Lyr Add: Just as the Tide Was a-Flowin'

Subject: Lyr Add: JUST AS THE TIDE WAS A-FLOWIN'
From: radriano
Date: 16 Jun 03 - 05:43 PM

Although this song appears in the Digitrad, this version has a drastically different ending which changes the meaning of the song.

JUST AS THE TIDE WAS A'FLOWIN'        
David Jones, From England's Shore, Ballads & Songs

One morning in the month of May down by a rolling river
A jolly sailor I did stray when I beheld some lover
So carelessly along did stray a-picking of the daisies gay
So sweet she sang, a rondele just as the tide was a-flowing

Oh, her dress it was as white as milk and jewels they did adorn her
Her shoes were made of the crimson silk just like some maid of honor
Her cheeks were red, her eyes were brown, her hair in ringlets hanging down
She'd a lovely brow without a frown just as the tide was a-flowing

I made a bow and said, "Fair maid, how came you here so early?
My heart by you it is betrayed for I could love you dearly
I am a sailor come from sea, if you will accept my company
To walk and view the fishes play just as the tide is a-flowing"

No more we said but on the way we ganged along together
The small birds sang and the lambs did play and pleasant was the weather
When we were weary we both sat down beneath the tree with the branches around
And what was done shall never be found as long as the tide is a-flowing

But as she lay there upon the grass her colors they kept a-changing
Till she cried out and said, "Alas, never let your mind be a-ranging
Here's twenty pounds I have in store. Meet me when you will there is plenty more
For me jolly sailor I adore just as the tide is a-flowing"

We both shook hands and off did steer, Jack Tar drinks rum and brandy
To keep his shipmates in good cheer, the lady's gold is handy
And along with some pretty maid I'll go to a public house where the brandy do flow
Success to the maid that will do so just as the tide is a-flowing

Notes from the album: This tale of a pleasure-seeking young sailor taking advantage of a trusting young lady can be found in Marrow Bones, a collection of English folk songs. Morris dances know this tune as "The Blue Eyed Stranger."

Notes from radriano (Richard Adrianowicz): I'm not sure I agree that the sailor in this song is taking advantage of the young woman. Yes, he seduces her but no promises are exchanged and she seems a willing partner. After the seduction she gives him money to try and buy his fidelity and declares that if he comes back she'll give him more.

This version comes from the David Jones CD "From England's Shore, Ballads & Songs" Minstrel Records (JD213)

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Just as the Tide was a'flowin'
From: Harry Basnett
Date: 16 Jun 03 - 06:06 PM

You've quoted the 'standard' version of this song...the song was extremely popular and there was little variation....except for the rather twee vversion in Digitrad....don't know where that came from at all.

Cheers, Harry.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Just as the Tide was a'flowin'
From: radriano
Date: 16 Jun 03 - 06:07 PM

Well, I checked Digitrad on this but I neglected to search Forum. There are a couple of threads on this song but the version I posted never got into Digitrad.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Just as the Tide was a'flowin'
From: nutty
Date: 16 Jun 03 - 06:17 PM

The above version can be found in the Bodleian Library

Printer:
          Catnach, J. (London)
Date:
          between 1813 and 1838

Just as the tide was flowing

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Just as the Tide was a'flowin'
From: Dave Wynn
Date: 16 Jun 03 - 07:37 PM

Nice one Nutty. I used to sing a similar version from Robin and Barry Dransfield. Seeing this version (only slightly different) has given me the drive to revive it. It's a strange song. Lots of love and hearts but with the slight twist in the tail (tale perhaps) when he goes and spends her money when sated.

Spot

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Just as the Tide was a'flowin'
From: GUEST,Keith A o Hertford
Date: 17 Jun 03 - 02:54 AM

Yes, that's how I know it, but what does it mean when it talks of her changing colours?

Success to the maid,
Keith.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Just as the Tide was a'flowin'
From: nutty
Date: 17 Jun 03 - 06:35 AM

Many broasides talk about girls gaining a "gown of green" when they lay down with a man and get up to mischief.

I would suspect that to talk of her "colours changing" has the same meaning.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Just as the Tide was a'flowin'
From: radriano
Date: 17 Jun 03 - 11:18 AM

My apologies for not checking the Forum threads on this before posting.

Nutty, thanks for posting info again without complaining about this song.

Other threads about this are:

Just as the tide was flowing

Just as the tide was flowing

Just as the tide was flowing

Just as the tide was flowing

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Just as the Tide was a'flowin'
From: radriano
Date: 17 Jun 03 - 11:21 AM

Nutty,

I wasn't inferring that you were complaining about the song. I was complimenting you on your patience and gentleness.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Just as the Tide was a'flowin'
From: radriano
Date: 17 Jun 03 - 11:23 AM

Aw, crap! Those four links I posted are all to different points in the same thread.

Sorry, this might be one of those day for me!

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Just as the Tide Was a-Flowin'
From: Joe Offer
Date: 03 May 21 - 04:43 PM

Joe- needs cleanup

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Just as the Tide Was a-Flowin'
From: The Sandman
Date: 03 May 21 - 05:11 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-SPThFpviU