Dark Parlour Song

This week I have escaped to a cold empty beach on the border of Alabama and Mississippi. I walked down to the beach this evening and not only did I fail to pass a single soul on the walk to the ocean, but I couldn’t see even a flashlight bobbing on the beach in either direction. The absolute quiet and remoteness of this place has a very serious presence that is almost a companion in itself. Creepy sounding? Maybe a bit.

Adieu False Heart is a traditional parlour song that was written in the late 1800’s with an assumed southern/creole influence. Adieu got a minor (as in key) remake in 2006 on the eponymous album by Linda Ronstadt and Ann Savoy. I have had it stuck in my head on and off for about a year now and it is the perfect music for a cold, dark night in the southern states. Here is a (cell phone) recording of me singing it this evening. With a little ocean thrown in at the end.

ADIEU FALSE HEART

Adieu false heart, since we must part
May the joys of the world go with you
I’ve loved you long with a faithful heart
but I never anymore can a-b’lieve you

I’ve seen the time I’d-a married you
And been your constant lover
But now I gladly give you up
For one whose heart’s more truer.

My mind is like the constant sun
From the east to the west it ranges
Yours is like unto the moon
It’s every month it changes

When I lay down to take my rest
No scornful one to wake me
I’ll go straight ways unto my grave
Just as fast as time can take me