: Music

• MP3 short clip, hi-fi play (broadband)
• MP3 short clip, lo-fi play (modem)

We knew this traditional English ballad from Bert Jansch's incredible 1971 album, Rosemary Lane. Like most folk songs, this one also goes by other titles, notably, "Once I had a Sweetheart" (as featured on Pentangle's superb 1969 LP, "Basket of Light," also featuring Jansch). We performed "Sylvie" live for several years, making melodic and harmonic changes as we went. For Hungrytown, Ken wrote a lovely arrangement for cello and oboe, which reminds me a little of Robert Kirby's work with Nick Drake. RH

---

As Sylvie was walking down by the riverside
And looking so sadly all upon the swift tide.

She thought on her lover who left her, and cried.
On the banks of the meadow she sat down and cried.

And as she sat weeping, a yeoman came by.
What ails you, my jewel, and makes you to cry?

Well I once had a sweetheart and now I have none.
He's gone and leave me in sorrow to mourn.

Last night in sweet slumber I dreamed that I'd see
Mine own dearest true love come smiling to me.

And when I awoke and I found it not so
My eyes were like fountains where the waters do flow.

I'll set sail of silver and steer toward the sun
And my false love will weep for me after I'm gone.