Searching For Lambs - Steuart Wilson

"Searching For Lambs" has been called a perfect folk song.

It is a well-known rustic idyll from the collection of Cecil Sharp. Cecil Sharp was in Somerset when he collected five versions between 1904 and 1909. The song is about honest love amidst uncomplicated endeavours within a rural setting.

As I went out one May morning,
One May morning betime,
I saw a maid, from home had strayed
Just as the sun did shine.

“What makes you rise so soon, my dear,
Your journey to pursue?
Your pretty little feet they tread so sweet,
Strike off the morning dew.”

“I’m going off to feed my father’s flock,
His young and tender lambs,
That over hills and over dales
Lie waiting for their dams.”

“O stay, o stay, you handsome maid,
And rest you here a while.
For there is none save you alone
That I do love so dear.”

“And how gloriously the sun do shine,
How pleasant is the air.
I’d rather rest on a true love’s breast
Than any other where.”

“For I am thine and thou art mine,
No man shall uncomfort thee.
We’ll join our hands in wedded bands
And married we will be.”