“I Wonder What Is Keeping My True Love Tonight (Green Grass It Grows Bonny)”

Description

Woman sings, "I wonder what is keeping my true love tonight?" He sings that he hasn't got anyone else, but he no longer loves her; he can't truly love a woman with two sweethearts. She warns other girls to beware false young men

Notes

*She* should talk! - PJS

Oh, I don't know; they sound perfect for each other.

Interestingly, Ord's text (which seems to mash together this song and "Green Grows the Laurel") doesn't mention the bit about the girl having two sweethearts. Neither does the version in the Digital Tradition, which, however, does not list a source. - RBW

Cross references

• cf. "Green Grows the Laurel (Green Grow the Lilacs)" (lyrics)

Recordings

• McBride 38, "Green Grass it Grows Bonnie" (1 text, 1 tune)

References

1. Kennedy 157, "Green Grass It Grows Bonny" (1 text, 1 tune)
2. Tunney-StoneFiddle, pp. 87-88, "Green Grass It Grows Bonnie" (1 text, 1 tune)
3. Ord, p. 187, "The Rose and the Thyme" (1 text, with the plot of this song but introductory stanzas from "Green Grows the Laurel")
4. DT, KEEPLOVE
5. Roud #858
6. BI, K157