The band consisted of two of the superstars of British folk guitar, Bert Jansch (3rd November 1943 - 5th October 2011) and John Renbourn (8 August 1944 - 26 March 2015) both of whom also sang, singer Jacqui McShee, bassist Danny Thompson and drummer Terry Cox. The original line-up lasted until the early 70s. They then split acrimoniously, but reformed by mutual consent around 15 years later. The original lineup worked together briefly but Renbourn left to pursue studies and other projects, leading to a succession of lineup changes and erratic output, which continued through the 80s and 90s with Jansch and McShee the only constant members. When Jansch eventually left, McShee continued to lead a distantly-related group under the name Jacqui McShee's Pentangle.
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.
The Cuckoo
The 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 a traditional British folk song with a haunting melody and beautifully crafted lyrics. The first verse describes the bird as she flies, singing sweetly and bringing good news. It then goes on to say that the cuckoo eats white flowers to keep her voice clear and that she only sings her characteristic "cuckoo" call in the summertime. This sets up a contrast between the beauty of nature and the cruelty of human relationships, which is explored in the subsequent verses.
The second verse speaks of the singer's own encounter with a lover who proved unfaithful. Though meeting him was a pleasure, the courting was filled with woe as she discovered his false heart. The singer has no recourse but to wish she were a scholar and could write letters to warn other women of the dangers of such men. She imagines herself telling of the grief and woe that attend their lies, and wishing them to have pity on the flower when it dies. In this way, the song explores the tension between the beauty of love and the pain it can cause, drawing on natural imagery to convey its message.
Line by Line Meaning
The Cuckoo is a pretty bird, she sings as she flies.
The Cuckoo bird is a beautiful creature and sings while it flies.
She bringeth good tidings, she telleth no lies
The Cuckoo bird brings and announces positive news, always telling the truth.
She sucketh white flowers for to keep her voice clear
The Cuckoo bird keeps her voice clear by sucking on white flowers.
And she never sings "cuckoo" till summer draweth near
The Cuckoo bird only sings its iconic sound during the approach of summer.
As I once was a-walking and talking one day
While out and about, engaging in conversation, one day...
I met my own true love as he came that way
I encountered the person I believed to be my true love.
Though the meeting him was pleasure, though the courting was woe
While initially it was enjoyable meeting and courting this person, it soon became painful.
For I've found him false hearted, he'd kiss me, and then he'd go.
I discovered that he was insincere, only showing affection temporarily before leaving.
I wish I was a scholar and could handle the pen.
I desire the ability to write well and have knowledge as a scholar.
I'd write to my lover and to all roving men
If I had the skill, I would write to my lover and any other unfaithful men.
I would tell them of the grief and woe that attend on their lies
I would warn them of the sadness and sorrow that their deceit causes.
I would wish them have pity on the flower, when it dies
I would ask them to have compassion for the flowers that they destroy with their lies.
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