See also Maddy Prior & the Carnival Band. Maddy Prior and the Carnival Band… Read Full Bio ↴See also Maddy Prior & the Carnival Band. Maddy Prior and the Carnival Band have been teaming up since 1982 to revive interest in traditional carols and hymns and 18th century drinking songs. The band and Maddy Prior of course have their own separate projects and only work together from time to time. See also Maddy Prior & the Carnival Band. For more information see this Wikipedia page (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maddy_Prior).

Who Would True Valour See
Maddy Prior and the Carnival Band Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

let him come hither
one here will constant be
come wind, come weather
there's no discouragement
shall make him once relent
his first avowed intent
to be a pilgrim

with dismal stories
do but themselves confound
his strength the more is
No lion can him fright
he'll with a giant fight
but he will have the right
to be a pilgrim

can daunt his spirit
he knows he at the end
shall life inherit
Then, fancies, fly away
he'll not fear what men say

he'll labour night and day
to be a pilgrim

Overall Meaning

In Maddy Prior and the Carnival Band's song "Who Would True Valour See," the lyrics describe a steadfast individual who is on a pilgrimage. The first stanza invites this person to come forward as there is someone present who will remain constant, steadfast and unwavering in their support. The pilgrim's resolve is unbreakable and there is nothing that can discourage him from his intended path. Through any trials or hardships, he has promised to see this pilgrimage through to its end.

In the second stanza, the lyrics describe how the pilgrim is not deterred by dismal stories or terrifying beasts. In fact, these obstacles only strengthen his resolve. He knows that he will have the right to complete this pilgrimage and inherit eternal life. This belief gives him the courage to disregard what others may say and to work tirelessly towards his goal day and night.

Overall, the lyrics of "Who Would True Valour See" are uplifting and inspiring. They commemorate the strength of character and tenacity required to maintain a singular devotion to a righteous goal.

Line by Line Meaning

let him come hither
Invite him here to join us

one here will constant be
We have someone here who will always stay true to the cause

come wind, come weather
No matter what happens or what obstacles arise

there's no discouragement
No amount of negative talk or unfortunate circumstances

shall make him once relent
Will stop him from pursuing his goal only momentarily

his first avowed intent
The thing he is striving for, he will remain committed to

to be a pilgrim
Embarking on a spiritual journey

with dismal stories
People who tell depressing tales

do but themselves confound
Are only confusing themselves

his strength the more is
The more negative stories he hears, the stronger he becomes

No lion can him fright
He is not afraid of anything