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from Volkslieder (Folksongs)

Adam's Bride (A marriage lesson)
Language: English 
When Adam was created, he dwelt in Eden's shade,
As Moses has related, before a bride was made,
Ten thousand time ten thousand of creatures swarmed around,
Before a bride was forméd, or any mate was found.
He had no consolation, but seemed as one alone,
Till, to his admiration, he found he'd lost a bone,
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 she must not be abused, the meaning seems to be.
This woman she was taken from under Adam's arm;
And she must be protected from injury and harm.
This woman she was taken from near to Adam's heart,
By which we are directed that they should never part.
To you, most loving bridegroom, to you most loving bride,
Be sure you live a Christian and for your house provide.
Avoiding all discontent, don't sow the seed of strife,
As is the solemn duty of every man and wife.

Note: Abraham Lincoln recited or sang this poem at his sister's wedding in 1826 under the title "Adam and Eve's Wedding Song". The poem appears to have existed before the American Revolution.

Text Authorship:

  • from Volkslieder (Folksongs)  [author's text not yet checked against a primary source]

Musical settings (art songs, Lieder, mélodies, (etc.), choral pieces, and other vocal works set to this text), listed by composer (not necessarily exhaustive):

  • by Kirke Mechem (b. 1925), "Adam's Bride (A marriage lesson)", op. 46 no. 4 [SATB chorus and piano], from American Madrigals: Madrigal Cycle on American Folks Songs, no. 4, Carl Fischer [
     text verified 1 time
    ]

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]

This text was added to the website: 2012-06-08
Line count: 18
Word count: 175

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