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'Do As You Will' recreates a theme found in several UK folk songs: a no-nonsene woman who shows partners the door!  My new tune is arranged for 3 part female voices (SSA) and is a cappella throughout.  The last verse is a direct quote from a folk song called 'Our Captain Calls'. Here are my lyrics;

Verse
Once I had a soldier lad who swore he’d love me truly.
Ah! But now those days are gone!
When the battle raged he turned his heel and followed duly.
I gave him the salute and soldiered on.
Chorus
The wind’s about the barley 
And the mice are in the meal,
So rise up bright and early
All young lassies if you would do as you will.

Interlude

Verse
Then I loved a farmer’s son whose trinkets were his kisses.
Ah! But now those days are gone!
But on the road to market he had scores of narrow misses.
I tossed him out for chaff and ploughed straight on.
Chorus
The wind’s about the barley 
And the mice are in the meal,
So rise up bright and early
All young lassies if you would do as you will.

Interlude

Verse
Next I had a blacksmith who was swarthy, dark, and handsome.
Ah! But now those days are gone!
He stole away my store of coin and ran off with the ransom.
I hope he finds the fires! I’m forging on!
Chorus
The wind’s about the barley 
And the mice are in the meal,
So rise up bright and early
All young lassies if you would do as you will.
Interlude
Verse
Jack the tinker courted me, and he was ever willing.
Ah! But now those days are gone!
Everywhere he plied his trade he fell to jack and jilling.
I threw away his pans and wandered on. 
Chorus
The wind’s about the barley 
And the mice are in the meal,
So rise up bright and early
All young lassies if you would do as you will.

Instrumental
There’s no faith in any man, not even my own brother.
Ah! But would those days were gone!
Girls, if you but would, or can, you’d best love one another
And leave the men behind and carry on!
Chorus
The wind’s about the barley 
And the mice are in the meal,
So rise up bright and early
All young lassies if you would do as you will.

Alan Wagstaff ©

Do As You Will

Strongly influenced by folk and Celtic, though I do write in other genres: orchestral rock, melodic rock, and Country.

Do As You Will

Alan Wagstaff

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