John Playford's "Gathering Peascods"

[Rosie C]

Back to the 17th century, a time when a young couple would struggle to find unchaperoned time together. This is "Gathering Peascods" from John Playford's "Dancing Master". Yours truly on vocals, octave mandolin, Hohner Concerto IIIN, and descant recorder. Our first attempt at recording a song at home!



Edit: oops, I shared the wrong link first time, no accordion in this one, but as I've already shared it I'll leave it here...

 

[SteveBox]

Lovely. I used to play this tune when I was in an English Country Dance band. This is the first time I have heard words to it.

 

[Rosie C]

Lovely. I used to play this tune when I was in an English Country Dance band. This is the first time I have heard words to it.

Likewise, I knew it and played it only an instrumental for many years. It was only last year I found there were lyrics. We changed the words to suit a woman singing about a man, here is the original:

Gathering peascods amidst the rows so green,
with bonny Bet, my queen;
Tossing the peascods I' faith we had rare fun,
The work seem'd never done;
'Twas sweetest summer weather,
I plucked the peascods fast, Then in her apron cast,
So being together, Each turn I did not miss
To pluck as well a kiss.

Shelling of peascods beside the pretty wench,
A-seated on one bench;
Shelling of peascods Into a maple bowl,
and she a merry soul;
So shelling without missing a single pea, I said,
My labours must be paid, only by kissing.
Fly winter! I were fain
'Twere peascods time again!