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Sprig Of Thyme

from When Two Lovers Meet by Sarah McQuaid

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about

I learned this song, in thoroughly appropriate trad fashion, from my mother. There are a lot of songs in the Irish, English and Scottish folk traditions that are based on a similar theme, with thyme signifying innocence/virginity. However, I haven’t come across this particular version anywhere else. Thanks to Gerry for the loan of his Spanish guitar – the nylon strings produce a much sweeter, harplike sound that suits the song.

lyrics

In my garden grew plenty of thyme
It would flourish by night and by day
’Til along came a lad and he took all I had
Stole all my thyme away
Stole all my thyme away

And I was a damsel fair
But fairer I wished to appear
So I bathed me in milk and I clothed me in silk
I put the sweet thyme in my hair
Put the sweet thyme in my hair

In June the red roses in bloom
It was not the flower for me
For I plucked the bud and it pricked me to blood
As I gazed on the willow tree
Gazed on the willow tree

Now the willow tree it will twist
And the willow tree it will twine
And I wish I were clasped in my lover’s arms fast
’Tis he that has stolen my thyme
’Tis he that has stolen my thyme

And it’s very good drinking of ale
But it’s better for drinking of wine
And I wish I were clasped in my lover’s arms fast
’Tis he that has stolen my thyme
’Tis he that has stolen my thyme

credits

from When Two Lovers Meet, released February 1, 1997
Trad arr. S. McQuaid / G. O’Beirne
Sarah – guitar, vocals
Kevin Murphy – cello
Rod McVey – keyboards

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all rights reserved

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about

Sarah McQuaid Penzance, UK

“One of the most instantly recognisable voices in current music … Shades of Joni Mitchell in a jam with Karen Carpenter and Lana Del Rey.” —Neil March, Trust The Doc

“Captivating, unorthodox songwriting … layered satin vocals ... enthralling, harrowing arrangements … a gateway into a true innovator’s soul.” —PopMatters

See sarahmcquaid.com/about for more info.
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