Description
The tune of the Willow Song comes from the Lodge Lute Book, printed in 1561. This version is found in A Varietie of Lute Lessons from 1583 by Robert Dowland (son of John Dowland). Shakespeare later uses it in Desdemona’s lament, changing the weeping lover to a female character in his play Othello.
The poor soul sat sighing
By a sycamore tree,
Sing willow, willow, willow,
With his hand in his bosom
And his head upon his knee,
Oh, willow, willow, willow,
Shall be my garland.
Sing all a green willow,
willow, willow, willow,
Aye me, the green willow
Must be my garland.
He sighed in his singing
And made a great moan,
Sing willow, willow, willow,
I am dead to all pleasure,
My true love she is gone, etc.
The mute bird sat by him
Was made tame by his moans, etc.
The true tears fell from him
Would have melted the stones.
Sing etc.
Come all ye forsaken
And mourn now with me.
Who speaks of a false love?
Mine’s falser than she.
Sing etc.
Take this for my farewell
And final adieu;
Write this on my tomb
That in love he was true.
Sing etc.