It was on the fifth of August, the weather fair and fine When to Brigg Fair I did repair, for love I was inclined I rose up with the lark in the morning, my heart was full of glee Expecting there to meet my dear, long time I'd wished to see I looked over my left shoulder to see whom I could see And there I spied my own true love come a-tripping down to me I took hold of her lily-white hand and gaily sang my heart For now we are together we never more shall part For it's meeting is a pleasure, love, and parting is a grief But an inconstant lover is worse than any thief Oh the green leaves they will wither, and the branches they will die If ever I prove false to her, the lass that loves me It was on the fifth of August, the weather fair and fine When to Brigg Fair I did repair, for love I was inclined
recording: Jackie Oates (live, 2011) [YouTube]
recording: Tony Barrand (album, 1998) [YouTube]
notes and recording: extensive song history [Andy Turner]
notes: song history and discography [Mainly Norfolk]
history: Brigg Fair: A memoir of Joseph Taylor, by his grand-daughter E. Marion Hudson
history: Joseph Taylor biography [Mainly Norfolk]