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Lyrics

In the Sunny Long Ago

13.
Bonnie Bunch o Thyme


There are versions of this song all over the English-speaking world. When it comes to warning against anyone 'stealing your thyme' I am equally inclined to write 'time' these days. According to the modern day press TIME seems to be at a greater premium than THYME, the ancient symbol for virginity. Either way, the word of caution is no bad thing. I have to admit it's the chorus that makes me keep singing it for I love to hear folk join in.
 

Come all ye maidens young and fine,
All ye who are blooming in your prime
Always beware to keep your gardens fair
Let no one steal away your thyme,

For thyme it is a precious thing
Time brings all things to my mind
Time with all its labours along with all its joys
For time brings all things to and end.

Once I had bunch of thyme,
I thought it never would decay.
But there came along a sailor who chanced to pass my way
And he stole my bunch of thyme away.

The sailor gave to me a rose,
A rose that never would decay;
He gave it to me to keep me reminded
Of the night he stole my thyme away.

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