Come All Ye Fair And Tender Ladies
The Kingston Trio · Other Songs - The Kingston Trio
Be careful how you court your men
They're like the stars on a summer morning
They'll first appear and then they're gone
How I remember our days of courtin'
I met my love in the fading light
But now she flies to meet another
The day is lonely as the night
If I had known before I courted
That true love was so hard to win
I'd have locked my heart in a box of golden
And never opened it again
I'll find a place come tomorrow
I'll climb some mountain way up high
There I'll sit down to weep in sorrow
And try to mend my troubled mind
Come all ye fair and tender ladies
Be careful how you court your men
They're like the stars on a summer morning
They'll first appear and then they're gone
About Come All Ye Fair And Tender Ladies
The Kingston Trio's 1960 recording of "Come All Ye Fair And Tender Ladies" stands as a pivotal moment in folk history, marking the group's transition from traditional balladry to a more complex, harmonically rich style. Originally a popular song from the 1930s, the trio's arrangement introduced intricate counterpoint and a driving rhythm that redefined the acoustic folk sound for a new generation. This recording exemplifies their signature three-part harmony, blending Appalachian folk roots with the sophistication of Broadway and Tin Pan Alley. The track remains a staple of the American folk canon, influencing countless subsequent artists who sought to expand the genre's boundaries beyond simple storytelling. Its enduring popularity highlights the Kingston Trio's ability to adapt classic material into a fresh, compelling narrative that resonated deeply with audiences of the early 1960s. The song's legacy endures as a testament to the group's innovative approach to traditional music.