Lyrics
A blacksmith courted me
The singer recalls being courted by a blacksmith.
Nine months and better
The courtship lasted for a period of nine months or more.
He fairly won my heart
The blacksmith successfully captured the singer's heart.
Wrote me a letter.
The blacksmith communicated his feelings by writing her a letter.
With his hammer in his hand
The blacksmith is depicted working with his tools, specifically his hammer.
He looked so clever
The blacksmith appeared skilled and adept at his craft.
And if I was with my love
The singer expresses a longing to be with her love forever.
I would live forever.
The sentiment continues, emphasizing the eternal nature of their love if together.
But where is my love gone
The singer questions the whereabouts of her love.
With his cheeks like roses
She remembers his rosy cheeks as a distinguishing feature.
And his good black Billycock on
He often wore a black hat adorned with primroses, a type of flower.
Decked around with primroses.
The singer worries that the sun might harm or mar his beauty.
I fear the shining sun
She emphasizes her commitment to him, even under adverse circumstances.
May burn and scorch his beauty
Continuing the theme of concern for her love's well-being.
And if I was with my love
She expresses duty and loyalty to him.
I would do my duty.
Her commitment to her love remains steadfast.
Strange news is come to town
Rumors or unexpected news reaches the town.
Strange news is carried
People are spreading and sharing this unexpected news.
Strange news flies up and down
The news of her love's marriage is becoming widely known.
That my love is married.
Confirmation or belief that her love has married someone else.
I wish them both much joy
She wishes happiness for both her love and his new partner.
Though they can't hear me
She acknowledges they can't hear her wishes due to the separation.
And may God reward him well
She hopes that God will compensate her love for his betrayal towards her.
For the slighting of me.
She feels slighted or hurt by his actions.
Don't you remember when
She reminisces about intimate moments spent with him.
You lay beside me
Recalling a time of closeness and affection.
And you said you'd marry me
He promised marriage to her during their intimate times.
And not deny me.
He assured her that he would not reject or abandon her.
If I said I'd marry you
She questions his sincerity regarding the marriage promise.
It was only for to try you
He might have promised marriage just to test her feelings.
So bring your witness love
She challenges him to provide witnesses to validate his claims.
And I'll not deny you.
She reiterates her stance of not denying him.
No, witness have I none
She admits to not having any witnesses other than God.
Save God Almighty
She relies on divine justice and fairness.
And may he reward you well
She hopes that God will repay him for his betrayal.
For the slighting of me.
Her emotions intensify, feeling troubled and distressed.
Her lips grew pale and wan
Her facial expression reveals her distress.
It made a poor heart tremble
She's deeply affected emotionally, feeling shaken.
To think she loved a one
She realizes that her love was not genuine or honest.
And he proved deceitful.
He deceived her, causing pain and disappointment.
A blacksmith courted me
Reiteration of her memories with the blacksmith, emphasizing duration.
Nine months and better
Recollection of the period during which he courted her.
He fairly won my heart
She acknowledges her feelings being genuinely won over.
Wrote me a letter.
He used written words to convey his affection.
With his hammer in his hand
Reference to his craftsmanship and skill, hinting at his character.
He looked so clever
Continuation of admiration for his abilities and qualities.
And if I was with my love I would live forever.
She reiterates the eternal nature of their potential life together.
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