| Version 1 Play/Download Music File Lesley Nelson |
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| This tune was published in Thomas D'Urfey's Pills to Purge Melancholy (Originally in 1706). It appeared in The Recruiting Officer, a comedy by George Farquhar and in John Gay's The Beggar's Opera (1728). These are the words John Gay wrote.
According to one source the tune is an older air whose origin is unkown. Another sources states the original air was Jockey's Lamentation or Jockey met with Jenny fair. For the original 1706 lyrics see the link to Bruce Olsen's site below. John Tams wrote new lyrics to the tune for Sharpe's Rifles. George Farquhar's version is at Over the Hills and Far Away (2) The tune was very popular in Colonial and Revolutionary America. |
MacHeath: Were I laid on Greenland's coast, And in my arms embrac'd my lass; Warm amidst eternal frost, Too soon the half year's night would pass. And I would love you all the day. Ev'ry night would kiss and play, If with me you'd fondly stray Over the hills and far away. Polly: Were I sold on Indian soil, Soon as the burning day was clos'd, I could mock the sultry toil When on my charmer's breast repos'd. I would love you all the day. Ev'ry night would kiss and play, If with me you'd fondly stray Over the hills and far away. Duet: Were I laid on Greenland's coast, And in my arms embrac'd my lass; Warm amidst eternal frost, Too soon the half year's night would pass. And I would love you all the day. Ev'ry night would kiss and play, If with me you'd fondly stray Over the hills and far away. |
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From Best Loved Songs of The American People and Songs from a Colonial Tavern See Bibliography for full information. |
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