Two Sides to a Hedge

from A Shandy Ballad by Julian Gaskell & his Ragged Trousered Philanthropists

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about

The words here are from a late 19th century cautionary ballad concerning life under the male gaze. However, Bell does seem to hold the balance of power in this tale, and we stand by her side in shouting down any ‘golden youths’ who would snide from behind their leafy screens.

Words from ‘Two Sides to a Hedge’ Roud Number: V32832
between 1877 and 1884 March, R. and Co. London

lyrics

This side the hedge, two “Golden Youths”
Safe, they deemed, ‘neath its leafy screen
Close behind sat pretty Bell
As fair a lass as e’re was seen

“Why don’t you seek the maid at once
And make her name the happy day”
“Well” he replied “She’s rather plain
Yet when I’ve time perhaps I may”

He never gave a thought to the proverbs that allege
There’s two words to a bargain and two sides to a hedge
TWO WORDS TO EVERY BARGAIN!
TWO SIDES TO EVERY HEDGE &c.

Now she grew fairer day by day
The pride of all the country side
O’er head and ears in love fell he
And vowed he’d make the belle a bride

“Oh Bell I love you more than life!
Oh name, I pray, the happy day!”
“Well” she replied “I’m rather plain
Yet when I’ve time perhaps I may”

He never gave a thought to the proverbs that allege
There’s two words to a bargain and two sides to a hedge &c.

credits

from A Shandy Ballad, released November 3, 2023
Music by Julian Gaskell, Cally Gibson, Thomas Sharpe ©2023

Recorded in Penryn, October 2023 by
Julian Gaskell - vocal, guitar, accordion, bodhran, bells
Cally Gibson - violin
Thomas Sharpe - upright bass

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about

Julian Gaskell UK

Described by angry locals as the bastard son of Waits, Strummer, Reinhardt and Rachmaninov, Julian Gaskell’s music over the last 20 years has followed a wayward path of withering agricultural-folk, klezmer accordion, overly-lyrical punk, gypsy-jazz guitar, tangos, waltzes, rhumbas and skiffled-up boogie-woogie piano. ... more

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