West Indian Lady
Donovan · The Hurdy Gurdy Man [1968]
I will help you out into the room Sha la la la la la la la la
And you know what I'm thinking that very soon we will be a-drinking
>From the cup of joy you have brought From the cup of joy the lady brought
I see you brought your bow along also Sha la la la la la la la la
Is the arrow for me, love ? Very soon I think I'll know
If I never return from in her eyes Sha la la la la la la la la
Even in the dark they hypnotise Sha la la la la la la la la
West Indian lady in the picture on my wall,
But I love her printer's name and all But he love her
printer's name and all
But I love her drawing pins and all. But he love her drawing pins and all
But he love her printer's name and all Sha la la la la la la la la
But he love her printer's name and all Sha la la la la la la la la
She's the belle of Kilburn, yeah, yeah, yeah
She's the belle of Kilburn, yeah, yeah, yeah
She's the belle of Kilburn, yeah, yeah, yeah
She's the belle of Kilburn, yeah, yeah, yeah
She's the belle of Kilburn
Jennifer Juniper
Jennifer Juniper lives upon the hill,
Jennifer Juniper, sitting very still.
Is she sleeping ? I don't think so.
Is she breathing ? Yes, very low.
Whatcha doing, Jennifer, my love ?
Jennifer Juniper, rides a dappled mare,
Jennifer Juniper, lilacs in her hair.
Is she dreaming ? Yes, I think so.
Is she pretty ? Yes, ever so.
Whatcha doing, Jennifer, my love ?
I'm thinking of what it would be like if she loved me.
You know just lately this happy song it came along
And I like to somehow try and tell you.
Jennifer Juniper, hair of golden flax.
Jennifer Juniper longs for what she lacks.
Do you like her ? Yes, I do, Sir.
Would you love her ? Yes, I would, Sir.
Whatcha doing Jennifer, my love ?
Jennifer Juniper, Jennifer Juniper, Jennifer Juniper.
Jennifer Juniper vit'sur la colline,
Jennifer Juniper assise très tranquille.
Dort-elle ? Je ne crois pas.
Respire-t-elle ? Oui, mais tout bas.
Qu'est-ce que tu fais, Jenny mon amour ?
Jennifer Juniper, Jennifer Juniper, Jennifer Juniper.
West Indian Lady
Donovan's "West Indian Lady" stands as a vibrant song within his 1968 album, The Hurdy Gurdy Man. During this period, the Scottish singer-songwriter was deeply exploring folk-rock textures and world music influences, moving beyond his earlier acoustic simplicity. The track reflects his signature ability to blend poetic storytelling with rhythmic experimentation, capturing the eclectic spirit of the late sixties. While often overshadowed by his more commercially recognized hits, this recording showcases his evolving sound and willingness to incorporate diverse cultural elements into his songwriting. It remains a testament to his prolific output during a transformative era in his career, highlighting his unique contribution to the folk-rock genre and his enduring legacy in popular music history.