about
Trad., arr. Kerry Andrew and Sam Hall
A man seduces a woman on a mountainside, only to turn out to be a fox. The European fox of English folklore comes in many guises, from the medieval French Reynard to Mr Fox. I’m fascinated by this character in all his folkloric forms, and the Fairport Convention version of this traditional song (Roud 397) was one of my first in-roads into folk music.
lyrics
One evening as I rambled
Among the springing thyme
I overheard a young woman
Converse with Reynardine
Her hair was black, her eyes were blue
Her cheeks as red as wine
And he smiled to gaze upon her
Did that sly old Reynardine
'Oh no, kind sir, be civil,
My company forsake,
For in my own opinion
I swear you are some rake.'
'Oh no,' he said, 'no rake am I
Brought up in Venus' train,
For I'm seeking concealment
From all the judges' men.'
'Your beauty so enticed me,
I could not pass it by,
So it’s with my gun I’ll guard you
All on the mountains high.'
'And if by chance you should look for me,
Perhaps you’ll not me find,
For I’ll be in my castle,
Enquire for Reynardine.'
Sun and dark she followed him,
His teeth did brightly shine,
And he led her over the mountain,
Did that sly, old Reynardine.
credits
from
Reynardine (single),
released August 9, 2023
Kerry Andrew: vocals, backing vocals, electronics
Sam Hall: 'cello
Produced by: Kerry Andrew & MaJiKer
Mixed by MaJiKer
Mastered by Ian Carter
license
all rights reserved