Blow the Candles Out

Traditional. Manuscript by Aneurin Redman-White PDF here

An old Marcher song of courtship.

Blow the Candles Out

When I was apprenticed in Stockland, I went to see my dear The candles all were burning, the moon shone bright and clear I knocked upon her window to ease her out of her pain She rose up to let me in, then barred the door again

I like well your behaviour and this I often say I cannot rest contented when I am far away The roads they are so muddy, we cannot walk about So roll me in your arms, Love, and blow the candles out

Your father and your mother in yonder room do lie A-hugging one another, so why not you and I? A-hugging one another, without a fear or doubt So roll me in your arms, Love, and blow the candles out

I pray thee speak more softly of what we have to do Lest that our noise of talking should make our pleasure rue The streets they are so nigh, Love, the people walk about They may peep in and spy, Love, so blow the candles out

And if we prove successful Love, please name it after me Treat it neat and kiss it sweet and daft it on your knee When my two years are over, my time it will be out And I will pay my debt to you by blowing the candles out.