Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
From '' The Lass With The Delicate Air ''
Label: Button Records – BTN 109
Format: Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
Country: UK
Released: 1983
Tracklist
A The Lass With The Delicate Air
Arranged By – H. Wright, Peter Durrent
B I Sowed The Seeds
Written By – J. MacAlpine
Written-By – Peter Durrent
Producer – Roger Holt, Peter Durrent (track: A), Martin Allcock (track: B)
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Musical Characters Ltd.
Copyright © – Button Music
🎵 [SONG INFO]
"The Lass With The Delicate Air" is a well-known English song with a history dating back to the 18th century.
Origin and Composer
The song was composed by Michael Arne, the son of the famous composer Thomas Arne.
It was first published in 1762 in the Universal Magazine.
The lyrics, which describe a beautiful and graceful woman named Molly, were written by an anonymous author.
The song's full title is often given as "Young Molly who Lived at the Foot of the Hill."
Musical Style and Popularity
"The Lass With The Delicate Air" is considered a classical piece, fitting into the "vocal art song" or "ballad" genres.
It was a popular piece for singers in London's pleasure gardens in its time.
The tune has a light, charming quality, and its lyrics paint a picture of an admired and enchanting young woman.
Notable Recordings and Adaptations
Throughout the 20th century, the song was recorded by various artists, including classical and folk singers.
One of the most famous recordings is by Julie Andrews, who included it as the title track on her debut solo album in 1957. Andrews, at the time a rising star on Broadway, chose a collection of traditional English folk and art songs for the album, showcasing her vocal talent beyond the show tunes for which she was becoming known.
The melody of "The Lass With The Delicate Air" has also been used in other contexts, including a jingle for Mission Bell wine.
Other recordings
Beyond the famous recording by Julie Andrews, "The Lass With The Delicate Air" has been a favorite of classical and folk singers for centuries. Its simple, elegant melody and charming lyrics have led to various interpretations and arrangements over the years.
Here are some notable versions and adaptations
Classical Soprano Recordings: The song is a staple of the classical soprano repertoire.
Alma Gluck (1913): This early recording by the Romanian-born American soprano is a significant historical document. It showcases the song as it would have been performed by a classical artist in the early 20th century.
Mimi Coertse (1959): The South African soprano also recorded a well-regarded version, demonstrating the song's continued place in the classical concert hall.
Folk and Traditional Versions: The song's ballad-like structure and folk-like themes have made it a favorite for folk singers.
Evelyn Knight: This American vocalist recorded her own version of the song in the mid-20th century. She was known as "the Lass with the Delicate Air," and her version is a blend of traditional pop and light vocal music.
Josh White: The renowned American blues and folk singer included a version on his album The Best of Josh White (1951), showing how the song could be adapted to a different genre.
Modern Interpretations and Arrangements: The melody's enduring appeal has also led to new arrangements for different instruments and ensembles.
Choral Arrangements: The song has also been arranged for choirs, such as a version for female voices (SSA - Soprano, Soprano, Alto). This allows for a more layered and harmonic interpretation of the classic tune.
The variety of recordings, from classical to folk and beyond, demonstrates the song's lasting influence and adaptability. While Julie Andrews' version may be the most famous to modern audiences, it is just one chapter in the song's long and rich history.
🎤 [LYRICS]
Young Molly who lived at the foot of the hill,
Whose fame every virgin with envy doth fill,
Of beauty is blessed with and so ample a share
They call her the lass with the delicate air.
With the delicate air,
Men call her the lass with the delicate air.
One evening last May as I traversed the grove
In thoughtless retirement, not dreaming of love.
I chanced to espy the gay nymph, I declare
And really she had a most delicate air,
A most delicate air,
She really did have a most delicate air.
By a murmuring brook on a green mossy bed
A chaplet composing, the fair one was laid.
Surprised and transported I could not forbear
With rapture to gaze on her delicate air,
On her delicate air,
With rapture to gaze on her delicate air.
A thousand times o'er I repeated my suit
But still the tormentor affects to be mute.
Then tell me ye swains who have conquered the fair
How to win the dear lass with the delicate air,
With the delicate air,
How to win the dear lass with the delicate air.
#avantgardemusic
#artrock
#minimal
#minimalsynth
#artfolk
From '' The Lass With The Delicate Air ''
Label: Button Records – BTN 109
Format: Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
Country: UK
Released: 1983
Tracklist
A The Lass With The Delicate Air
Arranged By – H. Wright, Peter Durrent
B I Sowed The Seeds
Written By – J. MacAlpine
Written-By – Peter Durrent
Producer – Roger Holt, Peter Durrent (track: A), Martin Allcock (track: B)
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Musical Characters Ltd.
Copyright © – Button Music
🎵 [SONG INFO]
"The Lass With The Delicate Air" is a well-known English song with a history dating back to the 18th century.
Origin and Composer
The song was composed by Michael Arne, the son of the famous composer Thomas Arne.
It was first published in 1762 in the Universal Magazine.
The lyrics, which describe a beautiful and graceful woman named Molly, were written by an anonymous author.
The song's full title is often given as "Young Molly who Lived at the Foot of the Hill."
Musical Style and Popularity
"The Lass With The Delicate Air" is considered a classical piece, fitting into the "vocal art song" or "ballad" genres.
It was a popular piece for singers in London's pleasure gardens in its time.
The tune has a light, charming quality, and its lyrics paint a picture of an admired and enchanting young woman.
Notable Recordings and Adaptations
Throughout the 20th century, the song was recorded by various artists, including classical and folk singers.
One of the most famous recordings is by Julie Andrews, who included it as the title track on her debut solo album in 1957. Andrews, at the time a rising star on Broadway, chose a collection of traditional English folk and art songs for the album, showcasing her vocal talent beyond the show tunes for which she was becoming known.
The melody of "The Lass With The Delicate Air" has also been used in other contexts, including a jingle for Mission Bell wine.
Other recordings
Beyond the famous recording by Julie Andrews, "The Lass With The Delicate Air" has been a favorite of classical and folk singers for centuries. Its simple, elegant melody and charming lyrics have led to various interpretations and arrangements over the years.
Here are some notable versions and adaptations
Classical Soprano Recordings: The song is a staple of the classical soprano repertoire.
Alma Gluck (1913): This early recording by the Romanian-born American soprano is a significant historical document. It showcases the song as it would have been performed by a classical artist in the early 20th century.
Mimi Coertse (1959): The South African soprano also recorded a well-regarded version, demonstrating the song's continued place in the classical concert hall.
Folk and Traditional Versions: The song's ballad-like structure and folk-like themes have made it a favorite for folk singers.
Evelyn Knight: This American vocalist recorded her own version of the song in the mid-20th century. She was known as "the Lass with the Delicate Air," and her version is a blend of traditional pop and light vocal music.
Josh White: The renowned American blues and folk singer included a version on his album The Best of Josh White (1951), showing how the song could be adapted to a different genre.
Modern Interpretations and Arrangements: The melody's enduring appeal has also led to new arrangements for different instruments and ensembles.
Choral Arrangements: The song has also been arranged for choirs, such as a version for female voices (SSA - Soprano, Soprano, Alto). This allows for a more layered and harmonic interpretation of the classic tune.
The variety of recordings, from classical to folk and beyond, demonstrates the song's lasting influence and adaptability. While Julie Andrews' version may be the most famous to modern audiences, it is just one chapter in the song's long and rich history.
🎤 [LYRICS]
Young Molly who lived at the foot of the hill,
Whose fame every virgin with envy doth fill,
Of beauty is blessed with and so ample a share
They call her the lass with the delicate air.
With the delicate air,
Men call her the lass with the delicate air.
One evening last May as I traversed the grove
In thoughtless retirement, not dreaming of love.
I chanced to espy the gay nymph, I declare
And really she had a most delicate air,
A most delicate air,
She really did have a most delicate air.
By a murmuring brook on a green mossy bed
A chaplet composing, the fair one was laid.
Surprised and transported I could not forbear
With rapture to gaze on her delicate air,
On her delicate air,
With rapture to gaze on her delicate air.
A thousand times o'er I repeated my suit
But still the tormentor affects to be mute.
Then tell me ye swains who have conquered the fair
How to win the dear lass with the delicate air,
With the delicate air,
How to win the dear lass with the delicate air.
#avantgardemusic
#artrock
#minimal
#minimalsynth
#artfolk
