Songs

The Cuckoo and the Nightingale

by Anon. arr. Vaughan Williams

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Text

The Cuckoo and the Nightingale
English source: Anon.

O early, early in the Spring,
The cuckoo and the nightingale
So sweetly were singing.
As I walked out one May morning
O, there I did two lovers see,
They were taking of the air, O...
Then this young couple they walked along,
And this young man he sang a song,
Thinking to gain her favour.
'Since you've gained my heart', said she,
'And stolen away my liberty,
Pray grant to me your name, Sir.
To church then this young couple went,
And married were, in sweet content,
She and her own true lover.

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