First this song is just hauntingly beautiful. Sandy Denny's voice, though perfect on almost all of their songs, just meshes with these lyrics so well to create one of the best folk songs of all time.
Anyway as for the meaning the line sly old Reynardine as well as the line "his teeth did brightly shine" which brings to my mind the image of a conniving cheshire cat smile suggests that Reynardine is not a good guy. I think he is kidnapping the girl, but the fact that it is not outrightly stated just intensifies the creepyness.
The implication is that Reynardine is either a 'foxy' (crafty and not to be trusted) human being or an actual were-fox. Either way, I wouldn't give much for the girl's chances......
The implication is that Reynardine is either a 'foxy' (crafty and not to be trusted) human being or an actual were-fox. Either way, I wouldn't give much for the girl's chances......
First this song is just hauntingly beautiful. Sandy Denny's voice, though perfect on almost all of their songs, just meshes with these lyrics so well to create one of the best folk songs of all time.
Anyway as for the meaning the line sly old Reynardine as well as the line "his teeth did brightly shine" which brings to my mind the image of a conniving cheshire cat smile suggests that Reynardine is not a good guy. I think he is kidnapping the girl, but the fact that it is not outrightly stated just intensifies the creepyness.
Reynard is an old name for a fox.
Reynard is an old name for a fox.
The implication is that Reynardine is either a 'foxy' (crafty and not to be trusted) human being or an actual were-fox. Either way, I wouldn't give much for the girl's chances......
The implication is that Reynardine is either a 'foxy' (crafty and not to be trusted) human being or an actual were-fox. Either way, I wouldn't give much for the girl's chances......
I agree, she's a goner...
I agree, she's a goner...