Early, early in the Spring- Norman Perks (Glou) c.1975 Yates
[My date. From the recording VTC5CD, When the wind blows, ‘An anthology of traditional folk music from Coastal England.’ Yates notes follow.
R. Mateson 2017]
A highly popular song that probably dates from the 18th century. Cecil Sharp noted no less than eleven English versions, usually under the title 'Sweet William', as well as finding a dozen further sets in the Appalachian Mountains of North America. Norman's final verses - where the girl is discovered by her father- are sometimes found as a separate song, entitled 'Died for Love'. Maggy Murphy of Co. Fermanagh also sings a fine version. (recorded Hawkesbury Upton, Avon, by Mike Yates, 1975- originally released on VT112)
(Mike Yates) I went to Hawkesbury Upton, Gloucestershire looking for Ernie Payne who sang a version of 'The Seeds of Love'. Norman Perks was in the bar and, overhearing me ask for Ernie, said that he knew a good song. I recorded Norman's one song just before Ernie arrived and, sadly, never had time to ask Norman anything about himself, his song, or even whether or not he knew any other songs.
Early, Early in the Spring- Sung by Norman Perks of Hawkesbury Upton, Gloucestershire, 1975. Recorded by Yates.
‘Twas early, early in the spring
I went on board for to serve my king
And leaving the loved one that I left behind
She would now enquire of her sailor boy.
I built my nest on a little wee boat
And on the winey ocean I’ll do float
And every big steamer that came passing by
She now would enquire of her sailor boy.
She went straight out and she went on board
Crying captain, captain is my Willy here
What colour is your Willy’s clothes
His trousers white and his jacket blue
His curly locks fill my heart with woe.
Oh no my darling he is not here
He’s dead and drownded I do declare
For in yonder sea where the wind blows high
That's where I left your young sailor boy
She went straight home and she went upstairs
And not a word to her mother said
Her mother followed her behind
And asked what was the matter with her daughter pray
Oh fetch me a chair and a pen and ink
A pen and ink and I’ll write it down
And every line I’ll shed a tear
And every verse farewell Willy my dear
Her father came home and he went in search
He went in search for his daughter pride
He went upstairs and behind the door
He saw his daughter hanging by a chord
He got his knife and he cut her down
And in her pocket this note he found
Dear father dear father dig me a grave
And line it out with lily's brave
And for my tombstone place a turtle dove
To show the world wide I died for love