“The Contented Countryman”
Description
"Who would like a jovial count-e-rie life? Happy am I with my home and wife." The singer describes how his life "just suits me": They call him poor, but he has the larks and the clear sky and a loving wife. He would not "change for a crown-ed king."
Notes
Kennedy lists several other collections of what he says are this song -- but given the generic nature of this song and Kennedy's willingness to lump, I can't bring myself to trust him without seeing them. - RbW
Cross references
- cf. "The Brisk and Bonny Lass (The Brisk and Bonny Lad)" (theme)
- cf. "Country Life" (theme)
Broadsides
- Bodleian, Firth c.26(85), "Out With My Gun in the Morning" ("I live a jovial country life"), T. Pearson (Manchester), 1850-1899; also 2806 c.16(112), "Out With My Gun in the Morning"
Recordings
- Jimmy Knights, "Out With My Gun in the Morning" (on Voice18)
References
- Kennedy 245, "The Contented Countryman" (1 text, 1 tune)
- Roud #1847
- BI, K245