Tales of women cross-dressing occur frequently in traditional folk song. By adopting men's clothing the woman is liberated, becoming an active character in the story. In Cecilia the woman tests the loyalty of her sweetheart. Laura learned this song from the fantastic larger-than-life Sussex singer and gin drinker, Gordon Hall. Whilst not using the same vocal mannerisms, Laura hopes that she has captured some of the spirit of Gordon's performances.
lyrics
Cecilia on one certain day
She dressed herself in man's array
With a brace of pistols all by her side
To meet her true love, to meet her true love
To meet her true love away did ride
She met him boldly on the plain
Stand and deliver she said young man
Stand and deliver young man she said
Or else this moment, or else this moment
Or else this moment your life I'll lay
She robbed him of his watch and gold
Gave him the empty purse to hold
Saying there's one thing more on your finger now
Deliver it to me, deliver it to me
Deliver it your life to spare
This diamond ring a token was
Before I'd lose it I'd lose my life
She being tender hearted more like a dove
She rode away, she rode away
She rode away from her own true love
Now early next morning plain to be seen
This couple walked on the garden green
When he saw his watch hanging by her clothes
Which made him blush, which made him blush
Which made him blush like the damask rose
How can you blush at such a thing
More if I'd had your diamond ring
For it was I who robbed you upon the plain
So take your gold love, so take your gold love
So take your gold love and watch again
Why did you enter such a foolish plot
Suppose your pistol you would have shot
And if you had killed me out on the plain
Forever after, forever after
Forever after you'd be brought to shame
I did intend and twas to know
Whether your love it was true or no
But now I have a contented mind
My love and all, my love and all
My love and all, dear, they are thine
So this couple married were
And they do live a most happy pair
For the bells do ring and the music play
And they have pleasure, and they have pleasure
And they have pleasure both night and day
credits
from The Poacher's Fate,
released November 25, 2017
Trad. arr. Laura Smyth & Ted Kemp
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