The Factory Girl
Whispers of Love and Labor: The Factory Girl's Tale
Lyrics
As I went out walking one fine summer's morning
Describes the speaker going for a walk on a beautiful summer morning.
The birds in the bushes did warble and sing.
Mentions the birds singing in the bushes.
The lads and the lasses in couples were sporting,
Observes young men and women, couples, engaged in recreational activities.
Going down to yon factory their work to begin.
They are heading to the factory to start their work.
I spied one among them more fairer than any,
The speaker notices a woman among them who stands out in beauty.
Her cheeks like the red rose that none could excel,
Describes the woman's rosy cheeks that are exceptionally beautiful.
Her skin like the lily that bloomed in yon valley
Compares her skin to a lily in the valley, emphasizing her beauty.
And she was a hard working factory girl.
States that she is a hardworking factory girl, highlighting her work ethic.
I kindly stepped to her all thinking to view her,
The speaker approaches the woman with the intention of getting to know her.
On me she cast a look of disdain.
She responds with disdain, cautioning the speaker due to his apparent lower social status.
Saying, Young man, have manners and do not come near me.
She advises the speaker to have manners and keep a distance.
The more you're a poor girl I think it no shame.
She dismisses any shame associated with being a poor girl.
It's not for to scorn you, fair maid, I adore you.
The speaker reassures the woman of his genuine admiration and love.
Come grant me one favour, love, where do you dwell?
He asks where she lives and requests a favor from her.
Oh young man, excuse me, for now I must leave you,
She declines, citing the imminent start of her work at the factory.
For yonder's the sound of my factory bell.
She hears the factory bell, signaling the need to leave.
Well I have fine houses adorned with ivory,
The speaker boasts of wealth, describing luxurious possessions.
Gold in my pockets and silver as well.
He offers to make her a lady, promising a life free from the factory's constraints.
And if you'll go with me, a lady I'll make you
The speaker's proposal to elevate her social status.
And no more will you need yon poor factory bell.
Suggests she won't need the factory bell anymore with him.
Love and temptation are our ruination,
States that love and temptation can lead to ruin.
Go find you a lady and may you do well.
Advises the speaker to find another lady and wishes him well.
For I am an orphan, neither friend nor relation,
Reveals the speaker's orphan status and lack of social connections.
And forbye, I'm a hard working factory girl.
Emphasizes the woman's identity as a hardworking factory girl.
With these words she vanished and then she did leave me,
The woman leaves abruptly, and the speaker decides to wander away for her sake.
And all for her sake I'll go wander away,
The speaker expresses his intention to mourn in seclusion for the factory girl.
And in some deep valley where no one will know me
He plans to go to a deep valley where he won't be known.
I will mourn for the sake of my factory girl.
Conveys the speaker's sorrow for the loss of the factory girl.
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