Composer

:

English Traditional

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

2:32

"Bushes and Briars" is a traditional English folk song that has been passed down through generations. The exact date of its composition is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in the 18th century. The song has been performed by various artists over the years, including Shirley Collins, Martin Carthy, and Kate Rusby. The song is typically performed in a slow, mournful style, with a simple melody and sparse accompaniment. It tells the story of a young man who falls in love with a woman who lives in the woods. He promises to build her a house and make her his wife, but she warns him that the bushes and briars will grow around their home and keep them apart. Despite her warning, the young man persists in his pursuit of her, only to be thwarted by the overgrown vegetation. The song is divided into several verses, each of which describes a different aspect of the young man's love for the woman in the woods. The first verse sets the scene, describing the beauty of the forest and the woman who lives there. The second verse introduces the young man and his desire to make the woman his own. The third verse describes the woman's warning about the bushes and briars, and the fourth verse depicts the young man's attempts to clear the land and build a home for them. Despite its simple melody and sparse accompaniment, "Bushes and Briars" is a haunting and evocative song that captures the beauty and mystery of the English countryside. Its themes of love, loss, and the power of nature have resonated with audiences for centuries, making it a beloved part of the English folk tradition.

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