Poem: 'When Adam Was Created' - English Folk Song

[dwgm]

When I was in high school I was a choir geek, and my girlfriend, Sue, turned me on to the works of Salli Terry, a mezzo-soprano of unparalleled excellence who often sang with the Roger Wagner Chorale. Our favorite record album of hers, a collection of folk songs called I Know My Love, included so many great songs, and this was one I always found particularly charming.



~ When Adam Was Created ~

When Adam was created he dwelled in Eden’s shade
As Moses has related before his bride was made
Ten thousand times ten thousand of creatures swarmed around
Before his bride was formed or animate was found

He had no conversation, he seemed like one alone
Then to his admiration he found he’d lost a bone
Great was his exaltation when first he saw his bride
Great was his elevation to see her by his side

This woman was not taken from Adam’s head, we know
And she must not rule over him, ‘tis evidently so
This woman was not taken from Adam’s feet we see
And he must not abuse her, the meaning seems to be

This woman she was taken from under Adam’s arms
And she must be protected from hunger and from harm
This woman she was taken from near to Adam’s heart
By this we are directed that they must never part

To you most loving bridegroom, to you most loving bride
be sure you live as Christians and for your house provide
Avoid all discontent and don’t sow the seeds of strife
As is the solemn duty of every man and wife

~.~