All Things Are Quite Silent

(Steeleye Span)


All things are quite silent, each mortal at rest, 
When me and my love got snug in one nest, 
When a bold set of ruffians they entered our cave, 
And they forced my dear jewel to plow the salt wave.

I begged hard for my sailor as though I begged for life. 
They'd not listen to me although a fond wife, 
Saying, "The king he wants sailors, to the sea he must go."
And they've left me lamenting in sorrow and woe.

Through green fields and meadows we ofttimes did walk, 
And sweet conversation of love we have talked, 
With the birds in the woodland so sweetly did sing, 
And the lovely thrushes' voices made the valleys to ring.

Although my love's gone I will not be cast down. 
Who knows but my sailor may once more return? 
And will make me amends for all trouble and strife, 
And my true love and I might live happy for life.


A woman's lament for her husband who has been abducted from his
bed and press ganged into the navy.  But take heed; although this
system of impressment had almost faded out by 1835 it has never
been abolished by Act of Parliament.  Ralph Vaughan Williams
collected this haunting song from Ted Baines of Lower Bedding,
Sussex, in 1904.  From Penguin Book of English Folk Songs,
Williams and Lloyd.

On the album "Hark! The Village Wait" by Steeleye Span, 1970