Wha’ll Mow Me Now?

Song Meaning

Ewan MacColl's rendition of "Wha'll Mow Me Now?" isn't just a bawdy folk tune; it's a sharp-edged commentary on hypocrisy, class, and the brutal consequences of sexual exploitation. The repeated lament, "Wha'll mow me now, my jo / A sodger wi' his bandileers / Has bang'd my belly fu'," isn't merely a complaint about pregnancy. It's a desperate cry from a young woman abandoned after being seduced (or worse) by a soldier, left to face the social stigma and economic hardship of unwed motherhood. The phrase "bang'd my belly fu'" is deliberately crude, highlighting the violent and transactional nature of the encounter. MacColl, known for his socialist leanings, uses the song to expose the vulnerability of women in a patriarchal society, particularly those of lower social standing. The lyrics drip with irony, skewering the double standards of the time. The verses are where the song truly bites. The "dame" who "hauds up her wanton tail" while condemning the young woman exposes the hypocrisy of those in power who freely engage in the same behavior they denounce. The dame's ability to "mow for glutton greed" further underscores the economic disparity at play; she can use her sexuality for personal gain, while the young woman is left to "mow for its bread," driven by necessity rather than choice. This is not just about sexual transgression; it's about the economic realities that force women into vulnerable positions. The line, "Our dame can lae her ain gudeman," suggests adultery within the higher social classes, implying that the dame's condemnation of the "young thing" is less about morality and more about maintaining social hierarchies. Even the lament, "Alake! sae sweet a tree as love / Sic bitter fruit should bear!," acknowledges the inherent tragedy. The "merry arse" that "draw[s] a sa'tty tear" is a visceral reminder of the physical and emotional toll exacted on the young woman. The final verse, a curse upon the soldier who denies his child and abandons the woman he loved, is a powerful indictment of male irresponsibility. MacColl uses the song to give voice to the voiceless, to challenge the societal structures that perpetuate inequality, and to demand accountability from those who exploit and abandon others. "Wha'll Mow Me Now?" is, in essence, a protest song disguised as a ribald ballad, its seemingly simple melody belying a complex and damning critique of power and gender.