They released their first album, Weave & Spin in 2011, and their second, Mayday, in 2013. Their third album, Cycle, was released in October 2016
The Factory Girl
Lady Maisery Lyrics
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The birds in the branches so sweetly did sing
The lads and the lasses together were sporting
Going down to the factory, their work to begin
He spied one amongst them more fairer than any
Her lips like red roses that none could excel
Her skin like the lily that blooms in the valley
He stepped up unto her, more closely to view her
When on him she cast a bright look of disdain
Oh young man, have manners and do not insult me
Although I'm a poor girl I think it no shame
It's not for to scorn you fair maid, I adore you
Come grant me one favour, love, where do you dwell?
Oh young man, excuse me, for now I must leave you
For yonder's the sound of my factory bell
Oh I have fine houses, adorned with ivory
Gold in my pockets and silver as well
And if you'll come with me, a lady I'll make you
No more will you heed your poor factory bell
Oh love and temptation are our ruination
Go find you a lady and may you do well
My friends and my comrades would all frown upon it
So I'll stay a hard-working factory girl
Da-dee-dum-day (repeat to end)
The song "The Factory Girl" by Lady Maisery tells the story of a rich man who encounters a group of hard-working factory workers on his morning walk. He becomes enamored with one of the girls, who is described as fairer than any, with red rose-like lips and skin like a lily. He attempts to pursue her and offers to take her away from her life as a factory girl and turn her into a lady. However, the factory girl resists his advances, insisting that love and temptation are their ruination, and chooses to remain a hard-working factory girl despite the material possessions he promises her.
The song is a commentary on the harsh realities of industrialization during the Victorian era, where working-class women were often subject to long hours, low pay, and dangerous working conditions in factories. It also speaks to the societal expectations placed on women to uphold a certain standard of morality and class, despite their circumstances. By refusing the rich man's advances and choosing to remain a factory girl, the singer asserts her autonomy and rejects the idea that a higher social status is the only way to achieve happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
A rich man was walking, one fine summer's morning
A wealthy man was strolling around on a peaceful summer morning.
The birds in the branches so sweetly did sing
The birds were singing a melodious tune from the treetops.
The lads and the lasses together were sporting
The guys and girls were having fun together.
Going down to the factory, their work to begin
They were heading towards the factory to start their day's work.
He spied one amongst them more fairer than any
The man noticed a girl among them who was fairer than anyone else.
Her lips like red roses that none could excel
Her lips looked as good as the prettiest of red roses, incomparable.
Her skin like the lily that blooms in the valley
The girl's skin was like the blooming lily found in the valley.
She was a hard-working factory girl
The girl was a diligent worker at the factory.
He stepped up unto her, more closely to view her
The man then walked up to her to catch a glimpse of her beauty, more closely.
When on him she cast a bright look of disdain
She gave him a disgusted look, peering brightly into his eyes.
Oh young man, have manners and do not insult me
She commanded the man with a sense of authority, directing him to behave properly and not offend her.
Although I'm a poor girl I think it no shame
The girl mentioned that she didn't feel any shame despite her lack of wealth.
It's not for to scorn you fair maid, I adore you
The man expressed his admiration for her and apologized if he appeared to have belittled her.
Come grant me one favour, love, where do you dwell?
The man requested for her address, imploring for a chance to speak to her again.
Oh young man, excuse me, for now I must leave you
The girl turned down his request, apologetically citing her need to leave as the factory bell had sounded.
For yonder's the sound of my factory bell
She pointed towards the factory, where they both heard the ringing bell signaling the start of work.
Oh I have fine houses, adorned with ivory
The man tried to entice her with tales of his wealth, including houses embellished with ivory.
Gold in my pockets and silver as well
He further boasted about his riches with mention of gold and silver reserves in his pockets.
And if you'll come with me, a lady I'll make you
He tried to woo her by promising to turn her into a lady, if she agreed to be with him.
No more will you heed your poor factory bell
He made an additional promise to free her from the need to work at the factory and heed the working times.
Oh love and temptation are our ruination
She commented that getting carried away with emotions and indulging in temptations could lead to their downfall.
Go find you a lady and may you do well
She wished him luck in finding a lady, indicating that she wasn't interested.
My friends and my comrades would all frown upon it
She cited social pressure from her peers and made it clear that she would be judged poorly by her comrades and peers if she gave in to his advances.
So I'll stay a hard-working factory girl
She concluded by stating that she would continue to work hard at the factory, rejecting his proposal.
Da-dee-dum-day (repeat to end)
This is a recurring chorus line in the song with no specific meaning.
Writer(s): Eric Burdon, Tony Braunagel
Contributed by Samantha L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.