Sovay by Rebsie
Genre: A Cappella
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Keywords:
female highwayman (1), English (32), broadside ballad (2), the fine line between feisty and psychotic (1)
Description:
I meant to upload an English traddy song for St George's Day (April 23rd) but I forgot to record it in time. Oh well, being late and inefficient is an English trait anyway.
My confidence in my singing has hit an all-time low and I'm hoping this retreat into something simple and unembellished will help me straighten my head out.
This is one of the best-known and most widely-performed English songs about a strangely obsessed woman who goes to extreme measures to test her lover's fidelity. It probably originated as an 18th century broadside ballad designed to be sung unaccompanied, not least because it's The Song With No Time Signature ... try counting the beats and you'll see what I mean!
I assume there must be a lost additional verse at the end where Sovay's true love says "I ain't marrying you, you're a f***ing nutter, you are."
My confidence in my singing has hit an all-time low and I'm hoping this retreat into something simple and unembellished will help me straighten my head out.
This is one of the best-known and most widely-performed English songs about a strangely obsessed woman who goes to extreme measures to test her lover's fidelity. It probably originated as an 18th century broadside ballad designed to be sung unaccompanied, not least because it's The Song With No Time Signature ... try counting the beats and you'll see what I mean!
I assume there must be a lost additional verse at the end where Sovay's true love says "I ain't marrying you, you're a f***ing nutter, you are."
Lyrics:
Sovay, Sovay, all on a dayShe dressed herself in man's array
With a brace of pistols all at her side
To meet her true love
To meet her true love away she'd ride
As she was galloping over the land
She met her true love and bid him stand
"Stand and deliver, young man" she said
"And if you do not
If you do not I'll shoot you dead"
He delivered up his golden store
And still she craved for one thing more
"That diamond ring that I see you wear
Oh hand it over
Hand it over and your life I'll spare"
"That diamond ring I will not part
From, it's a token from my sweetheart
Shoot and be damned, you rogue" said he
"And you'll be hanged
And you'll be hanged for murdering me"
She being softhearted as a dove
She turned her horse round
Turned her horse and rode from her true love
Next morning in the garden green
Young Sovay and her true love were seen
He spied his watch hanging by her clothes
Which made him blush then
Made him blush like any rose
"Why do you blush at so silly a thing?
I thought you had your diamond ring.
'Twas I who robbed you all on the plain
So here's your gold, love,
Here's your gold and your watch and chain."
"I only did it for to know
Whether you be a man or no.
If you'd have give me that ring" she said
"I'd've pulled the trigger
Pulled the trigger and shot you dead."
Hardware:
Rode NT1-A mic, tonsilsSoftware:
GB3, the floppy bits behind yer tonsilsYou must be registered and logged-in to comment.
Peter Bauckham
A new post from you! Your singing is wonderful as always - you sing A Cappella superbly. Perhaps you could fill in for the 'missing' verse sometime!
Peter
Rebsie
Don't tempt me! I'd have to post it with an 'explicit' label.
MarkHolbrook
for a female voice... an oh man is yours gorgeous!
Being someone that despises my own singing voice I get so jealous when someone can sing A Cappella and sound so sweet and true...
I have to bury my voice in mash of instruments to make it tolerable to myself!
This is sweet, beautiful and lovely!
Rebsie
Thank you Mark, I appreciate your kind words. It's a funny thing but I always revert to a cappella when I want to crawl back into a comfort zone, even though, as you say, it's not exactly a comfortable option.
magnatone
Rebsie - your voice is so beautiful! I'm sorry you're having a crisis of confidence about your singing, because it is spectacular. Hopefully you can hear that for yourself as you listen to what you've done here. Thanks for posting this!
Rebsie
Thank you Karen, your support is much appreciated. I guess most creative people go through these phases, so you probably know what it's like when you listen to yourself and can only hear the faults, real or imagined. :)
guitapick
...were definitely up to the task on this one...
;)
I'm always blown away by anyone who can sing A Cappella...and you do it so, so well.
Wonderful posting. Great story, too...
Rebsie
My tonsils thank you for your kind comments, Bob. Much appreciated. :)
LunaTrick
And may I offer a tonic for your confidence? You are one of my very favourite singers.... and your voice is a siren for some luna trickery!
Rebsie
*blush* Thanks Daniel, it's nice to have your approval. And I hope you had fun reworking this.
caroline
oh rebsie - you are one of the most talented ppl i know and i am proud to count you among my friends. you have a voice like an angel and i hope the love, respect and admiration that this community has for you will perk you up dear thing. next life i wanna sing like you - big loves oh skillful one xoxoxoxox ps i wouldn't mind being able to garden, play instruments, paint, write and research like you either but ho-hum - mwah!
Rebsie
Yes indeed Caroline, I'm very touched and humbled by the love and respect that's being expressed here. It's a timely reminder that this place is so much more than a site for hosting mp3s ... it's a true community of wonderful, caring people. Thank you for your share of that, along with the 16 years of friendship in the 'real' world.
DWL
Beautifully done, so no surprises there then.
Put those confidence sapping demons behind you and don't listen to the nay-sayers in your head.
Cheers
Dick
Rebsie
Thanks Dick, you're very supportive of your neurotic collaboratrix. Your understanding and encouragement have got me through many a confidence crisis and I appreciate everything you do.
I'll happily do the punk version but you'll have to play the guitars for me.
Mystified
Beautiful singing!! :)
it's great to hear an a-cappella from you, too.
Thank you, Rebsie!
Rebsie
Thanks Cat ... I do find a cappella very therapeutic sometimes ... or is it just me?
Mystified
(Hehee...I think it's an INFP thing ;) )
Feter
ehhh ...had bad time with you confidant in your voice?
Gosh Rebsie ...all I can say you proved that you are
one of the best ever female vocalist around MJ .this
acappela just charmin the story is weird lol but
just a real gem thnx or sharin such !!!!!
Rebsie
A weird story indeed, but English folk songs often do have weird stories. We're currently working on one about a girl who doesn't recognise her own sweetheart when he comes home from the wars. Thanks for your constant support Feter.
Moviz
hears themselves as others hear them, so your confidence should be raised by knowing (from the response of others) that your voice sounds really fine and your ability to carry a song like this is wonderful. I love the lyrics and the timing you gave them was/is superb, regards M
Rebsie
Thanks Maurice, I appreciate that. Singing a song with no fixed time signature or bpm is very liberating ... the song is like a big lump of elastic which you can stretch out in different ways as you go along.
jiguma
I love hearing you do this style - one of the joys of MJ in my book. The ups and downs of confidence effect us all at various stages I think Rebsie, but if you can still do something like this, your doubts seem a little unwarranted.
Caro got it right - "you have a voice like an angel".
Hang in there - things will get better.
Cheers from Oz,
Neil
Rebsie
Thanks Neil, and thanks for giving me a plug on the forum too. To be honest self-doubt is the biggest obstacle I have to deal with (Dick will tell you how often he has to scrape me up off the carpet) but I guess most of us have the same problem to a greater or lesser extent. And of course it does get better after a while ...
Thanks again. :)
saymme
You are truely amazing...!! Singing so wonderfully its incredible really . . What a gift You have Rebsie & this just sounds S O G R E A T ! Tens aross the bord in my book 8 ) i don't vote because of the horrible1-2-3s, I think it's so wonderful as You sound so close which I think gives a deeper feeling/PRESENCE -than when all techniqthings sometimes make music sound too perfect if You know what I mean.. This is an awesome recording LOVE IT & the story..many of Your songs are so interesting because of the history . I like the ending hehehe "I assume there must be a lost additional verse at the end where Sovay's true love says "I ain't marrying you, you're a f***ing nutter, you are."
TX & tx again for dl You're a ten in my book
Rebsie
Thank you Lena, I do understand what you mean about the vocal on its own making it all sound more up-close and real. I'm glad you enjoy the history too, that's one of the things that makes these old songs appeal to me. Your enthusiasm is always appreciated. :)
The Orbiting
Okay, Rebs, I understand those moments of lost confidence, but I'm going to have to ask you to put down the crack pipe you've so obviously been holding and back away slowly, because I don't know if I've ever heard such a beautiful vocal from you and if it were mine, I'd have it stuck on the front of my t-shirt.
You truly sound beautiful here. The tone of your voice is pure and rich and your breath control and pitch is gorgeous. I'm proud of you!
Rebsie
I think it's ingrained in my personality (not the crack habit, the insecurity). I have my ups and downs with it, but I never reach a point where I truly believe in myself. That's why I'm so appreciative of kind and reassuring comments like this. Thank you! I'm off to look for a shop which can print T-shirts in AIFF format.
bobnisbet
Your singing at an all time low is better than most of us at our all time high. Thanks for the song.
Rebsie
Thank you Bob. It's nice to see you here.
kassia
Just gorgeous. A Cappella can be so difficult - but you sing it with such ease. Exactly how this song was meant to be sung. You are a very talented lady - don't doubt it! Thank you for this lovely tune.
Rebsie
I always feel that singing a cappella is a bit like parading yourself down the street with no clothes on. Not that I've ever done that, but still ... there's something quite empowering about making yourself so vulnerable. Thank you kassia for a lovely comment.
slumbering
This is a great choice of song and a song i have never heard, and would not have heard if i hadn't already been enchanted by and drawn to your singing and songs.
I'm sorry about the insecurities you have been feeling about your singing and i'm not sure how to respond, except that i know the feeling too well. It's very painful. I am almost never happy when i hear my voice after i've recorded, yet people will say the kindest things and it just confuses me.
What i cling to is my love for the *feeling* of singing. It feels good when i sing. There's a fulfillment, singing seems to connect me to nature and life, in some way.
Maybe i sound kookoo.
Anyway, if i ever heard an angel sing, i am certain that she would sound like you. That is how beautiful i find your voice.
Rebsie
You don't sound kookoo at all, you've actually expressed it perfectly.
I know you understand all too well what the confidence problem is like, and it's no use me telling you I genuinely love your voice because you still won't hear it the way others do. Same with me, I know there must be something special about my voice because so many people love it, but I just don't hear it myself.
A short while ago I reached a point where my lack of confidence became physical. I stood in front of the microphone and tried to sing and it came out as a repressed croak. My voice was so physically tense I couldn't even get the sounds out. It only lasted a couple of days but frankly it scared the shite out of me.
But you're so right, it's the feeling of singing that makes it work. I'm an untrained singer and my emotional connection with the song is the only tool I have to work with. Folk songs are especially good because they make me feel connected to something deep and ancestral, like I'm channelling the voices of those who came before me.
I really appreciate your comment, slumby.
Don't know what your taliking about Rebsie you have a brilliant voice
And I know for a Fact I have left great comments on your fantastic Voice in the past. This is just as good. Go Girl! I love your style.
Peace Dee x
Rebsie
Thanks Dee, I appreciate your comment and I'm glad you like what I do.
MissChaos
the lack of confidence thing. But hundreds of us musicians here think you're brilliant. I think I've figured out your draw... I mean, it's more than just you having an angelic voice and the ability to draw us in with story. It's that you have authenticity and a complete uniqueness to your craft. You don't try to replicate. You sing and we know we're hearing the Soul of Rebsie. That, my dear, is so very inspiring. I hope you've got your verve back. :-)
Rebsie
Awww, you've got me welling up now. Thank you MissC, thank you.
damiengh
Your liquid voice, warming us over, like the beams of summer sun on a chocolate bar.
Musicians often tend to be their own worst critics, but you my friend, really have a distorted picture going on in your head, which should have been straightened out by the first syllable uttered in this beautiful song.
To this day, I feel honored that you lent your voice to one of my tunes, and look forward to more in the future.
As others have said or implied here, you are truly, a MacJams Favorite.
I know you are one of mine.
Rebsie
Mmmm ... chocolate ...
Thanks Damien, that's a really nice thing to say!
Epileptic Gibbon
You stupid cow
If you'd shot me I would have gone "ow!"
Your paranoia and criminal tendencies are making me itch
And now that I know your true colours
I ain't marrying ya, you crazy witch!
You know what I think of your vocals. Never doubt that.
Rebsie
Excellent! I'll use those when I do the punk remix.
Vic Holman
that takes real guts to just lay the vocals out there naked. bravo!
I especially liked the floppy bits behind yer tonsils.
Rebsie
Glad you like the floppy bits, I had them flapped out specially.
get30inc
Wow what a great voice! Sounds like what I would imagine an angel would.
Rebsie
Thank you, I really appreciate you giving it a listen.
Muse Ritual
Rebsie Rebsie Rebsie.... Rebsie.
Rebsie.
Rebsie.
Rebsie.
Its like what Miss C and Caroline and Dick and everyone else has said. Your brilliant just as a matter of course, what you do with your brilliance shines a light for those who listen and for some even illuminates a lost in the dark piece of inspiration.
I believe its time for a meeting.
Speaking to ya soon!
Rebsie
Jason Jason Jason ... well you know what I'm like, you've had to deal with my musical neurosis enough times.
Yes it is time we had a meeting, I was just thinking it's been a while. I'll try to catch you on iChat sooooon.
Thanks for your nice words.
Warren Smith
You continue to tap into a musical tradition and present material that is distinctly different from much of what gets posted here at MacJams, which makes hearing it doubly-wonderful for me: It slacks my thirst for the unusual and it expands my musicology - because these are songs I've never heard before (even though they apparently are common in England).
The story is simple enough, yet the lover's twist at the end is curious - was she testing him for his fidelity or his manhood? Either way, I wouldn't be too hard on her: maybe she had good reason to question - and prove - his constancy : >
I love the dramatic pauses between the verses. It keeps one's listening ears on edge.
Rebsie
Thanks Warren. This song is very well known in English folk clubs, though anyone who doesn't go to folk clubs probably wouldn't know it! It's good to keep these old songs alive by reworking them ... everyone who performs them adds something new and unique.
jgurner
...about female highwaymen that gives me a very special feeling. Maybe it's too many Adam and the Ants videos from the 80s.....
Anyway, this is wonderful. I love it when you trot out these lovely traditional tunes. You always manage to do them beautifully.
And I gave up trying to count along very early in my first listen. :)
Rebsie
It may be some comfort to you to know that I had a white stripe painted across my nose when I sang this.
Thanks Joe, I really appreciate your support.
Elevator_Funk
is very cool.
Rebsie
Glad you think so.
bud
there's something so special about this kind of free verse balladry - and you really do it justice. No mean feat my dear - this is quite an accomplishment and a fine tune to boot. My Grandfather used to quote Bobby Burns and break into song like this. I wish he had lived longer for me to know him better - this brings him back a bit though. Thanks.
Rebsie
Thank you Bud, I'm glad it has a personal resonance for you ... I can't ask for more than that.
HenriROGERsoloandbands
It's wonderfull , very natural , no effort . Bravo Rebsie .
Rebsie
Thank you Henri. The song finds its own natural rhythm and flow, despite not following the rules of music. Glad you like it.
dajama
Your voice sounds beautiful here. I can't imagine why you would lose confidence in your singing! You have an outstanding voice, great phrasing, and real expressiveness. As for Sovay - if I were the "true love" you wouldn't see me for dust! Nicely done. Peace.
Rebsie
Thanks dajama. I guess it comes down to the fact that we can never hear ourselves as others hear us, and that's how the doubts creep in. And yes, Sovay's behaviour would be enough to turn anyone off I should think.
Rebsie, your vocal has a such haunting and warm quality to it... Your voice easily stands alone... lovely, just a lovely performance.
Jack
Rebsie
Thanks Jack, I really appreciate that.
VicDiesel
I'm curious what your doubts are regarding your singing. Your voice is still pretty as ever, and you sing in tune and with great expression.
Interesting song. Yes, it's missing a "the deceiver deceived" verse, or something like that.
Rebsie
I guess my problem is that every time I do a song which sounds good and people like it, I then worry about whether I can do the same again. So each time I stand at the mic to start a new song those doubts come bubbling up.
I really appreciate your kind words of encouragement.
richardhowardjones
This is why I've given up on masked balls. Just let 'em hang out, I say. Speaking of which it took some to do this all on your lonesome. What a great job you did! This goes into my book of treasures. All the best,
Rich
Rebsie
Welcome Rich, and I'm very pleased to have your approval. Thanks!
Sorry it took so long to comment Reb. This is an old fave of mine. I have the Pentangle's version.
This is excellent. I humbly bow before your formidable tonsils!
Be well friend!
Rebsie
Thanks Micheal. I had no idea Pentangle had recorded this. It's probably just as well I haven't heard it, my confidence always shrivels in the presence of Jacqui McShee, a truly great singer who I couldn't possibly match up to!
Dj French Toast
Rebs floppy bits and all : ) Lovely voice you have there you should flex it more : )
SJB
Hi Rebsie, this has always been a favourite English folk song of mine. I've listened to Bert Jansch's version 100s of times because it's such a good story (though she's a touch feisty). I have to say your vocal performance as the edge over Bert's and this works really well unaccompanied. Great post!
All the best
Steve
chinaman2
bravo ms rebsie. all time low? too harsh on yourself. this is brilliant. I'm keeping a copy if you dont mind :)