Music: Traditional Words:Austin John Marshall
In many places where ritual spring dances were done, women were a part of them, though when you think of the Morris you usually think of men dancing. I'm told there came a time when England's men were fighting on so many fronts around the world that women had to step in help remember and fill out the teams, to keep the tradition alive. (GB)
It's 50 long spingtimes since she was a bride
But still you may see her at each Whitsuntide
In a dress of white linen with ribbons of green
As green as her memories of loving
The feet that were nimble tread carefully now
As gentle a measure as age will allow
Through groves of white blossoms by fields of young corn
Where once she was pledged to her true love
The fields they stand empty, the hedges grow free
No young men to turn them or pastures go see
They are gone where the forests of oak trees before
Have gone to be wasted in battle
Down from the green farmlands and from their loved ones
Marched husbands and brothers and fathers and sons
There's a fine roll of honor where the maypole once stood
And the ladies go dancing at Whitsun
There's a straight row of houses in these latter days
All covering the downs where the sheep used to graze
There's a field of red poppies a wreath from the queen
But the ladies remember at Whitsun
And the ladies go dancing at Whitsun
Dancing at Whitsun is recorded on the albums Harbors of Home and Ways of Man