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‘The Fowler’ is a differently titled version of ‘Polly Vaughan’, which I learned from a recording of the source singer, Harry Cox, singing it at the Windmill pub in Norfolk during the 1940s. The lyrics are about as odd as you might expect of a song about a man mistaking his beloved for a swan, but that melody…my word. What a treat that is to sing.

lyrics

Well, come all you bold fellows who handle a gun
I would have you come home by the light of the sun
For young Jimmer was a-fowling, and a fowling alone
And he shot his own true love by the light of the sun

When Polly was walking in a shower of rain
Well, she stopped by a green bush, her beauty to save
With her apron wrapped ‘round her, well he’s took her for a swan
And he shot his own true love by the light of the sun

When first he’s come to her and he found it was she
He was shaking and trembling, his eyes couldn’t see
For now you are dead love, and your sorrows are o’er
Fair thee well my dear Polly, I’ll see you no more

Well, home ran young Jimmer with his dog and his gun
Crying uncle, dear uncle, d’you see what I’ve done?
Cursed be the old blacksmith who made me this gun
‘Cause I’ve shot my own true love by the light of the sun

Well, up spoke his uncle, his locks hanging grey
Saying, Jimmer, oh Jimmer, don’t you run away
Don’t you leave this old country ‘til your trial it comes on
For you never will hang for the death of a swan

When his trial it’s come on Polly’s ghost did appear
Crying honor, your honor, let Jimmer go clear
With my apron wrappen ‘round me, well he’s took me for a swan
Now his poor heart lies bleeding for Polly his own

credits

from Before I Knew What Had Begun I Had Already Lost, released May 5, 2023
Trad, arr Oates/ Wilks. Roud 166
Produced by Jon Wilks
Mastered by Nick Cooke

Jon Wilks - acoustic guitar, shruti vocals
Jackie Oates - viola, backing vocals
Lukas Drinkwater - double bass

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Jon Wilks Whitchurch, UK

'The sort of performer folk circles mean when they talk of the living tradition' - Mike Davies, Folking.com

“One of the best of the New Wave of Folk Blokes. As a guitar player and arranger of traditional songs, Jon Wilks already deserves speaking of in the same breath as your Simpsons and your Morays.” – Ian A. Anderson, fRoots Mag ... more

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