Birds in the Spring
Yet again another song that brings back fond memories. Many years ago when Danni and I first got married we were living in a converted cowshed on my mothers farm. We heard that the Gardeners cottage was to be up for renting on the Broadwood estate, which borders the villages of Rusper Newdigate and Capel. We went up to meet with Captain Broadwood the owner of the property at Lynne House. He asked me what I did and I told him that I sang Folk Songs to which he replied that his aunt Lucy Broadwood went round collecting Folk Songs and his favourite one was ‘The Birds in the Spring’ which he then sang to us. Indeed fond memories for both Danni and I.
Martyn
BIRDS IN THE SPRING Traditional.
One morning in May by chance I did rove
I sat myself down by the side of a grove
And there did I hear the sweet nightingale sing
You never heard so sweet you never heard so sweet
You never heard so sweet as the birds in the Spring.
All on the green grass I sat myself down
While the notes of the nightingale echoed around
Don’t you hear how she quivers her voice I declare
No music no songster no music no songster
No music no songster with her can compare.
Now all you young men I’ll have you draw near
I pray you take heed of these words you do hear
That when your’e grown old you may have them to hear
That you never heard so sweet you never heard so sweet
You never heard so sweet as the birds in the air.