Name: Spencer The Rover
Duration: P00H06M02S
Description: I've always loved this song, and I sing it for my dad, who always was a wanderer.

Spencer The Rover

from Feather by Edgelarks: Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin

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about

I've always loved this song, and I sing it for my dad, who always was a wanderer.

lyrics

This song was composed by Spencer the Rover
Who travelled through England and most parts all round
He'd been much reduced, which had caused great confusion
And that was the reason he'd started to roam

In Yorkshire, near Rotherham, he'd been on his rambles
Weary of travelling he sat down to rest
At the foot of yon mountain, there runs a clear fountain
With bread and cold water he himself did refresh

It tasted much sweeter than the gold he had wasted
Sweeter than honey, and it gave more content
But the thoughts of his children lamenting their father
Brought tears to his eyes, and it made him lament

With the night fast approaching, to the woods he resorted
With woodbine and ivy his bed for to make
He dreamt about crying, lamenting and dying
Go home to your family and rambling forsake

On the 5th of November, I've a reason to remember
When first he arrived home to his family and wife
They stood so surprised, when first he arrived
To see such a stranger once more in their lives

But then his children came round him with prittle-prattling stories
Prittle-prattling stories, to drive care away
Now they're all united like birds of one feather
Like bees in one hive contented they'll stay

And now they're all living in the cottage contented
With woodbine and children growing all around the door
They're as happy as those that's got thousands of riches
Contented he'll stay, and go rambling no more.

credits

from Feather, released May 17, 2019
Trad., arr. P.Henry / H.Martin

Phil - harmonica, shruti box
Hannah - vocals

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Edgelarks: Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin UK

Edgelarks fly in on the tailwind of BBC award winning duo Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin. Combining soulful original songwriting with deep folk roots and influences as diverse as Indian classical and American blues, this duo produce a sound like no other. ... more

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