Lyrics
Well met, well met, my own true love
Salutations to my true love.
Well met, well met"", cried he
The lover reciprocates the greeting.
""I've just returned from the salt, salt sea
Expressing returning from the sea for the sake of the beloved.
All for the love of thee""
Emphasizing the sacrifice made for love.
""I could have married the King's daughter, dear
Indicating rejection of a marriage proposal for the beloved.
She would have married me
Contrasting the rejected proposal to stay faithful.
But I have forsaken her crowns of gold
Choosing love over material wealth or status.
All for the love of thee""
Reiterating the sacrifice made for the beloved.
""Well, if you could have married the King's daughter, dear
Challenging the sincerity of the lover's commitment.
I'm sure you are to blame
Expressing skepticism about the lover's motives.
For I am married to a house carpenter
Stating current marital status and contentment.
And find him a nice young man""
Positively describing the spouse.
""Oh, will you forsake your house carpenter
Proposing leaving the spouse for the lover.
And go along with me?
Inviting the beloved to leave with promises of a better life.
I'll take you to where the grass grows green
Describing a beautiful, idyllic place.
To the banks of the salt, salt sea""
Offering to take the beloved to the sea.
""Well, if I should forsake my house carpenter
Considering leaving the spouse for the lover.
And go along with thee
Asking for security if leaving the spouse.
What have you got to maintain me on
Inquiring about financial support.
And keep me from poverty?""
Questioning how poverty will be avoided.
""Six ships, six ships all out on the sea
Describing a fleet of ships.
Seven more upon dry land
More ships on land, suggesting wealth and power.
One hundred and ten all brave sailor men
Large crew at the lover's command.
Will be at your command""
Promise of military support or power.
She picked up her own wee babe
Taking care of her child before leaving.
Kisses gave him three
Showing affection to her child.
Said, ""Stay right here with my house carpenter
Leaving child with the house carpenter.
Keep him good company""
Instructing to keep the house carpenter company.
Well, they'd not been gone but about two weeks
Not much time passes before a significant event.
I know it was not three
Highlighting the short time since departure.
When this fair lady began to weep
Signaling the start of sorrow or regret.
She wept most bitterly
Intensifying the sorrowful weeping.
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