Greensleeves Melody - 𝄞SunsetPiano Practice - take 15
Please tell me about the song, share details about its history, back story, and music theory, like its key and time signature, tempo etc...
1/31/2026 2338
Embedded Files
💚 Greensleeves - An Aggressively Devastating Love Song (v25)
"A Strikingly Dark Re-Imagining"
Arguably one of the most famous English folk songs in history, "Greensleeves" is a haunting melody that has survived for over four centuries.
In this striking re-imagining, I transform the traditional tune into a Macabre Madrigal—a visceral, cinematic descent that deconstructs a legacy of longing into a narrative of betrayal and eventual darkness.
💚 The Transformation
This version is no longer a polite folk song; it is a Tudor Tragedy played out in slow motion.
I have stripped away the "sad puppy" energy of the original and replaced it with a much more dangerous, toxic resentment.
By pivoting from the "sad but devoted" lens toward a narrative of aggressive devastation, the arrangement captures the curdled bitterness of a love that has turned truly lethal.
💚 The Sound & Narrative
The arrangement bridges the gap between 16th-century courtly prose and a sharp, modern linguistic fracture, creating a noir-inspired atmosphere that feels both ancient and arrestingly current.
By evolving from simple unrequited longing into themes of existential despair, the story moves from a life of love to a haunting after-life.
This expansion honors the song's 400-year history while plunging it into the raw, jagged intensity of the present day.
Composed By 𝄞SunsetPiano
2/1/2026 1732 Lyrics v25 (8 Verses, 3 Chorus)
Intro, Title, and Description v12
🎵🎵
📗 [Phase 1 - Style: Ghostly, Minimalist Piano, Pianissimo, Haunting]
[Verse 1 - Unrequited Love]
Alas, my love you do me wrong, To cast me off discourteously.
For I have loved you so long, Delighting in your company.
[Verse 2]
Alas, my love it’s such a shame, thy owns a Heart of vanity.
And now, I wander this world alone, all thanks to your insincerity.
💚 [Chorus 1]
Greensleeves, you were all my Joy, my Life, my Love and my Delight.
Greensleeves; you were my Heart of Gold, who became my worst nightmare’s Plight.
📗 [Phase 2 - Build: Low piano thrum, Mezzo-Piano, Tension]
[Verse 3 - The Build Up]
Your vows, you've broken, like my heart, Oh, why did you so enrapture Me?
'Cause now, I live in a world apart, But my heart remains in your Captivity.
[Verse 4]
I always was ready at your hand, To grant whatever your heart shall ask,
I have both wagered life and land, your love for me was only just a mask.
📗 [Phase 3 - Shift: Sudden Staccato, Bitter, Cynical]
[Verse 5 - Cynical Bitter Shift]
I bought thee into my private space; I gave my home and all I Had.
I kept thee in my royal bed, gave you jewels for thy breast, It wasn't all that Bad.
[Verse 6]
Thy gown I gave, was from finest silk, Thy sleeves were laced with Silver Thread;
Thy skin; felt soft, and oh, so warm, But you’re as cold as stone, in the End.
💚 [Chorus 2 - Gift from God]
Greensleeves you were my only Queen, My gift from God, precious love so Fair;
Thy Love was the Cruelest I've seen, How dare you leave, thy love in Despair.
📗 [Phase 4 - Bridge: Heavy Funeral March, Forte, Deep Bass Octaves]
[Verse 7 - The Bridge]
The seasons turn from Gold to grey, The winter frost, to me now feels so Kind.
Since you have turned your face away, No sun in my soul doth Shine.
📗 [Phase 5 - Climax: Fortissimo, Gothic Choir, Gates of Hell, Sudden Silence]
💚 [Chorus 3 - The Tragic Climax]
Greensleeves - you were my Life, my Breath, my hopes and needs, and soon my Death.
I will love her to the Gates of Hell, Though I fear that I’m already There.
📗 [Phase 6 - Style: Ghostly, Minimalist Piano, Pianissimo, Haunting]
[Verse 8 - Outtro - Bitter Farewell Dear]
So fare thee well, my Lady Green, I seek a shore that’s far away from Here.
Your face the fairest I’d ever seen, but inside you’re cold and bitter thorns, Dear.
Greensleeves - An Aggressively Devastating Love Song v15
Composed by 𝄞SunsetPiano
1/31/2026 2127
Custom Lyrics (20)
David W Coon,
@AstronomicalPiano
@SunsetPiano
@Science-God
Greensleeves - 𝄞SunsetPiano - take 10
Greensleeves - 𝄞SunsetPiano - take 10
A striking, much darker reimagining of "Greensleeves."
By shifting the focus from simple unrequited love to themes of betrayal, "nightmare’s plight," and even the "gates of Hell," I've turned this melancholic folk song into a visceral gothic ballad.
The juxtaposition of 16th-century courtly language with modern idioms like "all that Jazz" gives it a unique, theatrical flair—almost like something out of a dark cabaret or a "period-piece-meets-modern-noir" soundtrack.
I give the melody a much heavier, more plodding, "funeral march" feel.
a fantastic lyrical expansion—it honors the 400-year history while making it feel raw and relevant for 2026.
My striking re-imagining "Greensleeves".
Arguably the most famous English folk song in history.
It’s a haunting melody tells a story that has survived for 400 years.
This is my striking re-imagining of "Greensleeves" transforms the traditional English folk tune into a visceral gothic ballad.
By pivoting from simple unrequited longing to themes of betrayal and existential despair—descending into the "gates of Hell"—the narrative takes on a haunting new life.
The lyrical blend of 16th-century courtly prose with sharp modern idioms like "all that Jazz" creates a theatrical, noir-inspired atmosphere.
By trading the original folk lilt for a heavy, plodding funeral march, this expansion honors the song's 400-year legacy while grounding it firmly in the raw intensity of 2026.
[Verse 1]
Alas my love you do me wrong, To cast me off so discourteously.
For I have loved you so long, Delighting in your company.
[Verse 2]
Alas my love it’s such a shame to own A heart of wanton vanity.
And so, I wonder this world alone, All thanks to your foolish insincerities.
[Chorus 1]
Greensleeves was all my joy, you were my life, my love and my Delight. Greensleeves; you were my heart of gold, who became my nightmare’s Plight.
[Verse 3]
Your vows you've broken, like my heart, Oh, why did you so enrapture Me? Now I live in a world apart, But my heart remains in your Captivity.
[Verse 4]
I always was ready at your hand, To grant whatever your heart shall ask of Me, I have both wagered life and land, your love for me was only just a mask, I See.
[Verse 5]
I bought thee into my private space; I gave my home and all I Had. I kept thee in my royal bed, And jewels for thy breast and all that Jazz.
[Verse 6]
Thy gown I gave was finest silk, Thy sleeves were laced with silver Thread; Thy skin felt soft and oh so warm, But you’re as cold as stone, in the End.
[Chorus 2]
Greensleeves was my only Queen, My gift from God, precious love so Fair; Cruelest love that I hath ever seen, How dare thou leaves me in such Despair.
[Verse 7]
The seasons turn from gold to grey, The winter frost to me feels Kind. Since you have turned your face away, No sun in my soul doth Shine.
[Chorus 3]
Greensleeves was my life, my Breath, my hopes and needs, and soon my Death. I’ll love her to the gates of Hell, Though I fear I’m already There.
[Verse 8]
So fare thee well, my lady green, I seek a shore that’s far from Here. The fairest face I’ve ever seen, but you’re just cold and bitter thorns, my Dear.
𝄞SunsetPiano 1/31/2026 2127 Custom Lyrics (10)
Here are a few ways to revise this summary, depending on how you plan to use it (e.g., for a portfolio, a video description, or a program note).
Option 1: The "Program Note" (Professional & Artistic)
Option 1: The "Program Note" (Professional & Artistic)
This striking reimagining of "Greensleeves" transforms the traditional English folk tune into a visceral gothic ballad. By pivoting from simple unrequited longing to themes of betrayal and existential despair—descending into the "gates of Hell"—the narrative takes on a haunting new life. The lyrical blend of 16th-century courtly prose with sharp modern idioms like "all that Jazz" creates a theatrical, noir-inspired atmosphere. By trading the original folk lilt for a heavy, plodding funeral march, this expansion honors the song's 400-year legacy while grounding it firmly in the raw intensity of 2026.
Option 2: The "Elevator Pitch" (Concise & Punchy)
Option 2: The "Elevator Pitch" (Concise & Punchy)
A dark, theatrical evolution of a 400-year-old classic. This version of "Greensleeves" reimagines the folk staple as a gothic noir masterpiece, trading melancholic romance for "nightmare’s plight" and betrayal. With a heavy, funeral-march tempo and a lyrical style that bridges Elizabethan elegance with modern grit, it’s an expansion that feels both hauntingly ancient and arrestingly modern.
Option 3: The "Deep Dive" (Analytical & Detailed)
Option 3: The "Deep Dive" (Analytical & Detailed)
"SunsetPiano's Greensleeves" is a bold deconstruction of history’s most famous folk song. It replaces the traditional "lightness" of the melody with a plodding, funeral-march gravity, shifting the emotional center toward the "gates of Hell." The genius lies in its linguistic juxtaposition: it maintains the integrity of 16th-century language while injecting modern-noir flourishes like "all that Jazz." This creates a "dark cabaret" aesthetic that honors the song's Tudor roots while proving its raw relevance for a 2026 audience.
Key Improvements Made:
Key Improvements Made:
Flow: Connected the separate thoughts into cohesive paragraphs.
Word Choice: Used more descriptive terms like existential despair, linguistic juxtaposition, and arrestingly modern.
Tone: Balanced the historical significance with your specific creative "SunsetPiano" additions.
Which of these fits the vibe you’re going for? I can also help you draft a technical performance guide if you’re planning to record this!
A striking, much darker reimagining of "Greensleeves."
By shifting the focus from simple unrequited love to themes of betrayal, "nightmare’s plight," and even the "gates of Hell," I've turned this melancholic folk song into a visceral gothic ballad.
The juxtaposition of 16th-century courtly language with modern idioms like "all that Jazz" gives it a unique, theatrical flair—almost like something out of a dark cabaret or a "period-piece-meets-modern-noir" soundtrack.
Observations on Your "SunsetPiano" Version:
Observations on Your "SunsetPiano" Version:
The Emotional Arc: Your version moves from sadness (Verse 1) to a much more aggressive sense of devastation.
Traditional versions usually stay in the "sad but devoted" lane, but yours captures the bitterness of a love that has truly turned toxic.
The "All That Jazz" Twist: In Verse 5, that line is a brilliant anachronism.
It breaks the "Tudor" immersion for a second to emphasize the narrator's exhaustion—as if they are saying, "I gave her everything, and it was all just a show."
The Climax (Chorus 3): Referencing "Hell" and saying "I fear I’m already there" is a powerful way to end the emotional journey.
I give the melody a much heavier, more plodding, "funeral march" feel.
Musical Suggestions for This Version
Musical Suggestions for This Version
If you are planning to perform or record this specific arrangement, here are a few ideas to match the "SunsetPiano" vibe:
Tempo & Dynamics: * Start Piano (softly) and Rubato (free time) for the first two verses.
As you hit Chorus 3 ("gates of Hell"), increase the volume to Forte and use heavy, low-octave bass notes on the piano to emphasize the descent.
Harmonic Shifts: * Instead of the standard G Major chord in the $VII$ position, try using a G# Diminished chord leading into the E Major ($V$).
It will add a "creepy," tense dissonance that matches your lyrics about "nightmares" and "thorns."
The Ending: * For Verse 8, go back to a very sparse, thin texture.
Let the final "my Dear" ring out on a single, low A-minor chord, leaving the listener in that "cold and bitter" space you've created.
This is a fantastic lyrical expansion—it honors the 400-year history while making it feel raw and relevant for 2026.
Would you like me to create a haunting, gothic-style image of "Lady Greensleeves" to serve as cover art for this version?
"Greensleeves"
"Greensleeves"
Arguably the most famous English folk song in history.
It’s a haunting melody tells a story that has survived for 400 years.
[Verse 1] Alas my love you do me wrong, To cast me off so discourteously.
For I have loved you so long, Delighting in your company.
[Verse 2] Alas my love it’s such a shame to own A heart of wanton vanity.
And so, I wonder this world alone, All thanks to your foolish insincerities.
[Chorus 1] Greensleeves was all my joy, you were my life, my love and my Delight.
Greensleeves; you were my heart of gold, who became my nightmare’s Plight.
[Verse 3] Your vows you've broken, like my heart, Oh, why did you so enrapture Me?
Now I live in a world apart, But my heart remains in your Captivity.
[Verse 4] I always was ready at your hand, To grant whatever your heart shall ask of Me,
I have both wagered life and land, your love for me was only just a mask, I See.
[Verse 5] I bought thee into my private space; I gave my home and all I Had.
I kept thee in my royal bed, And jewels for thy breast and all that Jazz.
[Verse 6] Thy gown I gave was finest silk, Thy sleeves were laced with silver Thread;
Thy skin felt soft and oh so warm, But you’re as cold as stone, in the End.
[Chorus 2] Greensleeves was my only Queen, My gift from God, precious love so Fair;
Cruelest love that I hath ever seen, How dare thou leaves me in such Despair.
[Verse 7] The seasons turn from gold to grey, The winter frost to me feels Kind.
Since you have turned your face away, No sun in my soul doth Shine.
[Chorus 3] Greensleeves was my life, my Breath, my hopes and needs, and soon my Death.
I’ll love her to the gates of Hell, Though I fear I’ve already wandered off There.
[Verse 9] So fare thee well, my lady green, I seek a shore that’s far from Here.
The fairest face I’ve ever seen, but you’re just cold and bitter thorns, my Dear.
𝄞SunsetPiano 1/31/2026 2127 Custom Lyrics (10)
"Greensleeves"
is arguably the most famous English folk song in history. It’s a haunting melody that has survived for over 400 years.
[Verse 1] Alas my love you do me wrong, To cast me off so discourteously.
For I have loved you so long, Delighting in your company.
[Verse 2] Alas my love it’s such a shame to own A heart of wanton vanity
So I wonder this world alone, thanks to your foolish insincerities.
[Verse 3] Your vows you've broken, like my heart, Oh, why did you so enrapture me?
Now I live in a world apart, But my heart remains in your captivity.
[Verse 4] I always was ready at your hand, To grant whatever your heart shall ask,
I have both wagered life and land, your love for me was just a mask.
[Verse 5] I bought thee into my private space, I gave my home and all I had.
I kept thee in my royal bed, And jewels for thy breast and all that jazz.
[Verse 6] Thy gown I gave you was the finest silk, Thy sleeves were laced with silver thread;
Thy skin soft and oh so warm, But you’re as cold as stone when all is said.
[Verse 7] The seasons turn from gold to grey, The winter frost to me feels kind.
Since you have turned your face away, No sun in my soul doth shine.
[Verse 8] Thou couldst have had my life and soul, To do with as thou didst desire;
But thou hast played a cruel role, And quenched my longing’s holy fire.
[Verse 9] So fare thee well, my lady green, I seek a shore that’s far from here.
The fairest face I’ve ever seen, but you’re cold and bitter thorns my dear.
[Chorus 1] Greensleeves was all my joy, you were my love and my delight.
Greensleeves; you were my heart of gold, who became my nightmare plight.
[Chorus 2] Greensleeves was all my light, my dreams at night my sweet song;
Greensleeves you were my heart's delight, And I have loved her far too long.
[Chorus 3] Greensleeves was my only queen, my gift from God, my lady so fair;
Now you’re the cruelest love that I have seen, how dare you leaves me in such despair.
[Chorus 4] Greensleeves was my life, my breath, my hopes and needs, my morning star;
I’ll love her to the gates of death, Though I fear I’ve wandered off away so far.
1/31/2026 1721 𝄞SunsetPiano custom Lyrics v5
"Greensleeves" is arguably the most famous English folk song in history. It’s a haunting melody that has survived for over 400 years, evolving from a Tudor-era pop hit into a staple of classical music and even a beloved Christmas carol.
The Legend of Henry VIII
The Legend of Henry VIII
The most popular story is that King Henry VIII wrote the song for Anne Boleyn while he was pursuing her. The lyrics describe a lover who has been cast aside despite giving his lady expensive gifts.
The Reality: Most musicologists say this is a myth. The song is written in an Italian style of composition (the passamezzo antico) that didn't reach England until after Henry VIII’s death.
The First Record: It was officially registered at the London Stationers' Company in 1580 by Richard Jones as "A New Northern Dittye of the Lady Greene Sleeves."
What’s in a Name?
What’s in a Name?
The meaning of "Greensleeves" has been debated for centuries. In Elizabethan England, the color green had specific connotations:
The Romantic View: Green symbolized "lightness" in love or a lady of "loose" virtue (the idea being that her sleeves would be stained green from rolling around in the grass).
The Literal View: It simply referred to a woman wearing an expensive, fashionable gown with distinct green sleeves—a sign of high status.
Shakespeare and Cultural Impact
Shakespeare and Cultural Impact
The song was a massive "radio hit" of its day. Even William Shakespeare gave it a shout-out. In The Merry Wives of Windsor, the character Falstaff exclaims:
"Let the sky rain potatoes; let it thunder to the tune of Greensleeves!"
In the 1860s, the melody was famously paired with the lyrics "What Child Is This?", written by William Chatterton Dix, turning the folk tune into one of the world's most recognizable Christmas carols.
Lyrics
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
[Verse 1]
Alas my love you do me wrong
To cast me off discourteously
For i have loved you so long
Delighting in your company.
[Chorus 1]
[Chorus 1]
Greensleeves was all my joy,
Greensleeves was my delight.
Greensleeves was my heart of gold
And who but my lady Greensleeves ?
[Verse 2]
[Verse 2]
Alas my love that you should own
A heart of wanton vanity
So i must laddie think alone
Upon your insincerity.
[Verse 3] I bought thee kerchers for thy head That were wrought finely and with care; I kept thee in a royal bed, And jewels for thy breast to wear.
[Verse 4] Thy gown was of the grassy silk, Thy sleeves were laced with silver thread; Thy skin was whiter than the milk, But cold as stone when all is said.
[Verse 5] The seasons turn from gold to grey, The winter frost is on the vine; Since you have turned your face away, No sun within my soul shall shine.
[Verse 6] Thou couldst have had my life and soul, To do with as thou didst desire; But thou hast played a cruel role, And quenched my longing’s holy fire.
[Verse 7] So fare thee well, my lady green, I seek a shore that’s far and wide; The fairest face I’ve ever seen, With cold and bitter thorns inside.
Additional Choruses
Additional Choruses
[Chorus 2] Greensleeves was all my light, Greensleeves was my sweet song; Greensleeves was my heart's delight, And I have loved her far too long.
[Chorus 3] Greensleeves was my only queen, Greensleeves was my lady fair; The cruelest love that I have seen, Is she who leaves me in despair.
[Chorus 4] Greensleeves was my life, my breath, Greensleeves was my morning star; I’ll love her to the gates of death, Though she has wandered off so far.
To expand on this classic, I’ve written these new verses and choruses in the traditional ballad meter, maintaining the Elizabethan themes of unrequited love, material devotion, and the "wanton vanity" mentioned in your second verse.
Here are 5 additional verses and 3 additional choruses to weave into the song:
Additional Verses
Additional Verses
[Verse 3] I bought thee kerchers for thy head That were wrought finely and with care; I kept thee in a royal bed, And jewels for thy breast to wear.
[Verse 4] Thy gown was of the grassy silk, Thy sleeves were laced with silver thread; Thy skin was whiter than the milk, But cold as stone when all is said.
[Verse 5] The seasons turn from gold to grey, The winter frost is on the vine; Since you have turned your face away, No sun within my soul shall shine.
[Verse 6] Thou couldst have had my life and soul, To do with as thou didst desire; But thou hast played a cruel role, And quenched my longing’s holy fire.
[Verse 7] So fare thee well, my lady green, I seek a shore that’s far and wide; The fairest face I’ve ever seen, With cold and bitter thorns inside.
Additional Choruses
Additional Choruses
[Chorus 2] Greensleeves was all my light, Greensleeves was my sweet song; Greensleeves was my heart's delight, And I have loved her far too long.
[Chorus 3] Greensleeves was my only queen, Greensleeves was my lady fair; The cruelest love that I have seen, Is she who leaves me in despair.
[Chorus 4] Greensleeves was my life, my breath, Greensleeves was my morning star; I’ll love her to the gates of death, Though she has wandered off so far.
A Note on Performance
A Note on Performance
If you are playing this, remember that the original ballad often had many verses (sometimes up to 18!) that described the specific gifts the lover bought. You can alternate the choruses after every two verses to keep the melody moving.
Would you like me to suggest a chord progression that fits these lyrics, or perhaps help you translate some of the archaic terms like "kerchers" or "wrought"?
A-las my love you do me wrong, to cast me off dis - court - eous -
ly. For I have loved you so long, de - light - ing in your com - pan -ny. Green - sleeves was all my joy, Green - sleeves was my de -
light. Green - sleeves was my heart of gold, and who but my La - dy Green - sleeves...
𝄞SunsetPiano Sheet Music (v35) WIDESCREEN (with Lyrics, Finger Numbers & Chords)
1/30/2026 2220
(Am) (C) (G)
| | | | | | | | | | | |
e|------------|------------|0-----1-0---|------------|
B|------------|1-------3---|------------|3-------0---|
G|--------2---|------------|------------|------------|
D|------------|------------|------------|------------|
A|------------|0-------2---|3-----------|------------|
E|------------|------------|------------|3-----------|
A - las my love you do me
(Am) (E)
e|------------|------------|------------|------------|
B|--------0---|1-----------|------------|0-----------|
G|0-----2-----|--------2---|2-----1-2---|--------1---|
D|------------|------------|3-----------|2-----------|
A|2-----------|0-----------|------------|------------|
E|------------|------------|------------|------------|
wrong, to cast me off dis - court - eous -
(Am) (C) (G)
e|------------|------------|0-----1-0---|------------|
B|------------|1-------3---|------------|3-------0---|
G|--------2---|------------|------------|------------|
D|2-----------|------------|------------|------------|
A|------------|0-------2---|3-----------|------------|
E|0-----------|------------|------------|3-----------|
ly. For I have loved you so
(Am) (E) (Am)
e|------------|------------|------------|------------|
B|--------0---|1-----0-----|------------|------------|
G|0-----2-----|--------2---|1-------1---|2-----------|
D|------------|------------|------4-----|------------|
A|2-----------|0-----------|------------|0-----------|
E|------------|------------|0-----------|------------|
long, de - light - ing in your com - pan -
(C) (G)
e|------------|3-----------|3-----2-0---|------------|
B|------------|------------|------------|3-------0---|
G|2-----------|------------|------------|------------|
D|------------|2-----------|2-----------|------------|
A|0-----------|3-----------|3-----------|------------|
E|------------|------------|------------|3-----------|
ny. Green - sleeves was all my
(Am) (E)
e|------------|------------|------------|------------|
B|--------0---|1-----------|------------|0-----------|
G|0-----2-----|--------2---|2-----1-2---|--------1---|
D|------------|------------|------------|2-----------|
A|2-----------|0-----------|0-----------|------------|
E|------------|------------|------------|------------|
joy, Green - sleeves was my de -
(C) (G)
e|------------|3-----------|3-----2-0---|------------|
B|------------|------------|------------|3-------0---|
G|------------|------------|------------|------------|
D|2-----------|2-----------|2-----------|------------|
A|------------|3-----------|3-----------|------------|
E|0-----------|------------|------------|3-----------|
light. Green - sleeves was my heart of
(Am) (E) (Am)
e|------------|------------|------------|------------|
B|--------0---|1-----0-----|------------|------------|
G|0-----2-----|--------2---|1-------1---|2-----------|
D|------------|------------|------4-----|------------|
A|2-----------|0-----------|------------|0-----------|
E|------------|------------|0-----------|------------|
gold, and who but my La - dy Green -
e|------------|
B|------------|
G|2-----------|
D|------------|
A|0-----------|
E|------------|
sleeves...
𝄞SunsetPiano Arrangement for MuseScore
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