Greensleeves - A 16th Century English Folk Song

Greensleeves is probably the most famous of all early English songs. It was first registered in September 1580 as a broadside ballad by Richard Jones, as "A Newe Northen Dittye of ye Ladye Greene Sleves”
Henry VIII did not compose Greensleeves! It’s a romantic myth that he wrote it for Anne Boleyn. He did however compose a lot of other music that has survived. We know it’s a later piece if music as it is written in a style influenced by Italian tastes which didn’t make it to England until Elizabeth the first's reign.
As far as the subject matter, one theory is Greensleeves could be about a promiscuous lady, who’s clothing has become stained from rolling in the grass whilst making love! However, this could also be seen as a misinterpretation from the point of view of the singer, as Lady Greensleeves seems to be spurning his advances and casting him off discourtesously!
Greensleeves is mentioned in Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor when Falstaff exclaims, "Let the sky rain potatoes! Let it thunder to the tune of ‘Greensleeves’!”
The location here is The Manor House at Ryedale Folk Museum, Hutton-Le-Hole, North Yorkshire. It is a fine example of a traditional cruck framed building from the Tudor period. The entire building was saved from collapse, moved piece by piece and lovingly reconstructed in it’s new location at the museum on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. Please check out www.ryedalefolkmuseum.co.uk for more information on this wonderful museum.

[@dagamusik]

I hit the like button before listenning, because I knew what was coming!

[@HenryBard]

Thank you!

[@thanetothefalseking332]

Who needs time travel when ya got these videos? Once again, another fabulous rendition, my good man.

[@HenryBard]

Thank you!

[@anthonymichael7022]

it s like... listening a pretty famous ballade by a different voice listened before playing other folk songs it s like the soul of the troubadour becoming the song, so the one singing it s the song-soul rather the voice, mon amie, gorgeous

[@HenryBard]

Merci!

[@rafeverao4105]

YESSS GOOD GOOD
Getting the notification for this video, I was so giddy - such style and substance from a bard of the Elizabethan fashion was never before needed more! Thank you for your art.

[@rafeverao4105]

I do hope I am correct in saying this your style is Elizabethan, uh oh

[@HenryBard]

You’re welcome! I’m very happy you like it!

[@HenryBard]

@@rafeverao4105 You are correct!

[@thedestroyerofcheese]

You sing it like no other!

[@HenryBard]

You’re too kind, thank you!

[@ermishatziantoniou5113]

1 word to describe it AMAZING

[@HenryBard]

Oh wow, thank you!

[@napoleonic-musketeer]

so happy i stumbled upon this video and channel!! the outfit brings it all together :) awesome stuff!!

[@HenryBard]

Thank you!

[@Bakarost]

My mothers favorite song. Makes me think of her. Ty.

[@HenryBard]

❤

[@MrLaz0rz]

This has really nice production, good lighting, and better voice. Glad to find you at 200 before 20k!

[@HenryBard]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@simieinstein]

Amazing, great rendition. I love the outfit and the scenery matching the period.

[@HenryBard]

I’m glad you like it!

[@HenryBard]

I’m glad you like it!

[@gjhartist3685]

Nice job!

[@HenryBard]

Thank you 🙂

[@Polymorphable]

Sounds great man

[@HenryBard]

Thanks!

[@erikpeterson25]

Thanks for this 👍

[@marco19695]

Breathtaking ❤

[@HenryBard]

Thanks Marco!

[@BirdsPianoAcademy]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@HenryBard]

🙏

[@captainblue6341]

You sir, are greatly underrated

[@HenryBard]

Thank you Captain!

[@gerardbourbonnais6872]

Et La Musique de Noël