Geordie

The song "Geordie" as performed by Gabry Ponte is a rendition of a traditional British folk ballad. The lyrics tell the story of a man named Geordie who is condemned to death for poaching deer from the King's park. The narrative is delivered from the perspective of a woman, presumably Geordie's lover, as she recounts the events leading to his arrest and her plea for his life.

The opening lines set a somber mood, with the woman crossing London Bridge on a sunless day, weeping for her beloved Geordie. The use of 'London Bridge' and the 'day without sun' metaphorically represents the crossing into a dark period of her life and the absence of hope. The 'golden rope' with which Geordie is to be hanged symbolizes the irony of the situation – a precious material used for an act of punishment, highlighting the perceived value of royal property over a human life.

The woman's journey to London to plead for Geordie's life underscores the themes of love and desperation. Despite her efforts, the inflexibility of the law is emphasized – neither the hearts of the English nor the King's scepter can save him. The song reflects on the harshness of justice and the tragedy of young life lost, as Geordie is described as being not yet twenty years old. The ballad serves as a poignant commentary on the value of life, love's powerlessness against the law, and the cruel nature of punishment for crimes of survival.