Very little is known of Dowland's early life, but it is generally thought he was born in London, or possibly Dublin. It is known that he went to Paris in 1580 where he was in service to the ambassador to the French court. He became a Roman Catholic at this time, which he claimed led to his not being offered a post at Elizabeth I's Protestant court. (However, he had told nobody of his conversion.) He worked instead for many years at the court of Christian IV of Denmark. He returned to England in 1606 and in 1612 secured a post as one of James I's lutenists. He died in London on the 20th February 1626.
Most of Dowland's music is for his own instrument, the lute. It includes several books of solo lute works, lute songs (for one voice and lute), part-songs with lute accompaniment, and several pieces for viol consort with lute.
He later wrote what is probably his best known instrumental work, Lachrimae or Seaven Teares Figured in Seaven Passionate Pavans, a set of seven for five viols and lute, each based on his well-known song "Flow My Tears". It became one of the best known pieces of consort music in his own time. His pavane "Lachrymae antiquae" was also one of the big hits of the seventeenth century.
Dowland's music often displays the melancholia that was so fashionable in music at that time, typified by a consort piece with the punning title "Semper Dowland, semper dolens" ("Always Dowland, always doleful").
Fine Knacks for Ladies
John Dowland Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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,
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.
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
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@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.
@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