Lyrics

When I was Young, I Courted Me a Wife (Charming Beauty Bright, Lover’s Lament)

When I was young I courted me a wife,
Thinking to live a sweet and sober life.
I courted her for love, and her heart it did obtain,
So why do you think I’d any reason to complain.

But when her parents came this to know,
That I was a-courting their only daughter dear,
They lock-ed her up, and they kept her so secure
That I never got sight of my true love any more.

Then to her window I thought I would go
To see if I could forget my love or no,
But when I came there, she sighed and she cried,
Saying, “I never can forget you until the day I die.”

Then to the wars I thought I would go
To see if I could forget my love or no,
But when I came there the armor shone so bright,
And it put me in mind of my own dear heart’s delight.

The first long year I serv-ed as a king;
The second long year I return-ed home again.
Her mother saw me coming and she wrang her hands and cried,
Saying, “My daughter loved you dearly and for your sake she died.”

There I stood like a man that was slain,
Through tears rolling down, like the ty-ar-ants of rain,
Crying, “Oh! Oh! Oh! That grief I cannot bear
Since my true love’s in her grave, and I’m longing to be there!”

I would give you all advice, if I wasn’t rather young:
Old folks and friends, in such cases, hold their tongue.