As I Roved Out

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One of the singers was a man called John Riley. Moore described him as a “travelling singer from the old tradition that has now died out – the kind of man who travelled around passing on stories and songs”.

As I Roved Out - Irish Music Daily Story of the Irish song As I Roved Out - Irish Music Daily

She thinks he must love her and want expects him to marry her, but she is always disappointed. As soon as he has had his way, the rakish young man abandons her. Sometimes it’s because he is already married, sometimes it’s because he loves another but often it’s simply because he likes being single. Will you come to me mother’s house Irish folk music abounds with songs about young maidens “giving” themselves to rakish men who then abandon them the next morning. The song contains several lines that can be taken in two ways. The girl says there’s plenty of oats for a horse to eat “if he’s able” and there’s plenty of wine for a soldier boy to drink “if he’s able”. Seventeen Come Sunday / As I Roved Out / The Soldier and the Maid (Roud 277; Laws O17; G/D 4:791; Henry H152, H793) Mainly Norfolk: English Whether the words have double meanings or not, the couple end up in bed. The soldier makes the bed with her and sleeps with her after asking “lassie are you able?”The song ends with the soldier abandoning the girl the next morning. She asks him when will he return and marry her but he replies: “When broken shells make Christmas bells.” The theme of As I Roved Out is to be found in numerous Irish and British folk songs. The Moore version is similar to an English song called The Trooper and the Maid, and there are many other versions. How can you go a-roamin’ to slight your dear Polly?” Sarah Makem sings I Wish My Love Was a Red Red Rose

As I Roved Out / The Deluded Lover - Mainly Norfolk As I Roved Out / The Deluded Lover - Mainly Norfolk

The songs usually involve a young man – possibly a soldier, a sailor or even a nobleman – who sees a young girl while travelling through the countryside and manages to charm his way into her bed. Since forming in 2019, Saving Grace have received numerous acclaims for their live shows with Bob Harris describing it as " One of the best gigs I’ve seen in years" and Toni Woodward, Americana UK providing a perfect summary: “…These five musicians have produced a supreme ninety minutes of music with considered interpretations of others’ compositions, ensuring they present an innovative exploration of the songs whilst maintaining their true essence. Furthermore, this odyssey has been undertaken in the spirit of appreciation, musicianship, and exultation: they truly are a band of joy!”. In other versions, Moore changes it so it’s the girl who is anxious about whether the singer will be up to the task as she says, “I hope to God you’re able”. When broken shells make Christmas bellsFol the diddle die doe, Flash gals and airy too. The Broadside from Grimsby sing Seventeen Come Sunday This was a widely known song in England, and was also popular in Ireland and Scotland. It is one of those which earlier editors, such as Sabine Baring-Gould and Cecil Sharp, felt obliged to soften or rewrite for publication. It was also common on broadsides throughout the nineteenth century" It’s a common ending to these kind of songs, with the girl left disappointed and with her reputation tarnished. Other songs with related themes, such as The Butcher Boy, end in tragedy with the broken hearted girl taking her own life.