Composer

:

English Traditional

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

2:50

"The Farmer's Curst Wife" is a traditional English folk song that dates back to the 17th century. It tells the story of a farmer who is unhappy with his wife and wishes to trade her for a better one. He meets a devil who offers to help him, and the farmer agrees to the devil's terms. However, the devil tricks the farmer and he ends up with an even worse wife. The song has been performed and recorded by many artists over the years, including Steeleye Span, Martin Carthy, and Shirley Collins. It is often performed as a ballad, with a slow and mournful melody that reflects the farmer's unhappy situation. The song is typically divided into several movements, each of which tells a different part of the story. The first movement introduces the farmer and his wife, and establishes the farmer's dissatisfaction with her. The second movement sees the farmer meet the devil, who offers to help him find a new wife. The third movement sees the farmer return home with his new wife, only to find that she is even worse than his old one. The final movement sees the farmer regret his decision and lament his fate. One of the key characteristics of "The Farmer's Curst Wife" is its use of repetition. The song repeats certain phrases and lines throughout, such as the farmer's complaints about his wife and the devil's promises of a better one. This repetition helps to reinforce the song's themes and create a sense of inevitability about the farmer's fate. Another characteristic of the song is its use of supernatural elements. The devil is a key figure in the story, and his presence adds a sense of danger and foreboding to the narrative. The song also features references to magic and spells, which further emphasize its otherworldly nature. Overall, "The Farmer's Curst Wife" is a haunting and powerful folk song that has endured for centuries. Its themes of dissatisfaction, regret, and the dangers of making deals with the devil continue to resonate with audiences today.

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