Woodside Morris Men's Songbook: Pleasant and Delightful; the much recorded and much sung broadside about a sailor departing his true love.

Songbook

When it comes to singing, it may fairly be said that Woodside, on occasions, demonstrate a greater level of enthusiasm than quality. But such is often the fate of Folk singing - the songs are sung by people 'of the people' and our abilities brilliantly reflect that great and noble custom. The truth is, when singing with a pint in your hand after an arduous evening's dancing and playing, it is enthusiasm, participation and camaraderie that tend to create the moment.

And speaking of participation, here is your chance to make the difference! Select from the songs below, and lo! Your pleasure shall be displayed in the song panel to the right! Put your finger in your ear, and let it rip...

Country Life

Drunken Sailor

Pleasant and Delightful

The Boar's Head Carol

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Pleasant and Delightful

Verse 1

It was pleasant and delightful one midsummer’s morn,
When the fields and the meadows were all covered in corn,
And the blackbirds and thrushes sang on every green spray,
And the larks they sang melodious at the dawning of the day.
And the larks they sang melodious,
And the larks they sang melodious,
And the larks they sang melodious, at the dawning of the day.

Verse 2

A sailor and his true love were a’walking one day
Said the sailor to his truelove I am bound far away
I am bound for the East Indies where the load cannons roar
I must go and leave you Nancy, you're the girl that I adore
I must go and leave you Nancy,
I must go and leave you Nancy,
I must go and leave you Nancy, you're the girl that I adore.

Verse 3

Then the ring from off her finger she instantly drew
Saying, Take this my dearest William and my heart will go too
And whilst he stood embracing her tears from her eyes fell
Saying, May I go along with you, oh no, my love, farewell
Saying, May I go along with you,
Saying, May I go along with you,
Saying, May I go along with you, oh no, my love, farewell

Verse 4

So it’s fare thee well my Nancy, I can no longer stay
For the topsail is hoisted and the anchor aweigh
And the ship lies awaiting for the next flowing tide
And if ever I return again, I will make you my bride.
And if ever I return again,
And if ever I return again,
And if ever I return again, I will make you my bride

This song, according to 'Veteran' folk song collector John Howson, appeared in manuscript form as far back as the early 17th Century, when it went by the title "The Sailor and His True Love. The song has links, in terms of collected versions, in the West Country and in Anglia, with a few versions unearthed up in Scotland.

It has not only been a popular choice with social singers, and Morris Dancers, at Folk events, but also with recording artists and Folk performers.