The spring time of the year - Vaughan Williams, Ralph

"Five English Folk Songs, No. 2 Note from original publication”: ‘The words of this song are taken from a long ballad called “Lovely on the Water.” As the rest of the ballad is not very interesting and, moreover has very little to do with the first two verses (here given), the editor has felt himself justified in taking these two verses only out of which to make a choral movement.’"

⌛ Period → 20th Century

◈ Genre / Form Folksongs

♬ Voicing → SATB

◆ Difficulty

Intermediate (Grade 4-5)

¶ Language → English

Parts 4

Instruments A cappella

Pages 8

CPDL # 77851

Editor David Anderson

Posted 2023-12-05

License Personal

¶Lyrics / Text

the full version of the text is provided: As I walked out one morning In the spring time of the year, I overheard a sailor boy, Likewise a lady fair. They sang a song together, Made the valleys for to ring; While the birds on spray and the meadows gay Proclaimed the lovely spring. Said Willy unto Nancy, “Oh we soon must sail away, For it’s lovely on the water To hear the music play. For our Queen she do want seamen, So I will not stay on shore. I will brave the wars for my country Where the blund’ring cannons roar.” Poor Nancy fell and fainted But soon he brought her to, For it's there they kissed and they embraced And took a fond adieu. “Come change your ring with me, my love, For we may meet once more; But there's One above that will guard you, love, Where the blund’ring cannons roar. Four pounds, it is our bounty, And that must do for thee. For to help the aged parents While I am on the sea.” For Tower Hill is crowded With mothers weeping sore, For their sons are gone to face the foe Where the blund’ring cannons roar. Traditional from Norfolk

15 views