“Greensleeves” is a melody that resonates through centuries, instantly recognizable yet shrouded in mystery. Like many traditional songs, its origins are debated, and its meaning is layered with historical and cultural nuances. You might have encountered its melancholic beauty in classical arrangements, or perhaps hummed along to its festive adaptation in “What Child Is This?”. But have you ever stopped to wonder about the story behind the “Greensleeves Song”? Let’s delve into the captivating tale of this enduring tune, separating fact from fiction and exploring its enduring appeal.
Popular legend often links “Greensleeves” to King Henry VIII of England, attributing its composition to the Tudor monarch as a love song for his future wife, Anne Boleyn. The narrative paints a romantic picture: a king, smitten with his lady, pens a heartfelt ballad expressing his affections. However, while a compelling story, historical evidence suggests this charming origin is likely a myth.
Debunking the Henry VIII Myth
The first documented appearance of “Greensleeves” emerged as a “broadside ballad” in 1580, significantly after Henry VIII’s death in 1547 and his courtship of Anne Boleyn in the 1520s. While theoretically, Henry could have composed the song decades before its publication, concrete evidence supporting his authorship is conspicuously absent. The sole, tenuous link to the king lies in a vague reference within another song using the same melody, alluding to “King Harries time.” This scant mention hardly constitutes proof of royal composition.
“The Lady Greensleeves” by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, depicting a woman in a green dress, inspired by the song Greensleeves.
Was Anne Boleyn Really Associated with Green?
If not for Anne Boleyn, then why the persistent connection? Perhaps Anne herself was associated with the color green, fueling the speculation that “Greensleeves” was written for or about her. Did she favor the color, or was it symbolic of her family? Interestingly, the answer is no. Anne Boleyn’s heraldic badge featured a falcon in gold against a black background. Historical accounts and inventories of her clothing reveal a preference for regal colors like black, red, purple, and gold, befitting her status and conveying nobility. While “russet” or “tawny” (earthy brown and caramel shades) are also mentioned, green is notably absent from descriptions of her wardrobe. The anecdote of Anne wearing a yellow gown to celebrate the death of Henry’s previous wife, Katherine of Aragon, further underscores her bold fashion choices, none of which involved green. Thus, the link between Anne Boleyn and the color green appears as unfounded as Henry VIII’s authorship of the song.
The Symbolism of Green: Beyond Sleeves
If the “greensleeves” in the song title isn’t directly tied to Anne Boleyn’s attire, what does it signify? The color green carries a rich tapestry of symbolism, some of which might shed light on the song’s meaning. One interpretation, often associated with the era, links green to promiscuity. This stems from the notion that grass stains on a woman’s dress could indicate outdoor sexual encounters, associating green with “looseness.” Furthermore, green is a color of fertility, and pregnancy, regardless of its circumstances, could also be linked to green symbolism.
However, reducing green solely to negative connotations would be an oversimplification. Art from the period also depicts virtuous and noble women adorned in green, demonstrating that the color held more complex and nuanced meanings beyond disrepute.
Decoding the Lyrics: Love and Lament
To truly understand “Greensleeves,” we must examine its lyrics. The original broadside ballad contained a lengthy 18 verses, of which only the first verse and parts of others are commonly known today, often through arrangements like Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “Fantasia on Greensleeves.” These verses reveal a tale of unrequited love and pining:
Alas, my love, you do me wrong,
To cast me off discourteously.
For I have loved you well and long,
Delighting in your company.
Well, I will pray to God on high,
That thou my constancy mayst see,
For I am still thy lover true,
Come once again and love me.
Chorus: Greensleeves was all my joy
Greensleeves was my delight,
Greensleeves was my heart of gold,
And who but my lady greensleeves.
The tone is one of courtly love, an idealized romantic concept prevalent in medieval and Renaissance literature. Courtly love involved passionate, often unrequited, adoration from afar, where a knight or nobleman would express devotion to a lady of higher status, often through poetry and song, without necessarily seeking a physical relationship. “Greensleeves” echoes this tradition, depicting a speaker lamenting the rejection of his “lady greensleeves,” despite his enduring affection.
Gifts and a Hint of Mercenary Motive
Beyond the titular sleeves and the color green, the lyrics offer further clues. One verse mentions a “gown of grassy green” among gifts bestowed upon the lady, alongside crimson stockings and white shoes. The speaker also laments:
My men were clothed all in green,
And they did ever wait on thee;
All this was gallant to be seen,
And yet thou wouldst not love me.
This verse suggests the lady had a particular fondness for green, further emphasizing the significance of “greensleeves.” However, a more pragmatic, even slightly resentful tone emerges as the speaker points out the financial burden of his affections:
And who did pay for all this gear
That thou didst spend when pleased thee?
Even I that am rejected here
And thou distainst to love me.
This hints at a transactional aspect to the relationship, or at least the speaker’s perception of it. He has showered “Lady Greensleeves” with gifts and finery, yet his love remains unreciprocated. This adds a layer of complexity to the courtly love ideal, revealing a hint of bitterness beneath the romantic lament.
Greensleeves Beyond the Ballad
Regardless of its precise origins and intended meaning, “Greensleeves” has transcended its historical context to become a cultural touchstone. Its melody has been adapted for various purposes, most notably as the Christmas carol “What Child Is This?”. The tune also found its way into popular culture, featuring in the film “How the West Was Won” as “I’ll Build You a Home in the Meadow.” This adaptability and enduring appeal speak to the melody’s timeless quality and emotional resonance.
Conclusion: The Enduring Enigma of Greensleeves
“Greensleeves” remains an enigma, its origins shrouded in the mists of time and folklore. While the romantic myth of Henry VIII composing it for Anne Boleyn is captivating, it lacks historical basis. The symbolism of “greensleeves” and the color green is multifaceted, ranging from associations with fertility and nature to more ambiguous connotations. The lyrics themselves paint a portrait of courtly love, tinged with lament and a hint of economic frustration.
Ultimately, the beauty of “Greensleeves” lies not in definitive answers, but in its evocative melody and lyrical ambiguity. It invites us to ponder historical contexts, explore themes of love and rejection, and appreciate the enduring power of a song that continues to captivate listeners centuries after its emergence. Its mystery is part of its magic, ensuring that the “Greensleeves song” will continue to enchant and intrigue for generations to come.
