Como was also very popular in the UK. His chart successes ranged from 1953 to 1974 and included two number one's, his first hit 'Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes' in 1953 and 'Magic Moments' which stayed at the top for 8 weeks in 1958. His other big UK hits were 'Delaware' ( No 3 in 1960), ' It's Impossible' (No 4 in 1971) , 'And I Love You So' (No 3 in 1973), and 'For The Good Times' (No 7 in 1973).
As well as TV and recording success, Perry Como also made a number of films, including ' Something For The Boys' and 'Doll Face' which were released during WW2.
He died in his sleep on 12 May 2001.
Greensleeves
Perry Como Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To cast me off discourteously
When I have loved you so long
Delighting in your company!
Greensleeves is my delight
Greensleeves is all my joy
Greensleeves, my heart of gold
I have been ready at your hand
To grant whatever you would crave!
I have both wagered life and land
Your love and good will for to have!
Greensleeves is my delight
Greensleeves is all my joy
Greensleeves, my heart of gold
Who but my lady greensleeves?
Well, I will pray to God on high
That thou my constant sea may see
And that yet once before I die
Thou will doth say to love me!
Greensleeves is my delight,
Greensleeves is all my joy
Greensleeves, my heart of gold
And who but my lady greensleeves?
Who but my lady greensleeves?
The lyrics of Perry Como's Greensleeves are filled with longing and heartbreak. The song tells the story of a man who has loved a woman for a long time but she has suddenly cast him off without any explanation or courtesy. The chorus, Greensleeves is my delight, Greensleeves is all my joy, Greensleeves, my heart of gold, and who but my lady greensleeves?, is a clear indication of the man's enduring love for this woman named Greensleeves.
The man, portrayed in the first stanza, explains how he has loved Greensleeves for so long and finds joy in being around her. He professes to have been willing to do anything for her, including wagering his life and land, just to have her love and good will.
In the final stanza, the man prays that Greensleeves will see the error of her ways, and love him again before he dies. He still holds hope for their relationship to rekindle, despite her discourtesy towards him.
Overall, the lyrics of Greensleeves portray a feeling of unrequited love, heartbreak, and longing for what could have been. It tells a sad tale of a man holding on to hope even though he has been cast aside.
Line by Line Meaning
Alas! my love you do me wrong
Unfortunately, my beloved, you have mistreated me by rejecting me unkindly
To cast me off discourteously
You treated me rudely when you dismissed me without proper respect or politeness
When I have loved you so long
Despite your mistreatment, I have loved you for a significant amount of time
Delighting in your company!
I've enjoyed spending time with you and cherishing your presence
Greensleeves is my delight
The song Greensleeves brings me great joy and happiness
Greensleeves is all my joy
My ultimate source of happiness is the song Greensleeves
Greensleeves, my heart of gold
The song Greensleeves is very precious to me and holds great sentimental value
And who but my lady greensleeves?
Who else but you, my beloved, could be the inspiration behind such a wonderful song like Greensleeves?
I have been ready at your hand
I have always been willing to help you in any way possible
To grant whatever you would crave!
I would be happy to fulfill any desires or wishes you may have had
I have both wagered life and land
I have risked everything, such as my property and my own life, for the chance to win your love and approval
Your love and good will for to have!
All I wanted was your affection and kindness in return
Well, I will pray to God on high
With great sincerity, I am going to appeal to the heavens above
That thou my constant sea may see
I hope you can observe my unwavering love and devotion
And that yet once before I die
Before my life comes to an end, I wish to experience
Thou will doth say to love me!
Hearing you confess your love for me would be the most satisfying thing of all
Who but my lady greensleeves?
Once more, who else apart from you, my beloved, could be the one to make this happen?
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: TERRY RENDALL, TRADITIONAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind