Greensleves, “meaning”

I think it is one of the most well known compositions in the world Rumours saying Henry VIII composed it, it’s real or not? I don’t know to be honest, but at least expresses perfectly the desperation of a man about a lady who will never love him.

Is so cruel and so reflexive at the same time, but What really means “Greensleves” maybe have something to see with the traditions where green means “pure” “true” and greensleeves is a nickname for a girl, sleeves reffering to the loved one…

ok just a theory but I read about something checking around here and there, anyway is that the real meaning or not, I just can say is an amazing piece.

Lyrics

Alas, my love, you do me wrong,
To cast me off discourteously.
For I have loved you well and long,
Delighting in your company.
Chorus:
Greensleeves was all my joy
Greensleeves was my delight,
Greensleeves was my heart of gold,
And who but my lady greensleeves.
Your vows you've broken, like my heart,
Oh, why did you so enrapture me?
Now I remain in a world apart
But my heart remains in captivity.
chorus
I have been ready at your hand,
To grant whatever you would crave,
I have both wagered life and land,
Your love and good-will for to have.
chorus
If you intend thus to disdain,
It does the more enrapture me,
And even so, I still remain
A lover in captivity.
chorus
My men were clothed all in green,
And they did ever wait on thee;
All this was gallant to be seen,
And yet thou wouldst not love me.
chorus
Thou couldst desire no earthly thing,
but still thou hadst it readily.
Thy music still to play and sing;
And yet thou wouldst not love me.
chorus
Well, I will pray to God on high,
that thou my constancy mayst see,
And that yet once before I die,
Thou wilt vouchsafe to love me.
chorus
Ah, Greensleeves, now farewell, adieu,
To God I pray to prosper thee,
For I am still thy lover true,
Come once again and love me.
chorus

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