As this is the one song I always get asked to sing at concerts and clubs, we felt it was about time we re-recorded it. The first recording on our album Sharp Practice which we did with Wild-Goose is now sold out.
The tune was collected from Mrs Lucy White at Hambridge, Somerset 13th April 1904 by Cecil Sharp. The text has been compiled from various sources including Lucy White, Emma Overd, Langport, Somerset - both informants of Cecil Sharp - and Everett Bennett, St Paul’s Newfoundland, collected by Kenneth Peacock in 1958. It has been expanded by Mary to make a coherent story. This song gives a very unsentimental account of the harsh fate that awaited any young woman who stepped outside the socially accepted moral code of the day. The chorus is significant in the light of the subject of the song. Although primarily regarded as a symbol of regret, rue is also recognised as an abortifacient and was probably well-known as such by women of Lucy White’s generation.
~ Mary Humphreys
credits
from A Baker's Dozen,
released June 6, 2012
Mary Humphreys: vocals, Banjo, English Concertina
Anahata: cello
supported by 4 fans who also own “No, My Love, Not I”
Because I couldn't decide what my favourite track was. It's a beautiful album and every track could be my favourite. However, I am a soppy git so I chose stowaway. Thank you Jon and keep up the good work. amediamonkey