This edition was prepared by David Anderson — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Before me, careless lying
Staff Notation • Secular, Partsongs
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Before me, careless lying by Charles Harford Lloyd — Lyrics
Before me, careless lying,
Young Love his wares comes crying;
Full soon the elf untreasures
His pack of pains and pleasures—
With roguish eye,
He bids me buy,
From out his pack of treasures.
His wallet’s stuffed with blisses,
With trueloveknots and kisses,
With rings and rosy fetters,
And sugared vows and letters—
He holds them out
With boyish flout,
And bids me try the fetters.
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About Before me, careless lying
Charles Harford Lloyd's secular partsong Before me, careless lying is a setting of a witty English text exploring the timeless theme of youthful infatuation. The SSATB choir navigates the persuasive arguments of a mischievous personification of Love, who tempts the narrator with promises of pleasure and bliss. The text contrasts the initial resistance of the narrator, who claims to be too old and experienced to be fooled again, with the eventual, perhaps inevitable, succumbing to Love's charms. This piece, with its clear textual narrative, would be an engaging choice for a concert programme, offering opportunities for dramatic interpretation and vocal agility within a four-part texture.
