Song Meaning
The lyrics paint a picture of a secluded, almost secret rendezvous deep within nature. The narrator invites a companion to follow them to a wild, overgrown place, a "deep wood's weeds" and "wild-briar dingle." This setting immediately establishes an atmosphere of intimacy and escape from the ordinary world, suggesting a desire to "intermingle" away from prying eyes or societal norms. The scene is rich with natural imagery, hinting at a primal, uninhibited connection.
The core tension lies in the shared purpose of this secluded meeting. The narrator states, "For they two have enough to do / Of such work as I and you." This line is crucial, drawing a parallel between the natural elements – the violet and the gale – and the human pair. It implies that their act of "intermingling" is as natural and essential as the wind carrying the violet's scent, a fundamental process of nature itself. The work they are engaged in is presented as a natural, perhaps even reproductive or deeply bonding, activity.
The craft here is subtle but effective. The personification of the violet telling its "tale" to the "odour-scented gale" creates a delicate, almost romantic image. This natural dialogue serves as a mirror for the human interaction, elevating their "work" to something poetic and elemental. The repetition of "Follow" at the beginning emphasizes the deliberate, almost ritualistic nature of their journey to this hidden spot, reinforcing the idea of a shared, intentional pursuit of this intimate state.
Ultimately, these lyrics resonate because they frame a private act within the grand, timeless processes of the natural world. The "work" of the narrator and their companion is not just personal but presented as an echo of nature's own cycles. This elevates the intimacy of their meeting, suggesting a profound, almost spiritual connection rooted in the wild and untamed aspects of existence.
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