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Spenser the Rover

from Songs by Ed, Will and Ginger

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This is a famous song of roving, held and celebrated by the Copper Family of Peacehaven and Rottingdean. Spenser must have wandered far, as the song is found all over England, as far up North as Yorkshire. This version probably originates from a 19th century broadside manuscript.

The story is of a man named Spenser, who has left everything behind to go walking, because his circumstances at home could not be faced. Either a troubling love, or empty pockets, or a past crime, have left him ‘reducéd’.

So off he tramps, learning how to make a bed in the woods, and how to find food and drink outdoors. Then he has a dream, and he follows it home to his family and happiness. The exile returns, and all is well.

Spenser arrives home on the 5th November, which is an old starting date for winter and for the year, which suggests that this song illustrates cycles of coming and going more fundamental than one man's tale.

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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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