Name: Pretty Saro
Duration: P00H04M18S
Description: Pretty Saro is an old English folk song from the 1700's that virtually died out in England long ago but was preserved in the Appalachian mountain folk tradition. Like all good folk songs, this one has many variations but this is ours. Its a tale unrequited love, loss, hope and emigration.

Pretty Saro

by He Mistook Her For A Swan

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about

Pretty Saro is an old English folk song from the 1700's that virtually died out in England long ago but was preserved in the Appalachian mountain folk tradition. Like all good folk songs, this one has many variations but this is ours. Its a tale unrequited love, loss, hope and emigration.

lyrics

When I first came to this country
In Eighteen Forty Nine
I saw many fair lovers
but I did not see mine.
I viewed them all around me
saw that I was quite alone
and me a poor stranger
a long way from home

Well my true love she dont want me
and its this I understand
She wants a free holder
and I have no land
I cannot maintain her
on silver and gold
and all the other things
that my love's house could hold

I wish I were a little dove
had wings and could fly
I'd fly to my love's lodgings
and there I'd draw neigh
and in her lily white arms
all night I would lay
and think on pretty Saro
till the dawning of day

Down in some lone valley
in a sad lonesome place
where the wild birds do all
their voice to increase
farewell pretty Saro
I bid you adieu
but I think on my Saro
wherever I go

So its fare thee well old mother
fare thee well to father too
I'm going for to ramble
this whole wide world through
and when I get weary
I'll sit down and cry
and think on my Saro
Pretty Saro my bride

and I'll think on my Saro
with tears in my eyes

credits

released April 1, 2024
Vocals - Steve Koch & Colleen Hodgson
Guitar - Steve Koch
Harmonium - Colleen Hodgson
Irish Bouzouki - Steve Koch
Penny Whistle - Grier Coppins

Recording - Grier Coppins and Steve Koch
Mixed & Mastered - Steve Koch

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about

He Mistook Her For A Swan Toronto, Ontario

He Mistook Her For A Swan are the Canadian folk duo Colleen Hodgson and Steve Koch. Working from rustic studios in norther Ontario they perform sad and beautiful songs of love and loss. From the treasure chest of British and American traditional songs and select artists they pull the best and darkest songs out for your listening pleasure. ... more

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