Bushes and Briars

An eight-part arrangement of the classic English folk song, BUSHES AND BRIARS was written for The Swingle Singers and recorded on their 1991 album of folk songs, ‘Around The World’.

This arrangement is part of the Kikapust Choral Series curated by The Swingle Singers. The series offers choirs an extensive choice of close-harmony a cappella arrangements. All the arrangers/composers Jonathan Rathbone, Ben Parry & Mark Williams were long-standing members of The Swingle Singers.

Through bushes and through briars
I lately took my way
All for to hear the small birds sing
And lambs to skip and play

I overheard my own true love
His voice did sound so clear
“Long time I have been waiting for
The coming of my dear”

Sometimes I am uneasy
And troubled in my mind
Sometime I think I'll go to my love
And tell to him my mind

But if I should go to my love
My love he will say, "Nay"
If I show to him my boldness
He'll ne’er have me again