Richard Thompson

Banks of the sweet primroses

Richard Thompson


As I walked out on a midsummer's morning 
For to view the fields and to take the air 
Down by the banks of the sweet primroses 
There I beheld a most ?love lie? fair 

Three short steps, I stepped up to her 
Not knowing her as she passed me by 
I stepped up to her, thinking for to view her 
She appeared to be like some virtuous bride 

I says "Fair maid, where are you going? 
And what's the occasion of all your brief? 
I will make you as happy as any lady 
If you will grant to me one small relief" 

"Stand off, stand off, you're a false deceiver 
You are a false deceitful man, I know 
'Tis you that has caused my poor heart to wander 
And in your comfort lies no refrain" 

So I'll go down to some lonesome valley 
Where no man on earth shall there me find 
Where the pretty little small birds do change their voices 
And every moment blows blusterous wind 

So come all young men who go a-sailing 
Pray pay attention to what I say 
For there's many a dark and a cloudy morning 
Turns out to be a sunshiny day