I think Lightfoot was influenced by traditional folk songs that have a sad tale to tell. In this case, Bitter Green's lover/husband has gone away and not returned, no one knows why. She's still waiting for him to come home. Others would have moved on, since it's been a long time. He eventually does come back, but she's died.
I think Lightfoot was influenced by traditional folk songs that have a sad tale to tell. In this case, Bitter Green's lover/husband has gone away and not returned, no one knows why. She's still waiting for him to come home. Others would have moved on, since it's been a long time. He eventually does come back, but she's died.