Sovay

Sovay is a traditional English folk song (Roud # 7, Laws N21) about a young woman who dresses and arms herself as a highwayman in order to test her suitor. In disguise she robs her suitor of nearly all his possessions, but even under threat of death he refuses to give up the gold ring given by Sovay, thus proving his devotion. Sovay subsequently confesses the ruse to her lover and returns his various possessions, admonishing him only that had he indeed given up the ring, she would have killed him. The name 'Sovay' is probably a corruption of 'Sophie' or 'Sylvie' - both of which appear instead in some versions of the song.

Versions of the song have been recorded by:

Adaptations in other media

In the mid-80s, the song was used as the theme to Isla St Clair's factual children's TV programme The Song and the Story, which examined the tales behind popular folk songs.

Sovay (Andrew Bird song)

Andrew Bird's song, "Sovay", was originally released as a single before appearing as the first track on his album Andrew Bird & the Mysterious Production of Eggs.

Song meaning

Bird, when asked about the title of the song, reportedly said that the word "Sovay" was one he had heard in an old English nursery rhyme, but had never bothered to actually research. He also said that he preferred to misunderstand the meanings of songs rather than "[getting] a lyric sheet." Bird's lyrics incorporates the opening lyrics and music of the English folk song Sovay.

References