“The Virginia Lover”
Description
Singer courts (Martha), who returns his affection. Her mother/brother opposes the marriage because he is unpropertied, and offers her land/gowns if she'll reject him. She weeps; he tells her "if you hadn't been so faithful, I wouldn't have been so true"
Long description
Singer courts fair Martha (Polly) (of Blackwaters, dark waters), who returns his affection, but her mother (brother) opposes their marriage because he is unpropertied, and offers her land (or gowns) if she'll reject him. She weeps; he asks if he's given her any occasion to be angry, and tells her "if you hadn't been so faithful, I wouldn't have been so true"
Notes
The plot of this song powerfully resembles others, notably "The Wagoner's Lad," but it seems to be distinct. - PJS
Cross references
- cf. "The Wagoner's Lad" (plot)
References
- SharpAp 124, "The Virginia Lover" (3 texts, 3 tunes)
- Roud #420
- BI, ShAp2124