Polly Von
Peter Paul And Mary · Other Songs - Peter Paul And Mary
By the cruel hand of evil at the setting of the sun
His arrow was loosed and it flew through the dark,
And his true love was slain as the shaft found its mark.
[Chorus:]
She'd her apron wrapped about her and he took her for a swan
But it's oh and alas it was she, Polly Von
He ran up beside her and found it was she
He turned away his head for he could not bear to see
He lifted her up and found she was dead,
A fountain of tears for his true love, he shed.
[Chorus]
He bore her away to his home by the sea
Cryin' "Father, oh father, I murdered poor Polly!
I've killed my fair love in the flower of her life!
I always intended that she be my wife."
"But she'd her apron wrapped about her
and I took her for a swan,
And it's oh and alas it was she, Polly Von."
He roamed near the place where his true love was slain
He wept bitter tears, but his cries were all in vain.
As he looked on the lake, a swan glided by
And the sun slowly sank in the grey of the sky.
[Chorus]
Polly Von
Peter, Paul and Mary defined the sound of 1960s folk music through their seamless three-part harmonies and socially conscious repertoire. While best known for interpreting Bob Dylan's 'Blowing in the Wind' and the whimsical 'Puff, the Magic Dragon,' the trio also embraced traditional folk standards and contemporary storytelling. 'Polly Von' stands as a testament to their versatility, showcasing the group's ability to bring narrative depth to lesser-known compositions. The recording highlights their signature acoustic arrangement, blending Peter Yarrow's baritone with the soaring voices of Paul Stookey and Mary Travers. This track reflects the group's enduring commitment to preserving folk traditions while introducing fresh material to a wide audience. Their extensive catalogue remains a cornerstone of American folk history, celebrated for its warmth, accessibility, and emotional resonance across generations.