The meeting of Ceri R… Read Full Bio ↴Fernhill is a Welsh folk band formed in 1996.
The meeting of Ceri Rhys Matthews and Julie Murphy at Art College in Maidstone was the starting point for Fernhill. Murphy went back to Wales with Matthews, and started performing Welsh songs with Matthews' mandolin to accompany Murphy's vocals. Later they combined with piper Jonathan Shorland, and, later still in '96, they were joined by squeezebox wizard Andy Cutting to become Fernhill proper. The band produced two terrific albums, 'Ca' Nos' and 'Llatai', which demonstrated and developed links between the songs and tunes of the Welsh tradition (much of which survives), and the music and dance of Brittany. Their third album, 'Whilia', featured the trio of Murphy, Cutting, and Matthews, joined by Tim Harries on double bass, and Cass Meurig on fiddle.
Brigg Fair
Fernhill Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The weather fair and mild
When to Brigg Fair I did repair
For love I was inclined
I rose up with the lark in the morning
Heart full and free
Thinking there to see my love
I looked over my left shoulder
To see what I could see
And there I saw my own true love
Come walking down to me
I took hold of his hand
And merrily sang my heart
And now we are together
I trust we never shall part
For the green leaves, they will wither
The roots, they will decay
If ever I prove false to him
The man who loves me
For the green leaves, they will wither
The roots, they will decay
If ever I prove false to him
The man who loves me
Fernhill's song "Brigg Fair" tells the story of love and its enduring qualities through the lyrics of the traditional English folk song. The singer sets the scene by describing the fifth of August and the beautiful weather, which creates a romantic and idyllic atmosphere. The singer reveals that they are going to Brigg Fair because they are in love and want to connect with their beloved.
The second verse of the song reveals the singer's anticipation and excitement about meeting with their love interest, as they describe waking up early and the hope of seeing their love at the fair. In the third verse, the singer sees their love walking towards them, which is presented as a beautiful and joyous moment. The fourth and final verse includes a warning that the love they have found must be nurtured and cared for, otherwise, it will wither away. This warning illustrates the fragility and importance of true love.
Overall, Fernhill's interpretation of "Brigg Fair" emphasizes the importance of love as a transformative force that can change a person's life. The imagery in the song beautifully captures the feelings of love, hope, and vulnerability that come along with opening oneself up to another person.
Line by Line Meaning
It was on the fifth of August
This event happened on August 5th
The weather fair and mild
The weather was pleasant
When to Brigg Fair I did repair
I went to Brigg Fair
For love I was inclined
I was going to Brigg Fair because I was in love
I rose up with the lark in the morning
I woke up early in the morning
Heart full and free
I was feeling happy and unfettered
Thinking there to see my love
I was hoping to see my beloved at Brigg Fair
Long time I wished to see
I had been wanting to see them for a while
I looked over my left shoulder
I turned my head to the left
To see what I could see
I wanted to see what was there
And there I saw my own true love
I saw my beloved
Come walking down to me
They were walking towards me
I took hold of his hand
I grabbed their hand
And merrily sang my heart
I sang joyfully
And now we are together
We are now together
I trust we never shall part
I hope we will never be separated
For the green leaves, they will wither
The green leaves of plants will eventually die
The roots, they will decay
Even plant roots will eventually rot
If ever I prove false to him
If I ever betray my beloved
The man who loves me
The person who loves me
For the green leaves, they will wither
Plants will eventually die
The roots, they will decay
Even plant roots will eventually rot
If ever I prove false to him
If I ever betray my beloved
The man who loves me
The person who loves me
Writer(s): Phillip Collins
Contributed by Ava N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
tom kent
This recording was made by Grainger, and formed the basis of his well-known arrangement. The melody was later taken up by Delius in his delightful orchestral arrangement.
tom kent
@The Folk Revival Project Thanks for that. Appreciated.
pabmusic1
@tom kent Yes, I think the EFDSS at Cecil Sharp House has them.
tom kent
@pabmusic1 I stand corrected. Do you know if any of Grainger's field recordings have survived?
pabmusic1
Sort of. This isn't Grainger's field recording, but a later one by the Gramophoe &. Typewriter Co. (later EMI) - one of several recordings Grainger persuaded them to make of Joseph Taylor.
And yes, it's what led to Delius's variations.
Richard Croke
Daddy chill
Richard Croke
My name peter file