A'Rovin, again

Subject: A'Rovin, again
From: 30button
Date: 16 Oct 06 - 11:16 PM

The tune "A'Rovin" : was it a traditional tune that later mutated into a song with bawdy lyrics? I've encountered some people who are offended when the tune is played because they find some lyrics offensive. BUt I was under the impression that it was originally a tune, and that an endless variety of lyrics were then added.

But of course I could be way off base, in which case I count on some quick and stern reeducation by M'catters.

Subject: RE: A'Rovin, again
From: Barry Finn
Date: 17 Oct 06 - 12:19 AM

Are you asking about the sea shanty A-Roving?

A-roving, a-roving, since roving been my ruin
I'll go no more a-roving with you fair maid.

Barry

Subject: RE: A'Rovin, again
From: paddymac
Date: 17 Oct 06 - 12:53 AM

If I correctly recall the threads we've had in the past dealing with this song, it is known in the record for about 400 years, has been "located" in a number of different sailing cities, and is probably of English origin. I don't recall if it's ever been appropriated (or mis-appropriated, depending on one's view) for polite use or not. It is of a style of called "progressive," in which the verses proceed along a predictable path, in this case anatomical. It's actually a tough song to sing, which suggests to me it might well have begun as a tune, and later morphed into a song. It is, whatever its genealogy, a great song. We opend with it at a wedding, and immediately had the grooms 80+ auntie slapping her thighs and singing along, to the great joy of some, and, no doubt, great consternation of others.