THREE MAIDS A-MILKING – Trad.
Recorded by Norma Waterson
Now as maidens a-milking they did go D A7 /D D /
As maidens a-milking they did go D D /A7 A7 /
And the wind it did blow high D Bm /
And the wind it did blow under Em A7/
And it tossed their petticoats to and fro D A7 /D
Well they met with a young man they did know
They met with a young man they did know
And she asked it of him
Had he got any learning
For to catch her a little bird or so
Oh yes I've a very good skill
Oh yes I've a very good skill
If you'll come along with me
Down to yonder flowering bushes
I will catch you a little bird or three
Well they went till they came down to a bush
They went till they came down unto three
And the little bird flew in
And you know just what I'm meaning
And she caught it a little by her right knee
Here's a health to the birds all in the bush
A health to the bonny rigadoon*
For tonight she will get paid
And tomorrow she will spend it
And go home by the light of the moon
For tonight she will get paid
And tomorrow she will spend it
And go home by the light of the moon
Recorded by Norma Waterson on “Bright Sunny Morning” track#2 “From Queen Caroline Hughes. I first heard this song in the version sung by Anne Briggs in the early sixties and tried for years to find a version I liked. I think my favourite line is 'Tonight I will get paid' (ker-ching!!)” N.W.
*A ring-dove, that is, an amorous bird.