Price codeC
World, traditional, folkCatalogue no. 2054
Spin, spin
Music: Trad. German arr. Jennifer Bell, Words: Trad. German trans. Jennifer Bell
Voicing: SA, piano
Performance time approx: 2m 00s
Range S: c' – c'' / A: g (or b♭) – c''
Price code: C
Complexity:
In this song (reminiscent of Whistle, daughter, whistle and other such songs), a girl finds excuses not to spin, despite blandishments from her mother – until she is offered the prospect of a husband, at which point she becomes more motivated.
The text of the song appeared in the 1808 edition of Des Knaben Wunderhorn (The Boy’s Magic Horn), a collection of German poems and songs that became well known throughout Germany and was used as a source of lyrics by many 19th and 20th century composers. The tune dates from later (around 1836).
Jennifer Bell’s arrangement has a call and response structure with simple harmonies in the tutti sections. . The recording is by the Columbus Women’s Chorus, Ohio, directed by Jennifer.
For companion pieces we recommend Needles and pins and Whistle, daughter, whistle.
Oh, spin, spin, my darling daughter; I’ll buy you new shoes.
Oh, yes, yes, my darling mother, with new buckles, too!
But I cannot spin, because I’ve hurt my finger.
Oh dear! I fear no spinning for me.
Oh, spin, spin, my darling daughter; I’ll buy you new hose.
Oh, yes, yes, my darling mother, I’d love some of those!
But I cannot spin, because I’ve hurt my finger.
Oh dear! I fear no spinning for me.
Oh, spin, spin, my darling daughter; I’ll buy you a dress.
Oh, yes, yes, my darling mother! You’re kind to excess.
But I cannot spin, because I’ve hurt my finger.
Oh dear! I fear no spinning for me.
Oh, spin, spin, my darling daughter; I’ll find you a mate!
Oh, yes, yes, my darling mother! Wow, that would be great!
But I cannot spin, because I’ve hurt my fi…..
Oh look! I can spin for my finger is better!
My dear! It’s clear, it’s spinning for me!
Jennifer Bell
Translation of the German song Spinn, spinn meine liebe Tochter