In Sheffield Park

Collected by Bob Copper in about 1954 from Enos White in Axford, Hampshire: see Chapter Thirteen, pp. 108-113, of Songs and Southern Breezes for the details; and the appendix for these words. Bob Copper tells us that Enos White pronounced it "Sherfield". Eliza Carthy has recorded a version of this song, to a similar tune, also in 5/4.


In Sheffield Park where I did dwell,
A brisk young lad I loved him well,
He courted me my heart to gain,
He's gone and left me full of pain.

I went upstairs to make the bed,
And laid me down and nothing said,
My mistress came and to me said,
What is the matter with you, my maid?

O little dove, what does you know
What pain and sorrow I undergo,
Just lay your hand on my left breast,
My fainting heart can take no rest.

My mistress turned away with speed;
Some help, some help is what you need.
No help, no help, no help, I say
My William stole my heart away.

We'll gather green grass all for her bed
And a flowery pillow for her head
And the leaves that's blowing from tree to tree
Shall be the coverlet over she.


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