In 1966 the pair teamed up and began a significant influence on the folk music scene of the time. For contractual reasons, Swarbrick was given second billing on Carthy’s first three albums, but they shared the credits on the next album, But Two Came By (1968).
For many critics, Prince Heathen from 1969 was their finest recording together.
In 2006, the duo released "Straws in the Wind". In 2007, they won the 'Best Duo' Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.
Brigg Fair
Martin Carthy & Dave Swarbrick Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When to Brigg Fair I did repair, for love I was inclined
I rose up with the lark in the morning, my heart was full of glee
Expecting there to see my love, long time I'd wished to see
I looked over my left shoulder to see what I might see
And there I spied my own true love come a-tripping down to me
I took hold of her lily-white hand and merrily sang my heart
For now we are together we never more shall part
For the green leaves they will wither, the roots they'll all decay
Before that I prove false to her, the lass that loves me well
The lyrics of Martin Carthy & Dave Swarbrick's song Brigg Fair describe the tale of a man who goes to Brigg Fair on the fifth of August, hoping to find his long-lost love. He wakes up early in the morning, full of excitement to see his love who he has been missing for a long time. As he looks over his left shoulder, he sees his lover coming towards him, and he takes hold of her hand and sings merrily. They pledge their love to each other, and the man declares that he will never be false to the woman who loves him well.
The song is based on an old English folk song that tells a similar story. The song has become popular due to the arrangement by Carthy & Swarbrick, which has been covered by various artists. The song has a melancholic and longing tone, and the lyrics are full of romanticism and devotion. The song has been interpreted in various ways, with some suggesting that it is a commentary on the fleeting nature of love and the inevitability of death.
Line by Line Meaning
It was on the fifth of August, the weather fair and mild
It was August 5th with good weather
When to Brigg Fair I did repair, for love I was inclined
I went to Brigg Fair because I was in love
I rose up with the lark in the morning, my heart was full of glee
I woke up early with a happy heart
Expecting there to see my love, long time I'd wished to see
I was looking forward to seeing my love after a long time
I looked over my left shoulder to see what I might see
I looked over my left shoulder to see if anyone was coming
And there I spied my own true love come a-tripping down to me
I saw my true love walking towards me
I took hold of her lily-white hand and merrily sang my heart
I held her hand and sang happily
For now we are together we never more shall part
We will never separate now that we are together
For the green leaves they will wither, the roots they'll all decay
The leaves will die and the roots will rot
Before that I prove false to her, the lass that loves me well
I will never be unfaithful to the girl who loves me
Contributed by Vivian N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.