Benjamin Britten - The False Knight upon the road

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The knight met the child in the road
O where are you going to?
Said the knight in the road
I am going to my school
Said the child as he stood
He stood and he stood and it's well because he stood
I am going to my school
Said the child as he stood

O what are you going there for?
Said the knight in the road
For to learn the Word of God
Said the child as he stood
He stood and he stood and it's well because he stood
For to learn the Word of God
Said the child as he stood

O what have you got there?
Said the knight in the road
I have got my bread and cheese
Said the child as he stood
He stood and he stood and it's well because he stood
I have got my bread and cheese
Said the child as he stood

O won't you give me some?
Said the knight in the road
No, ne'er a bite nor crumb
Said the child as he stood
He stood and he stood and it's well because he stood
No, ne'er a bite nor crumb
Said the child as he stood
I wish you was on the sands
Said the knight in the road
Yes, and a good staff in my hands
Said the child as he stood
He stood and he stood and it's well because he stood
Yes, and a good staff in my hands
Said the child as he stood

I wish you was in the sea
Said the knight in the road
Yes, and a good boat under me
Said the child as he stood
He stood and he stood and it's well because he stood
Yes, and a good boat under me
Said the child as he stood

I think I hear a bell
Said the knight in the road
Yes, and it's ringing you to hell
Said the child as he stood
He stood and he stood and it's well because he stood
Yes, and it's ringing you to hell
Said the child as he stood

Release Date: January 01, 1976

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The meaning of the song

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"The False Knight upon the Road" is a haunting and eerie folk song composed by Benjamin Britten. The song tells the story of a knight who meets a child on the road and engages in a series of exchanges with him. The child, with his innocent yet enigmatic responses, seems to have an otherworldly wisdom that unnerves the knight. As the conversation progresses, it becomes clear that the child is not what he seems, hinting at a darker, more sinister presence. The repetitive nature of the lyrics, with the child's constant refrain of "He stood and he stood and it's well because he stood," adds to the eerie atmosphere of the song. Britten's composition captures the mysterious and unsettling nature of the encounter, making "The False Knight upon the Road" a captivating and unforgettable piece.

Biography

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Benjamin Britten, born in 1913 in Suffolk, England, was a renowned composer of the 20th century, particularly known for his operas. He began his musical education at an early age and went on to study at the prestigious Royal College of Music. It was during his time at the college that he fell into the circle of poet W.H. Auden, who would become a significant influence on his work.

Although Britten left Auden's circle after a few years, he met the tenor Peter Pears, who would not only become his greatest musical interpreter but also his personal partner until Britten's death. The two collaborated on many projects together, with Pears often performing in Britten's operas and other compositions.

During World War II, Britten spent some time in America, where he continued to compose and gain recognition for his work. However, it was in 1945 that he truly leapt to prominence with the premiere of his opera Peter Grimes, which was met with critical acclaim.

Throughout his career, Britten continued to compose operas, including Albert Herring, Billy Budd, The Turn of the Screw, and Death in Venice, all of which solidified his reputation as one of the greatest opera composers of his time. In addition to his operatic works, Britten also wrote music for other venues, with notable successes including the Serenade for Tenor, Horn, and Strings; the Variations on a Theme by Frank Bridge; the Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra; and the War Requiem.

In recognition of his contributions to music, Britten was awarded a life peerage by the British crown shortly before his death in 1976. His legacy continues to live on through his timeless compositions, which are still performed and celebrated by musicians and audiences around the world.