The Rainbow Collections - Lavender's Blue Lyrics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the origin of the song 'Lavender's Blue'?

   'Lavender's Blue' is an English folk song and nursery rhyme from the 17th century. The earliest surviving version appeared in a broadside in England between 1672 and 1679, titled 'Diddle Diddle, Or The Kind Country Lovers'. The song has evolved over time with many variations and verses.

2. Who originally popularized 'Lavender's Blue' in recent history?

   Burl Ives popularized 'Lavender's Blue' in recent history with his version recorded in December 1948, which was released as a single in January 1949. The song also saw recordings by other artists like Sammy Kaye, Dinah Shore, and Vera Lynn around the same time.

3. What are some notable recordings of 'Lavender's Blue'?

   Notable recordings include those by Burl Ives in 1948, Sammy Kaye and Dinah Shore in 1949, Vera Lynn's B-side single 'Again', and Benjamin Britten incorporating it in his 1954 opera 'The Turn of The Screw'. The British rock band Marillion also adapted it in their 1985 song 'Lavender'.

4. What themes or subjects does 'Lavender's Blue' touch upon?

   The song’s themes have evolved over time. The earliest version contained bawdy themes, while many later versions, including those for children, focus on themes of love, pastoral life, and festive traditions like the choosing of the king and queen during Twelfth Night festivities.

5. How many verses does 'Lavender's Blue' typically have?

   There are as many as thirty verses to 'Lavender’s Blue', with many variations of each verse. The version by The Rainbow Collections features a repeated structure with verses focusing on love and pastoral imagery.