the sally gardens lyrics benjamin britten

Unraveling the Mystery Behind 'The Sally Gardens' Lyrics by Benjamin Britten

Benjamin Britten's musical setting of William Butler Yeats' poem 'Down by the Salley Gardens' is a masterpiece that has captivated listeners for generations. The song's origins are steeped in mystery, with Yeats himself noting that it was an attempt to reconstruct an old song from imperfectly remembered lines sung by an old peasant woman in County Sligo. This article will delve into the history and meaning behind the lyrics, exploring their connection to traditional Irish ballads and the cultural context of the time.

The poem's opening verse, 'I took her in my arms and to her I gave kisses sweet / She bade me take life easy just as the leaves fall from the tree,' is a poignant expression of love and longing. The similarity between this verse and the first verse of Yeats' own version of the song, which begins with 'The similarity to the first verse of the Yeats version is unmistakable and would suggest that this was indeed the song Yeats remembered the old woman singing,' is striking. This suggests that Yeats may have drawn inspiration from his own memory of the old woman's singing when crafting the poem.

One theory is that the 'old song' referred to in the note is actually a traditional Irish ballad, specifically 'The Rambling Boys of Pleasure.' This ballad contains a verse with the line 'Down by the Salley Gardens,' which may have been the source material for Yeats' poem. The use of this melody and lyrics would have given the poem a sense of authenticity and connection to Ireland's rich cultural heritage.

Britten's setting of the poem, published in 1926, brings new life to Yeats' words. His use of soaring melodies and intricate harmonies creates a sense of longing and nostalgia that perfectly captures the mood of the poem. The song has since become one of Britten's most beloved works, with its haunting beauty and emotional depth continuing to captivate audiences today.

In conclusion, 'The Sally Gardens' lyrics by Benjamin Britten are a testament to the power of poetry and music to transcend time and culture. Through his setting of Yeats' poem, Britten has given us a glimpse into the past, allowing us to experience the beauty and emotion of Ireland's traditional ballads. Whether you're familiar with Irish folklore or simply appreciate beautiful music, 'The Sally Gardens' is a song that will leave you enchanted and inspired.

The sally gardens lyrics benjamin britten