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.
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
Chorus:
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