I first heard this years ago in an American version, with refrain, sung by Dallas Cline. I was surprised to find later that her song was so closely related to this set from Joseph Taylor. The song was in the repertoire of several of Grainger's source singers, and was known as a broadside. When Grainger published it in the Journal, Lucy Broadwood commented: "I doubt its being 'country-made,' or of any great age." Anne Gilchrist added, comparing it to The Nutting Girl, "Neither of them have the appearance of genuine folk-airs." What is a folksong? The debate still continues.
|
|
My father is the king of the gypsies, that is true,
My mother, she learned me some camping for to do,
They put a pack upon my back, they all did wish me well,
So I set off for London, some fortunes for to tell.
As I was a-walking a fair London street,
A handsome young squire I chanced for to meet,
He viewed my brown cheeks, and he liked them so well,
He said, "My little gypsy girl, can you my fortune tell?"
"Oh yes," I returned, "Give me hold of your hand,
For you have got riches, and you've houses, and you've land,
But all those pretty maidens, you must put them to one side,
For I'm the little gypsy girl that is to be your bride.
Now once I was a gypsy girl, but now a squire's bride,
I've servants to wait on me, and in my carriage ride,
The bells they shall ring merrily, and sweet music play,
And crown the glad tidings of the gypsy's wedding day.
|