much.

Subject: RE: Origins: 'Wedlock' song (Adam and Eve)
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 10 Apr 16 - 08:32 PM

I like that. Here's a blue clicky to make that link more convenient. I recommend clicking it.
http://www.minstrelrecords.com/JD-214/JD-214_08.mp3