Trees They Do Grow High- Gouldthorpe (Linc) 1905
[From Percy Grainger Manuscript Collection (PG/2/38). MS indicates the informant knew additional stanzas- only two are given.
R. Matteson 2016]
The Trees They Do Grow High- sung by George Gouldthorpe, of Brigg, Lincolnshire on 6 Sept., 1905. Collector: Grainger, Percy
The trees they do grow high, and the leaves they do grow green,
The days gone and past, my love, what you and I have seen.
One a cold winter's night, my love, when you and I must lay alone,
So fare you well me bonny love, forever.
Then I'll cut off my curly locks, fresh clothes I'll put on,
And I'll go along with you, and be your wedded man[1].
Your waist is so slender love, your fingers long and small,
I'm afraid you wouldn't answer me, when on you I'll[2] call.
1. In this stanza she dresses up like a man to visit him in college since he's young and she doesn't want to let others know they're married. If the 'wedded man' is not a joke, as the rest of the stanza indicates --the informant was confused about the first part and filled in the rest. The last two lines are not usually part of this ballad.
2. MS hard to read here.