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Ryb an Avon (Beside the water)

from Songs by Ed, Will and Ginger

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about

This song’s title is Cornish for “Beside the waters”, or at least that’s what the oral tradition of East Cornwall informed us.

Because its title seems so disconnected from the lyrics, we wonder whether this song has come from the combination of an old melody, a Cornish air of unknowable antiquity, and a natty new set of lyrics about love and madness.

Like a pedigree dog, this current ‘setting’ of melody and lyric have become established together, and now look natural. And who are we to argue?

People often tell us they know this song from their childhoods. It refers to a maid in Bedlam, or St Bartholomew's Asylum. The girl was sent there by her parents, to separate her from her lover, who was not their type.

But the sailor finds out, and runs to find her, finding her by hearing this very song. He joins in, which either means he enters Bedlam, or plucks her from it. Not knowing which, is fine.

The song was collected from Cury Cross Lane, near Helston, by Cecil Sharp in 1905. Its holder was Mr J. Boaden.

As we sung this song in the back streets of Bath, a passing fellow had the last word: "Oh yeah? Butter wouldn't melt in your mouth, boys!"

lyrics

Abroad, as I was walking,
One evening in the spring,
I heard a maid in Bedlam, so sweetly for to sing,
Her chains she rattled with her hands,
And thus replied she,
“I love my love, because I know
My love loves me.”

“But O, my cruel parents,
They have been too unkind,
They drove and banished me,
And tortured my mind,
Although I’m ruined for his sake,
Contented will I be,
I love my love because I know
My love loves me.”

“Should I become a swallow,
I’d ascend up in the air,
And I f I lost my labour,
And should not find him there,
I quickly would become a fish
And search the flowing sea,
I love my love, because I know
My love loves me”

Just as she was sat weeping,
Her love came on the land,
Hearing she was in Bedlam,
Well he ran straight out of hand,
And as he entered in the gates,
He heard her sigh and say,
“I love my love, because I know,
My love loves me.”

He stood and gazed upon her,
Hearing his love complain,
His feet could stand no longer,
For he bled in every vein,
He flew into her lily white arms,
And thus replied he,
“I love my love, because I know
My love loves me.”

credits

from Songs, released January 1, 2010

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A Walk Around Britain UK

Wayfaring songs from journeys on foot around Britain.

With Ed, Will & Ginger. And others.

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