Amazing Blondel was what might be called a renaissance-folk-rock band. The … Read Full Bio ↴Amazing Blondel was what might be called a renaissance-folk-rock band. The band was formed by three British multi-instrumentalists with an interest in old music and period instruments: John David Gladwin (lute, cittern, double bass, oboe), Terry Wincott (harmonium, pipe organ, cittern, crumhorn, recorders, flute, tabor pipe, ocarina, guitar), and Edward Baird (guitar, percussion, guitern). Generally, the rock elements took a back seat to vocal harmonies and delicate arrangements in a kind of troubador style. Their 1970 debut album, Amazing Blondel (AKA Amazing Blondel and a Few Faces) featured some nods to rock, such as drums on a few tracks, and was followed by England in 1972, which abandoned the rock elements and is generally regarded as their high point. After Blondel (1973), the band moved into more conventional territory by returning to their folk-rock sound.

Under The Greenwood Tree
Amazing Blondel Lyrics

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Gladwin

Dawn draws near and you rise wearily
From my bed in search of your own
As you go my thoughts turn drearily
To the empty hours I shall spend alone
Chorus:
If you love me come discreetly

Down to meet me under the greenwood tree
(Repeat)
Thrushes sing
The breeze wanders aimlessly
Through the weeping willows and the oak
Memories of the nights we've spent shamelessly
Locked in love as cattle to their yoke
Chorus
Middle 8
Till Doomsday we’ll meet this way
Cursed am I to court such a lover
Who is not betrothed to me
For her dowry lies with another

And no sadder wife will there be
Chorus

Overall Meaning

The song "Under The Greenwood Tree" by Amazing Blondel, tells a story of unrequited love. The singer addresses his lover who is leaving him in the morning to return to her own bed. He laments the fact that he will be left alone, and his thoughts turn despairing as he imagines the hours he will spend without her. The chorus of the song is an invitation for the lover to come discreetly and meet him under the greenwood tree, where they can be together away from prying eyes.

The verses of the song are written with a poetic touch, describing the beauty of nature as a backdrop for their secret love, with singing thrushes, aimless breeze, and weeping willows. However, the middle eight of the song changes the tone, as the singer acknowledges the impossible nature of their love. His lover is already promised to another, and he is cursed to court such an unattainable love. He acknowledges that their relationship can never be more than secret meetings under the greenwood tree. The song ends on a melancholic note, suggesting that the singer will be forever condemned to love someone who cannot be his.

Line by Line Meaning

Dawn draws near and you rise wearily
It is the dawn of a new day and you wake up tiredly

From my bed in search of your own
You leave my bed to find your own

As you go my thoughts turn drearily
As you leave, my thoughts become sad and gloomy

To the empty hours I shall spend alone
I know I'll be spending lonely hours without you

Chorus:
Refrain:

If you love me come discreetly
If you love me, come secretly

Down to meet me under the greenwood tree
Meet me secretly under the greenwood tree

(Repeat)
Repeat refrain

Thrushes sing
Thrashers sing

The breeze wanders aimlessly
The wind blows aimlessly

Through the weeping willows and the oak
Through the willow and oak trees