When Adam was created

When Adam was created

Roud 728

collected by Cecil Sharp from Reverend Jasper Robertson, Burnsville, North Carolina, 1916.

Words and music in Eighty English Folk Songs

1. When Adam was created he dwelled in Eden’s shade
   As Moses has related before his bride was made
   Ten thousand times ten thousand of creatures swarmed around
   Before his bride was formed or animate was found
   
   
2. He had no conversation, he seemed like one alone
   Then to his admiration he found he’d lost a bone
   Great was his exaltation when first he saw his bride
   Great was his elevation to see her by his side
   
   
3. This woman was not taken from Adam’s head, we know
   And she must not rule over him, ‘tis evidently so
   This woman was not taken from Adam’s feet we see
   And he must not abuse her, the meaning seems to be
   
   
4. This woman she was taken from under Adam’s arms
   And she must be protected from hunger and from harm
   This woman she was taken from near to Adam’s heart
   By this we are directed that they must never part
   
   
5. To you most loving bridegroom, to you most loving bride
   be sure you live as Christians and for your house provide
   Avoid all discontent and don’t sow the seeds of strife
   As is the solemn duty of every man and wife