trad
Widespread in Cornwall, popularized by Charlie Bate. Some overlap with a Thomas Arne operetta from 1761, but to a different tune. First published in 1857.
Jackie Oates: Sweet Nightingale – Jackie Oates – Broadwindsor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANbOWvQcM1w
My sweetheart, come along, don’t you hear the fond song, The sweet notes of the nightingale flow? Don’t you hear the fond tale of the sweet nightingale As she sings in the valley below. (x2) My sweetheart, don’t fail, for I’ll carry your pail All down to the valley below You shall hear the fond tale of the sweet nightingale Pray let me alone, I have hands of my own; And about you, sir, nothing I know I can hear the fond tale of the sweet nightingale Pray sit yourself down with me on the ground, On this bank where the primroses grow. You shall hear the fond tale of the sweet nightingale So she sat herself down with him on the ground, On the bank where the primroses grow. And they heard the fond tale of the sweet nightingale This couple agreed to be married with speed And soon to the church they did go. Never more she’s afraid for to walk in the shade