Sat Jul 09, 2022 10:06 am
I've been singing the "sheeps eyes" line for 25+ years, and learnt it from my dad who sang it like that for 20 odd years before that. As far as pronunciation is concerned, I've always pronounced it "delutherin' lies"
As for its meaning, my interpretation was always that sheeps eyes is an alternative to doe eyes, and deludhering lies alluded to flattering talk, i.e. I'll try making eyes at her and flatter her with romantic nonsence.
Interestingly I've never heard this version done by anyone else, and have no idea where it originated. As with many folk songs, people change lines and add verses over the years. It's just down to which version you hear first.
