Origins: Farewell My Love Farewell

Subject: lyr req: Farewell my Love Farewell
From: GUEST,eoin o'buadhaigh
Date: 23 Feb 06 - 09:12 AM

Can anyone shed some light on this ballad please.

Farewell my love farewell, Fare the well adieu,
For I must go to sea all for the love of you.
But my love have a patient heart, for you must bear the smart,
For you and I must part, my Turtle-dove.

I have all the verses (infact two versions, though both similar)
I would like to know a little more of its background if possible.If anyone can provide the complete ballad as 'they' know it I would appreciate it. I know Mick Ryan sings a version on one of his CD's and I have a taped recording (1992)of Phil Callery (voice squad) singing it.
Thanks Eoin

Subject: RE: lyr req: Farewell my Love Farewell
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 23 Feb 06 - 09:39 PM

Only one version of this song has ever been found, anywhere, in tradition. It was noted by Ralph Vaughan Williams from Mrs Harriet Verrall of Horsham, Sussex, in 1904, as Fare Thee Well, My Dearest Dear. Most recently published in Classic English Folk Songs, 2003.

It derives from a broadside song, The Two Faithful Lovers, originally issued in London in the second half of the 17th century and set to the tune Franklin is Fled Away. More information, and links to broadside examples, via the link above.

For Mrs Verrall's words, see thread Fare Thee Well My Dearest Dear.

It's a fine song, but it hasn't been very widely recorded by Revival performers, though Shirley Collins did an arrangement thirty years ago, and I think Chris Bartram includes it on a recent album, though perhaps set to a different tune.

Mick Ryan certainly recorded an arrangement of Harriet Verrall's set, and I'm fairly sure that he said so at the time. It is always a good idea to quote that sort of information when asking questions. Always tell us everything that you already know, so we don't have to waste time unnecessarily.

Subject: RE: lyr req: Farewell my Love Farewell
From: GUEST,Eoin O'Buadhaigh
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 05:27 AM

Thanks Malcolm, Ididn't have any information what so ever about the ballad, only a copy of two recordings. Thanks for your help, it's a beautiful ballad.
Thanks once again.    Eoin