"Heather Dale's songs express something that honors tradition, but in keeping with the best of traditions they break new ground." WDVR FM (USA)
The Poachers
Heather Dale Lyrics
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Then the bastard came and all the game became the right of the king
But English lads saw sport to be had and swift to poaching turned
And so in that way have we even today our pleasant supper earned
One for the partridge, two for the hare, and three for the buck and doe
The hunting of the good king's game shall feed us through the snow
The hunting of the good king's game shall feed us through the snow
Seeking deer or hare in the greenwoods fair, the King's own men do ride
But we Saxons few are a-hunting too, though cleverly we hide
Time and again come the sheriff's men chasing poachers round the shire
But our prey we've shot and we'll not get caught as we feast around our fire
One for the partridge, two for the hare, and three for the buck and doe
The hunting of the good kings game shall feed us through the snow
One for the partridge, two for the hare, and three for the buck and doe
The hunting of the good king's game shall feed us through the snow
Many say that port is the finest sport, that poaching's far too cold
And they pass the year drinking fine dark beer or else some whiskey bold
But they'll find that wine is the thief of time and ale is a bitter foe
And the English man has no better friends than his arrows and his bow
One for the partridge, two for the hare, and three for the buck and doe
The hunting of the good king's game shall feed us through the snow
One for the partridge, two for the hare, and three for the buck and doe
The hunting of the good king's game shall feed us through the snow
Heather Dale's song "The Poachers" takes us back to the era of Harold, when hunting was a popular activity and birds sang sweetly in the forests. However, everything changed when the king came along and made all the game his exclusive property. The English lads, however, saw an opportunity for sport and started poaching, which was a risky endeavor but worth the trouble if they caught their prey. Thus, the practice of poaching has been carried on until today. The chorus “One for the partridge, two for the hare, and three for the buck and doe, The hunting of the good king's game shall feed us through the snow” emphasizes how hunting was not only a form of entertainment but also a means to gather food in the winter months.
The song talks about how the King's men were always on the hunt, seeking deer and hare in the greenwoods fair. However, the Saxons were few in number and had to hunt cleverly without ever getting caught. They frequently had to face the sheriff's men chasing them across the shire. But despite the risks involved, they knew that the reward would be a pleasant supper by the fire. The second verse describes how some preferred to drink wine or beer instead of going out to hunt, but the Englishman had no better friends than his arrows and his bow.
Overall, "The Poachers" is a song that celebrates an ancient custom that continues to this day, of hunting and poaching. While the lyrics may seem to romanticize the practice of poaching, they also remind us of how it used to be a way of life for some.
Line by Line Meaning
In Harold's time the hunt was fine and the birds did sweetly sing
During the time of King Harold, hunting was a pleasurable endeavor in which the sounds of singing birds were common.
Then the bastard came and all the game became the right of the king
After the arrival of William the Conqueror, all animal game became the sole property of the king.
But English lads saw sport to be had and swift to poaching turned
However, young English boys found joy in participating in a forbidden activity and became quick to take part in poaching.
And so in that way have we even today our pleasant supper earned
As a result, poaching has remained a tradition to this day, providing us with a satisfying meal.
One for the partridge, two for the hare, and three for the buck and doe
This is a counting system used to divide up the game hunted.
The hunting of the good king's game shall feed us through the snow
The act of hunting the king's game provides sustenance during the winter months.
Seeking deer or hare in the greenwoods fair, the King's own men do ride
The King's men go riding through the woods in pursuit of deer and hare.
But we Saxons few are a-hunting too, though cleverly we hide
However, a small group of Saxons also participate in hunting, but they must do so discreetly to avoid getting caught.
Time and again come the sheriff's men chasing poachers round the shire
The sheriff's men frequently attempt to catch poachers in the act and chase them around the area.
But our prey we've shot and we'll not get caught as we feast around our fire
Despite being pursued, the poachers have successfully hunted their prey and will enjoy a meal around their fire without being caught.
Many say that port is the finest sport, that poaching's far too cold
Many people claim that drinking port is a much more enjoyable activity than poaching, which they consider to be too uncomfortable in the cold.
And they pass the year drinking fine dark beer or else some whiskey bold
These individuals spend their time drinking beer or whiskey throughout the year.
But they'll find that wine is the thief of time and ale is a bitter foe
However, they will come to realize that wine is a waste of time and ale is a harsh rival.
And the English man has no better friends than his arrows and his bow
For an English man, his arrows and bow are his closest and most important companions.
The hunting of the good king's game shall feed us through the snow
Once again, this line emphasizes that hunting the king's game provides sustenance during the winter months.
One for the partridge, two for the hare, and three for the buck and doe
This counting system is reiterated to emphasize the division of the hunted game.
The hunting of the good king's game shall feed us through the snow
Once again, this line emphasizes that hunting the king's game provides sustenance during the winter months.
Contributed by Sophie M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.