The Bonny Lighter Boy
from Leaf On a Windy Day by Kevin Adams with Dave Makins
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about
Collected in 1907 by Cecil Sharp from Joseph Laver of Bridgwater, Somerset.
A sad tale that feels like a fragment of a longer song. We don't get to find out what happened to either of the lovers. Perhaps he is the singer of Polly On The Shore (track 11). Who knows?
It is suggested that a 'lighter boy' might be a corruption of 'King's Letter Boy', a Royal Naval rating introduced by Samuel Pepys as a method of entry for young gentlemen destined to become officers.
A sad tale that feels like a fragment of a longer song. We don't get to find out what happened to either of the lovers. Perhaps he is the singer of Polly On The Shore (track 11). Who knows?
It is suggested that a 'lighter boy' might be a corruption of 'King's Letter Boy', a Royal Naval rating introduced by Samuel Pepys as a method of entry for young gentlemen destined to become officers.
lyrics
It's of a brisk young sailor and he apprentice bound
And she a merchant's daughter with fifty thousand pound.
They loved each other dearly in sorrow and in joy-
Let him do what he will, he's my love still,
He's my bonny lighter boy.
'Twas in my father's garden beneath the willow tree,
He took me in his arms and he used me gentily.
Down on the ground we both sat down and talked of love and joy.
Let him do what he will, he's my love still,
He's my bonny lighter boy.
Now her father he being near her, he heard what she did say.
He says: You unruly daughter, I'll send him far away;
On board a ship I will him send, I'll rob you of your joy.
Send him where you will, he's my love still,
He's my bonny lighter boy.
And she a merchant's daughter with fifty thousand pound.
They loved each other dearly in sorrow and in joy-
Let him do what he will, he's my love still,
He's my bonny lighter boy.
'Twas in my father's garden beneath the willow tree,
He took me in his arms and he used me gentily.
Down on the ground we both sat down and talked of love and joy.
Let him do what he will, he's my love still,
He's my bonny lighter boy.
Now her father he being near her, he heard what she did say.
He says: You unruly daughter, I'll send him far away;
On board a ship I will him send, I'll rob you of your joy.
Send him where you will, he's my love still,
He's my bonny lighter boy.
credits
from Leaf On a Windy Day,
released January 2, 2019
Trad, arr. K Adams
KA: vocal
Dave Makins: organ, harmonium, flute, hammer dulcimer, Marxophone
Trad, arr. K Adams
KA: vocal
Dave Makins: organ, harmonium, flute, hammer dulcimer, Marxophone
license
all rights reserved
tags
about
Kevin Adams Milton Keynes, UK
Blending traditional folk music with a love of other genres- classical, jazz, folk-rock, prog-rock, pop… music, music, music…
discography
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Jun 2020 -
Jul 2018 -
Sep 2015 -
Jan 2019 -
Jun 2006 -
Jun 2017 -
Dec 2016 -
Jun 2002
contact / help
Kevin Adams recommends:
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My collaborator Dave Makins - check him out.
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