Sovay from Desiderium by Joseph Carmichael

An English song, recorded most notably by Pentangle and Martin Carthy, that follows what is probably a very normal plot if you’re familiar with a lot of traditional folk songs.

A young woman disguises herself as a highwayman with the intention of testing her love’s devotion. After being robbed of his other possessions, he refuses to give up the diamond ring given to him as a token of her love, even under the threat of death.

When Sovay later confesses the next day, she tells him that had he indeed given her the ring, she would have shot him. So… perfectly normal for a folk song!

This particular version is a bit of an amalgamation of the varying melodies that I’ve heard, but harmonically, it is most closely related to Martin Carthy’s version with Brass Monkey, albeit significantly slower and more gentle to fit with the vibe of the album.

Guitarist and flute/whistle player from TX, living in eastern PA.

Former member of Flashpoint & The Here & Now

Facebook