Fine Knacks for Ladies
John Dowland Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Fine knacks for ladies, cheap, choice, brave and new,
Good pennyworths but money cannot move,
I keep a fair but for the fair to view,
c beggar may be liberal of love.
Though all my wares be trash, the heart is true.

Great gifts are guiles and look for gifts again,
My trifles come as treasures from my mind,
It is a precious jewel to be plain,
Sometimes in shell the Orient pearls we find.
Of others take a sheaf, of me a grain.

Within this pack pins, points, laces and gloves,
cnd divers toys fitting a country fair,
But in my heart, where duty serves and loves,




Turtles and twins, Court's brood, a heav'nly pair.
Happy the heart that thinks of no removes.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to John Dowland's song "Fine Knacks for Ladies" can be interpreted as a reflection on the value of material possessions versus the sincerity of true love. The singer describes his wares as "cheap, choice, brave and new," implying that they may be attractive or desirable, but ultimately they are just objects that cannot be bought with money alone. He asserts that he keeps these items only for the purpose of displaying them to others, suggesting that he may be trying to impress or win over someone.


The singer acknowledges that his possessions may be seen as insignificant or of little worth, but he emphasizes that his heart is genuine and true. He implies that while others may offer extravagant gifts in return for affection, his small offerings are treasures that come from his own thoughtfulness and creativity. He likens these simple gifts to the discovery of precious pearls hidden within a shell.


The final stanza of the song shifts the focus from material possessions to matters of the heart. The singer mentions various tokens and toys that one might find at a country fair, but declares that in his heart, duty and love reside. He refers to "Turtles and twins," a term that likely alludes to fidelity and loyalty, and "Court's brood," which could be a reference to a heavenly partner or soulmate. The singer concludes by stating that true happiness is found in a heart that does not contemplate separation or distance.


Overall, "Fine Knacks for Ladies" can be seen as a commentary on the transient nature of material wealth and the enduring value of authentic love and devotion.


Line by Line Meaning

Fine knacks for ladies, cheap, choice, brave and new
Beautiful gifts for women, affordable, exquisite, bold, and innovative


Good pennyworths but money cannot move
High-value purchases, but no amount of money can influence emotions


I keep a fair but for the fair to view
I present a market stall for all to admire


A beggar may be liberal of love
Even someone with nothing can freely give love


Though all my wares be trash, the heart is true
Although my merchandise may seem insignificant, my affection is genuine


Great gifts are guiles and look for gifts again
Valuable presents often expect something in return


My trifles come as treasures from my mind
My small and insignificant offerings come from the depths of my imagination


It is a precious jewel to be plain
Authenticity is a priceless gem


Sometimes in shell the Orient pearls we find
Occasionally, valuable treasures are hidden within ordinary appearances


Of others take a sheaf, of me a grain
Others may offer bundles, but I offer a small portion


Within this pack pins, points, laces and gloves
Inside this bundle, you'll find pins, needles, ribbons, and gloves


And divers toys fitting a country fair
As well as various trinkets suitable for a village festival


But in my heart, where duty serves and loves
But within my heart, where loyalty and love reside


Turtles and twins, Court's brood, a heavenly pair
Tortoises and birds, noble children, a heavenly duo


Happy the heart that thinks of no removes
Blessed is the heart that feels no desire for change




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@Delmonaco1969

. Fine knacks for ladies, cheap, choice, brave and new,
god penniworths, but money cannot prove,
I keep a fair, but for the fair to view
a beggar may be liberal of love,
Though all my wares be trash, the heart is true.

2. Great gifts are guiles and look for gifts again,
My trifles come as treasures from my mind,
It is a precious jewel to be plain,
Sometimes in shell the Orient's pearls we find.
Of others take a sheaf, of me a grain

3. Within this pack pins, points, laces and gloves,
And divers toys fitting a country fair,
But in my heart, where duty serves and loves,
Turtles and twins, Court's brood, a heav'nly pair.
Happy the man that thinks of no removes.



@saysike7164

Fine knacks for ladies, cheap, choice, brave and new,
Good pennyworths but money cannot move,
I keep a fair but for the fair to view,
A beggar may be liberal of love.
Though all my wares be trash, the heart is true.

Great gifts are guiles and look for gifts again,
My trifles come as treasures from my mind,
It is a precious jewel to be plain,
Sometimes in shell the Orient's pearls we find.
Of others take a sheaf, of me a grain.

Within this pack pins, points, laces and gloves,
And divers toys fitting a country fair,
But in my heart, where duty serves and loves,
Turtles and twins, Court's brood, a heav'nly pair.
Happy the man that thinks of no removes.



All comments from YouTube:

@mikanasan8237

The fact that your here because of your activity in Music

@Jalapablo

Wow. Just fantastic! The best version I've heard.

@fineknacksforeverybody826

I love this song!

@johninman7545

I first heard this song from an L.P. record/Nonesuch recording,1970[?]. Very  jaunty and cheerful for Dowland,very singable.Thanks!

@annekelabots8784

makes me smile!

@cressidadenova8118

Lovely. Thank you so much for posting this.

@ianmcardle8519

great stuff - thanks for posting

@meredith218461

Brilliant!

@juiceterry67

@FintanSparky to me, it sounds like the King Singers version from The Madrigal History Tour.

@paolog.mandelli264

Yes, is from The madrigal history tour

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