Lyrics
As I went out one morning
Setting the scene, the narrator recalls a morning outing.
To breathe the air around Tom Paine's
The narrator went to the vicinity of Tom Paine's, a historical figure associated with political writings.
I spied the fairest damsel
The narrator notices a woman, described as the fairest damsel, suggesting beauty but also possibly entanglement.
That ever did walk in chains
The woman seems burdened or constrained, walking in chains, symbolizing some form of captivity or oppression.
I offer'd her my hand
The narrator offers assistance or companionship to the woman.
She took me by the arm
The woman accepts the narrator's gesture by taking his arm.
I knew that very instant
The narrator senses a threat or danger from the woman at that very moment.
She meant to do me harm
Confirming the danger, the woman intends harm to the narrator.
Depart from me this moment
The narrator demands the woman to leave immediately.
I told her with my voice
The narrator communicates his decision to the woman using his voice.
Said she, but I don't wish to
The woman expresses a lack of desire to leave.
Said I, But you have no choice
The narrator asserts that the woman has no choice in the matter.
I beg you, sir, she pleaded
The woman pleads with the narrator.
From the corners of her mouth
Description of the woman's plea, possibly hinting at a hidden agenda or motive.
I will secretly accept you
The woman suggests a secret acceptance and a plan to escape together, flying south.
And together we'll fly south
Implies a clandestine and collaborative departure towards the south.
Just then Tom Paine, himself
Tom Paine, a historical figure, becomes present in the narrative.
Came running from across the field
Tom Paine is depicted as running towards the scene from a distance.
Shouting at this lovely girl
Tom Paine intervenes, addressing the woman and commanding her to yield, suggesting authority or control.
And commanding her to yield
Tom Paine's involvement intensifies the situation.
And as she was letting go her grip
The woman releases her grip, possibly under Tom Paine's influence or command.
Up Tom Paine did run
Tom Paine reaches the scene as the woman lets go.
I'm sorry, sir, he said to me
Tom Paine apologizes to the narrator for the woman's actions.
I'm sorry for what she's done
Tom Paine expresses regret for the woman's behavior.
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