Faithful Plough
Faithful Plough
This song was collected from Richard Hall of Itchen Abbas. The song tells of a gardener and ploughman discussing which of them is of greater value to society
Come all you jolly ploughmen of courage stout and bold
That works out in the winter in storm and wind and cold
To clothe the fields with plenty, the farmyard to renew
And crown it with contentment: behold the faithful plough
‘Oh ploughman’ says the gard'ner, ‘don’t count your trade with ours
Just walk into the garden and view the pretty flowers
Also the curious borders and pleasant walks to view
There’s no such peace or plenty belonging to the plough’
‘Oh gard'ner’, says the ploughman, ‘my calling don’t despise
Each workman to his labour, all on his trade relies
For Adam was a ploughman when ploughing first began
And the next that was succeeding him was Cain his eldest son’
Behold the wealthy merchant, who trades in foreign seas
He brings home gold and spices to them that sit at ease
And yet the man that brings them will own to what is true
He cannot plough the ocean without the faithful plough
I hope there’s none offended at me for saying this
For nothing was intended for anything amiss
Only as I have told you the thing that is quite true
All trades that you can mention depends upon the plough.
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Additional Online Resources
- In 2008, Roger Watson worked with the children of Roman Way school in Andover. They updated the song and wrote new words. This time telling of an architect and a builder. An audio recording is available featuring Roger Watson.
