Charley Over The Water

By Walter Crane

Ballad
    Over the water, and over the lea,     And over the water to Charley;     And Charley loves good ale and wine,     And Charley loves good brandy,     And Charley loves a pretty girl     As sweet as sugar candy.     Over the water and over the sea,     And over the water to Charley;     I'll have none of your nasty beef,     Nor I'll have none of your barley.     But I'll have some of your very best flour     To make a white cake for my Charley.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem is a delightful journey into an individual's affection for a figure named Charley, with the recurring motif of crossing over water establishing a sense of longing and distance. The structure is notable for its repetition and rhyme scheme (aabbcc), which gives it a lyrical, song-like quality, emphasizing the playful and mirthful tone of the poem.

The poet uses simple, everyday objects and substances such as ale, wine, beef, barley, and flour to depict Charley's personality and preferences, making the character tangible and relatable to the reader. The mention of 'a pretty girl as sweet as sugar candy' and 'a white cake' also adds a layer of sweetness to Charley's character, suggesting an element of affection and intimacy in the relationship between the speaker and Charley. This poem's themes primarily revolve around longing, love, and the appreciation of simple pleasures. It is a charming and light-hearted piece that paints a vivid, endearing portrait of Charley through the eyes of an admirer.

Understanding Ballads

A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.

Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:

  • Narrative Structure: Ballads typically tell a story, often a dramatic or emotional tale that unfolds in a straightforward, chronological order.
  • Quatrain Stanzas: Most ballads are composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB, which adds to the musicality of the verse.
  • Repetition: Refrains or repeated lines are common in ballads, helping to emphasize key themes or emotions and making the ballad easier to remember.
  • Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated from oral traditions, which means they were passed down through generations by word of mouth before being written down.

From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.