Fenario
Love and Loss in Fenario: A Tale of Sweet William and Pretty Peggy-O
Lyrics
As we marched down to Fenario
Refers to a march or journey to Fenario.
As we marched down to Fenario
Repetition for emphasis, reinforcing the march to Fenario.
Our captain fell in love with a lady like a dove
The captain falls in love with a gentle woman, symbolized as a dove, named Peggy-O.
And they called her pretty Peggy-O
The lady is affectionately called "pretty Peggy-O."
Come tripping down the stair, pretty Peggy-O
Peggy-O descends the stairs gracefully.
Come tripping down the stair, pretty Peggy-O
Repetition of Peggy-O descending the stairs, suggesting anticipation or excitement.
Come tripping down the stair, Combing back your yellow hair
Peggy-O is described as combing her yellow hair.
And waiting for you there is sweet William-O
Sweet William-O is waiting for Peggy-O.
Oh, would you marry me, pretty Peggy-O
A proposal from the narrator to Peggy-O.
Would you marry me, pretty Peggy-O
Repetition of the proposal, seeking Peggy-O's commitment.
If you'll marry me then the city will go free
The promise that if Peggy-O marries, the city will be spared.
And it's this I promise thee, pretty Peggy-O
Reiteration of the promise to Peggy-O.
I would marry you, Sweet William-O
Peggy-O responds positively to Sweet William-O's proposal.
I would marry you, Sweet William-O
Repetition of Peggy-O's positive response.
I would marry you, but you wear that coat of blue
Peggy-O expresses hesitation due to Sweet William-O's blue coat, fearing her mother's disapproval.
I'm afraid my ma would be angry-O
Concerns about the mother's reaction to the proposed marriage.
If ever I return, pretty Peggy-O
The narrator contemplates a return to Peggy-O.
If ever I return, pretty Peggy-O
Repetition of the contemplation of returning to Peggy-O.
If ever I return, then the city I will burn
If the narrator returns, there's a threat to burn the city and harm the ladies in the area.
And destroy all the ladies in the area-O
Expresses a severe consequence if the narrator returns to Fenario.
Sweet William he is dead, pretty Peggy-O
Announcement of Sweet William's death.
Sweet William he is dead, pretty Peggy-O
Repetition of Sweet William's death, possibly emphasizing the sorrow.
Sweet William he is dead, and he died for a maid
Reiterates Sweet William's death and the reason for it – his love for a maid.
And he's buried in the Louisiana country-O
Specifies Sweet William's burial place in the Louisiana country.
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