I Loved a Lad
I loved a lad, and I loved him so well.
But I hated all others who spoke of his ill.
But now he's rewarded me well for my love.
Now he's gone to another.
And I saw my love, down by the corrach side
All bridesmaids and braid walk on down by his side.
I sat down beside him and I poured out the wine.
Now he's wed to another.
The lads in the forest, they ask of me.
"How many wild strawberries, grow in the deep sea?"
I ask them the same, I ask them quite plain,
"How many ships sail in the forest?"
Dig me a grave, both long and both deep.
And cover it over with flowers so sweet.
And maybe's a turning to take a long sleep?
And maybe's in time I'll forget him?
DT #845
In response to a query of where this song family came from:
In Kennedy, Folksongs of Britain and Ireland.
First reference: c.1685 broadside by John White of Newcastle upon Tyne:
The Forlorn Lover, also:
1773 New Partheon Concert No. 14 The False Nymph
1871 Roxburghe 1881 Christie
1895 Baring Gould and so on with 9 more before 1920. [SOF]
SOF
apr97
Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!