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When I Was A Fair Maid

from Daily Growing 1999 by Aubrey Atwater Solo

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    DAILY GROWING: AUBREY ATWATER LIVE IN THE CLASSROOM (1999)
    Especially for Kids! Solo recording of traditional songs sung by Aubrey Atwater in England with school children. This is a live project performed solo by Aubrey Atwater during a six-day residency in schools in London, England. Aubrey is accompanied by singing children on many of the cuts of traditional American and Celtic folk songs which will appeal to all ages, including adults. Instruments include mountain dulcimer, guitar, and banjo. This delightful recording is educational and full of humor.

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about

When I Was A Fair Maid
Traditional
This type of woman warrior ballad gives us a view of the poorly documented people in history such as women.
Since there were often loose age guidelines and no physical examinations of joining the military, it is not surprising that many women joined, but in disguise, either for adventure or to find a lost or wounded lover.

lyrics

When I was a fair maid about seventeen
I listed in the navy, for to serve the Queen
I listed in the navy, a sailor lad to stand
For to hear the cannons rattling and the music so grand
The music so grand, the music so grand
For to hear the cannons rattling and the music so grand

Well, the officer that listed me was a tall and handsome man
He said, "You'll make a sailor, so come along, my man"
My waist being tall and slender, my fingers long and thin
And the very soon they learned me, I soon exceeded them
I soon exceeded them, I soon exceeded them
Oh, the very soon they learned me, I soon exceeded them

Well, they sent me to bunk and they sent me to bed
To lie with a sailor, I never was afraid
But taking off my blue coat, sure it often makes me smile
For to think I was a sailor and a maiden all the while
A maiden all the while, a maiden all the while
For to think I was a sailor and a maiden all the while

Then they sent me to London for to guard the Tower
And I swearI I might be there 'til my very dying hour
But a lady fell in love with me, I told her I was a maid
And she went unto the captain and my secret she betrayed
My secret she betrayed, my secret she betrayed
Oh, she went unto the captain and my secret she betrayed

And the captain, he came up to me and he asked if this were so
Oh I dare not, I dare not, I dare not say no
"It's a pity we should lose you, such a sailor lad you made
It's a pity we should lose you, such a handsome young maid
Such a handsome young maid, a handsome young maid
It's a pity we should lose you, such a handsome young maid"

So, it's fare thee well, captain, you've been so kind to me
And likewise to my shipmates, I'm sorry to part with thee
But if ever the navy needs a lad, a sailor I'll remain
I'll take out my hat and feathers and I'll run the rigging again
I'll run the rigging again, I'll run the rigging again
I'll take out my hat and feathers and I'll run the rigging again

I'll run the rigging again, I'll run the rigging again
I'll take out my hat and feathers and I'll run the rigging again

credits

from Daily Growing 1999, released May 9, 1999
Aubrey Atwater: vocals, mountain dulcimer

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Atwater-Donnelly Warren, Rhode Island

Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly, present delightful programs of traditional American and Celtic folk songs, a capella pieces, old-time gospel songs, dance tunes, and original works, blending gorgeous harmonies with guitar, Appalachian mountain dulcimer, mandolin, tin whistle, harmonica, banjo, bones, spoons, limberjacks, and Appalachian clog dancing and French Canadian footwork. ... more

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