Last week, Downton Abbey ended with Carson singing a song while polishing the silver, quite jovial over hearing the positive prognosis for Mrs. Hughes. We can wonder at the plot turn – there have been previous intimations that Hughes and Carson should somehow hook up and exert even greater control over downstairs life – they do after all seem to genuinely care about and respect each other … but who knows what direction this shall all take – but just want to append the words of the song he was singing – a sure clue in this alone:
The song is titled “Dashing Away with the Smoothing Iron” – “a traditional English folk song written in the 19th century about a housewife carrying out her linen chores” [wikipedia]:
‘Twas on a Monday morning
When I beheld my darling
She looked so neat and charming
In every high degree She looked so neat and nimble, O
A-washing of her linen, O
Refrain
Dashing away with the smoothing iron
Dashing away with the smoothing iron
She stole my heart away.
‘Twas on a Tuesday morning
When I beheld my darling
She looked so neat and charming
In every high degree
She looked so neat and nimble, O
A-hanging out her linen, O (Refrain)
‘Twas on a Wednesday morning
When I beheld my darling
She looked so neat and charming
In every high degree
She looked so neat and nimble, O
A-starching of her linen, O (Refrain)
‘Twas on a Thursday morning
When I beheld my darling
She looked so neat and charming
In every high degree
She looked so neat and nimble, O
A-ironing of her linen, O (Refrain)
‘Twas on a Friday morning
When I beheld my darling
She looked so neat and charming
In every high degree
She looked so neat and nimble, O
A-folding of her linen, O (Refrain)
‘Twas on a Saturday morning
When I beheld my darling
She looked so neat and charming
In every high degree
She looked so neat and nimble, O
A-airing of her linen, O (Refrain)
‘Twas on a Sunday morning
When I beheld my darling
She looked so neat and charming
In every high degree
She looked so neat and nimble, O
A-wearing of her linen, O (Refrain)
[Text from contemplator.com]
Further reading (and listening!):
- You can hear the lyrics here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lICvOJoK2uw
- or here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rR3-_X1gG-I
- the music: http://www.joe-offer.com/folkinfo/songs/264.html
Well, the lyrics are no less repetitive than some modern songs … and the tune is catchier! :)
LikeLike
Repetitive indeed! – and why the scene with Carson only had the refrain I would guess – but just enough to catch what he was singing – and I agree it is a catchy tune!
LikeLike
I wondered about the little ditty Carson was singing, but never thought to research it. It’s certainly cheerful and softened the stoic Carson. It was a wonderful upbeat way to end the episode. I would love to see Carson and Mrs. Hughes find a bit of romance together.
LikeLike
Yes, I agree! – a more upbeat romance than Anna and Bates is just what we need right now… As for Carson singing – we must remember his past – a circus performer he was, wasn’t he?
Thanks for stopping by…
Deb
LikeLike