Bonny Bunch of Roses
June Tabor & Oysterband Lyrics

By the margin of the ocean one pleasant morning in the month of June
One fine morning in June, by the seaside, the singer begins narrating the story.

The charming singing blackbird his cheerful notes did sweetly tune
The singer describes the sweet music of a blackbird singing melodiously in the surroundings.

It was there I spied a woman all overpowered by grief and woe
The singer observes a woman who is lost in sadness and sorrow.

Conversing with young Bonaparte concerning the Bonny Bunch of Roses o
The woman is discussing the topic of the 'Bonny Bunch of Roses' with young Bonaparte, Napoleon.

Then up spoke young Napoleon as he took hold of his mother’s hand
Napoleon, showing concern towards his mother, speaks up and takes hold of her hand.

Saying Mother dear, be patient, for soon it’s I will take command
Napoleon comforts his mother and assures her to be patient since he will soon take the charge of things.

I will raise a terrible army and through tremendous dangers go
Napoleon boasts of raising a formidable military force and leading it to face great risks and threats.

And in spite of all the universe, I’ll conquer the Bonny Bunch of Roses o
Napoleon vows to conquer the 'Bonny Bunch of Roses' despite any opposition from the entire world.

When first you saw great Bonaparte you fell down on your bended knee
The woman is reminded of her own encounter with Napoleon, where she was overwhelmed by his presence and paid respect by bowing down.

You begged your father’s life of him and he granted it right manfully
The woman persuaded Napoleon to spare her father's life, and Napoleon, displaying chivalry, granted her wish.

And then he took an army and o’er the frozen Alps did go
The reference is made to Napoleon's historical exploits of leading an army across the frozen Alps.

He said I’ll conquer Moscow and come back for the Bonny Bunch of Roses o
Napoleon's ambition was to capture Moscow and then return to claim the 'Bonny Bunch of Roses.'

He took five hundred thousand men and kings likewise to join his throng
Napoleon had an army of half a million soldiers and also allied with other monarchs to bolster his strength.

He was so well provided for, enough to sweep the world along
Napoleon was well-equipped and prosperous enough to extend his dominance over the entire world.

But when he came to Moscow, he was overpowered by driving snow
Napoleon's expedition towards Moscow was halted as his troops were overwhelmed by the severe weather conditions.

And Moscow was a-blazing and he lost the Bonny Bunch of Roses o
Napoleon lost his ambition of possessing the 'Bonny Bunch of Roses' as his troops were defeated by the Russians and the city of Moscow was set on fire.

So son don’t speak so venturesome for England she has a heart of oak
The woman advises Napoleon's son not to be overly confident and underestimate the strength of English people who are courageous and resilient.

And England, Ireland, Scotland, their unity has never been broke
The woman reminds Napoleon's son that the bond between England, Ireland, and Scotland has never been broken and hence they make a formidable alliance.

And now think on your father, in St Helena his body lies low
The woman prompts Napoleon's son to think about his father, who is no more and has been buried in St. Helena.

And you may follow after, so beware of the Bonny Bunch of Roses o
The woman warns Napoleon's son of the dangerous lure of the 'Bonny Bunch of Roses' and tells him to be careful while dealing with such aspirations.