The band consisted of two of the superstars of British folk guitar, Bert Jansch (3rd November 1943 - 5th October 2011) and John Renbourn (both of whom also sang,) singer Jacqui McShee, bassist Danny Thompson and drummer Terry Cox. The original line-up lasted until the early 70s, when a series of ins and outs resulted in erratic output, which continued through the 80s and 90s.
The core of the band's identity was the eclectic virtuosity of Jansch and Renbourn, who added elements of Middle Eastern music, blues, jazz and Classical to their style. At various times, they also experimented with electric guitar and sitar.
In the UK, probably best known for providing 'Light Flight' as the theme to the BBC drama series 'Take Three Girls'.
The Cuckoo
Pentangle Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She bringeth good tidings, she telleth no lies
She sucketh white flowers for to keep her voice clear
And she never sings "cuckoo" till summer draweth near
As I once was a-walking and talking one day
I met my own true love as he came that way
Though the meeting him was pleasure, though the courting was woe
I wish I was a scholar and could handle the pen.
I'd write to my lover and to all roving men
I would tell them of the grief and woe that attend on their lies
I would wish them have pity on the flower, when it dies
The Pentangle's song The Cuckoo is an ode to the titular bird, whose melodious voice is said to herald the arrival of summer. The opening lines evoke the image of the bird in flight, singing sweetly and bringing good tidings. This innocence and purity is further emphasized when it is revealed that the bird sucketh white flowers to keep her voice clear. The imagery of the cuckoo is used as a metaphor for a lover who is loyal and true, much like the bird who sings only when it is time for summer.
The second verse introduces a personal story of love and heartbreak. The singer meets her own true love, but their courtship is not without trouble. The lover is revealed to be false-hearted, kissing and leaving without any intention of loyalty. The third verse suggests that the singer wishes to be a scholar, able to express her pain in words. She desires to write about the woe and grief that comes with dishonesty, hoping that those who rove will take pity on the flower when it dies.
Overall, The Cuckoo is a song that celebrates innocence and purity, while also acknowledging the frustration and pain that comes with dishonesty in romantic relationships. The metaphor of the cuckoo bird is used to both celebrate summer and introduce a darker element to the song.
Line by Line Meaning
The Cuckoo is a pretty bird, she sings as she flies.
The Cuckoo bird is a pretty bird that sings while flying.
She bringeth good tidings, she telleth no lies
The Cuckoo bird brings good news and never tells a lie.
She sucketh white flowers for to keep her voice clear
The Cuckoo bird sucks white flowers in order to keep her voice clear.
And she never sings "cuckoo" till summer draweth near
The Cuckoo bird only sings 'cuckoo' when summer is near.
As I once was a-walking and talking one day
One day while walking and talking, I encountered a person.
I met my own true love as he came that way
The person I met was my true love.
Though the meeting him was pleasure, though the courting was woe
Meeting and courting my true love brought both pleasure and sadness.
For I've found him false hearted, he'd kiss me, and then he'd go.
Sadly, I discovered that my true love was disloyal -- kissing, but then leaving.
I wish I was a scholar and could handle the pen.
I wish I could read and write proficiently.
I'd write to my lover and to all roving men
If I could, I would write to my unfaithful lover and all men who go from place to place.
I would tell them of the grief and woe that attend on their lies
I would explain the heartache and sorrow that accompanies their dishonesty.
I would wish them have pity on the flower, when it dies
I would ask them to be compassionate towards the flower, which dies due to their actions.
Contributed by Eli L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Saoirse Rosenstock
Oh the cuckoo she is a pretty bird
she sings as she flies
she bringeth good tydings she telleth no lies
she sucketh wild flowers for to keep her voice clear and the marshes hear a cuckoo the summer draweth near
as I was a walking and talking one day
I met my own true love as he came that way
for the meeting was a pleasure
though the partting was a woe for I found him false hearted he'd kiss me then he'd go
I wish I was a scholar and could handle the pen
I would write to my lover and to all roaving men
I would tell them of the grief and woe
and tell them of the lies
I would wish them have pity on the flower when it dies
Robert Cope
The most stunningly innovative folk group ever created. They along with Fairport Convention and Steeleye Span were fronted by truly wonderful girl leads. All made HUGE contributions to the amazing music produced in the late 60s and throughout the 70s. Where is such giant talent today in 2021? This track is just sublime.
soundbodycenter
Three of my all-time favorite bands. I saw Steel Eye Span when they opened up for Procol Harum in 1972. Unforgettable. I was totally hooked.
Peter Duggan
I will never forget the first time l saw them live, December 1969. The enchantment remains. I saw Jacqui solo in 2004, still in glorious voice.
Donn La Rossa
WONDERFUL COLORFUL EXCELLENT LOVELY MUSIC ..Played by amazing musicians. So sad we lost Bert and John they along with the Jacqui, Terry and Danny MADE MAGIC.
Guardian898
I love this song it was played at my dads funeral! I love it but everytime i listen to it i cry. x
Alf Gilzean
This is a stunning version of a beautiful song. Thank you. Alf Gilzean
Clive Clerkenville
Pure. Love it much since 67 and it beats the hell out of the crap they push these days.
Gary Morris
Stunningly beautiful. Jacqui was never better. Lovely. Thank you.
Saoirse Rosenstock
Oh the cuckoo she is a pretty bird
she sings as she flies
she bringeth good tydings she telleth no lies
she sucketh wild flowers for to keep her voice clear and the marshes hear a cuckoo the summer draweth near
as I was a walking and talking one day
I met my own true love as he came that way
for the meeting was a pleasure
though the partting was a woe for I found him false hearted he'd kiss me then he'd go
I wish I was a scholar and could handle the pen
I would write to my lover and to all roaving men
I would tell them of the grief and woe
and tell them of the lies
I would wish them have pity on the flower when it dies
TUNESMITH da INFINITY Tunegate
Saoirse Rosenstock 18