When Fishes Fly (No my Love not I) - Mary Humphreys and Anahata

English Folk song, pieced together from various sources by Mary Humphreys.
The tune collected from Lucy White at Hambridge, Somerset 13th April 1904 by Cecil Sharp. Text compiled from hers and others sung by Mrs Overd, Langport, Somerset and Everett Bennett, St Pauls Newfoundland, collected by K Peacock 1958.

Kenneth Peacock remarked that it was the only occasion he had collected this song which appeared to him to be of 18th or early 19th century English origin. His variant is in the dorian mode but follows the same contours as Lucy Whites song.

This rarely-collected song gives a very unsentimental account of the harsh fate that awaited any young woman who stepped outside the socially accepted moral code of the day. The chorus is significant in the light of the subject of the song. Although primarily regarded as a symbol of regret, rue is also recognised as an abortifacient and was probably well-known as such by women of Lucy Whites generation.

Mary Humphreys: vocal , banjo
Anahata: cello

Category:

Music

Tags:

• English
• traditional
• folk
• song
• Mary
• Humphreys
• Anahata
• cello
• banjo

[pete1954pete]

After the disappointment of having two gigs cancelled at Faldingworth Sarah has seen you here. You've never seen a girl so happy. If you read these, thank you and beautifully played. Pete D

[anahatamelodeon]

@pete1954pete thank you very much! I don't know if it's anywhere near you, but we were also at Grimsby folk club a couple of months ago.

Anahata

[pete1954pete]

After the disappointment of having two gigs cancelled at Faldingworth Sarah has seen you here. You've never seen a girl so happy. If you read these, thank you and beautifully played. Pete

[sortedman1]

Well done to both of you, keep up the good work!

[bobdeuel]

Wow... wow. This is a beautiful song and I love the way you've arranged and played it. Thanks so much.

[saerdna56]

Einfach nur gut! Very very well