Dream of the City Shopwoman Thomas Hardy

"Dream of the City Shopwoman" by Thomas Hardy is a poignant reflection on the aspirations and struggles of a shopwoman in urban life, highlighting themes of desire, societal expectations, and the contrast between dreams and reality. The song blends folk melodies with lyrical storytelling. Released in 2023, it resonates with contemporary issues of gender and class. #Folk

’Twere sweet to have a comrade here,
Who’d vow to love this garreteer,
By city people’s snap and sneer
       &nbsp       &nbsp Tried oft and hard!

We’d rove a truant cock and hen
To some snug solitary glen,
And never be seen to haunt again
       &nbsp       &nbsp This teeming yard.

Within a cot of thatch and clay
We’d list the flitting pipers play,
Our lives a twine of good and gay
       &nbsp       &nbsp Enwreathed discreetly;

Our blithest deeds so neighbouring wise
That doves should coo in soft surprise,
“These must belong to Paradise
       &nbsp       &nbsp Who live so sweetly.”

Our clock should be the closing flowers,
Our sprinkle-bath the passing showers,
Our church the alleyed willow bowers,
       &nbsp       &nbsp The truth our theme;

And infant shapes might soon abound:
Their shining heads would dot us round
Like mushroom balls on grassy ground . . .
       &nbsp       &nbsp - But all is dream!

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