Wildwood Flower
Joan Baez · Other Songs - Joan Baez
With the roses so red and the lilies so fair
The meadow so bright with it's emerald hue
And the pale and the leader and eyes look so blue
I will dance, I will sing and my laugh shall be gay
I will charm every heart, in his crown I will sway
I woke from my dream and all idols was clay
And all portions of love then had all flown away
He told me to love him and promised to love
And cherish me over all others above
My poor heart is wondering no misery can tell
He left me no warning, no words of farewell
He told me to love him and called me his flower
That was blooming to cheer him through life's weary hour
How I long to see him and regret the dark hour
He's gone and neglected his frail wildwood flower.
Wildwood Flower
Joan Baez's "Wildwood Flower" stands as a quintessential example of her mid-1960s folk revival work, blending acoustic guitar with a haunting vocal delivery that defined the era's protest music. Originally a traditional song from the Caribbean, Baez's arrangement transformed it into a powerful anthem for civil rights and peace movements, often performed alongside her signature repertoire including "Guantanamera" and "For All We Know." The recording captures the raw emotional depth characteristic of her catalogue, where she wove social commentary into timeless melodies. This track remains a staple in her discography, illustrating her ability to adapt folk traditions into vehicles for political expression while maintaining an intimate connection with her audience.