Let No Man Steal Your Thyme

Carey Mulligan's rendition of 'Let No Man Steal Your Thyme' is a hauntingly beautiful folk song that carries a timeless message of caution and self-preservation. The lyrics speak directly to young women, urging them to protect their innocence and virtue, symbolized by the 'garden' and 'thyme.' The garden metaphor is a classic representation of purity and personal boundaries, while thyme, a delicate herb, signifies time and the fleeting nature of youth and beauty.

The song warns that once a woman's 'time' or innocence is taken, the man responsible will no longer care for her, leaving her with regret and sorrow, symbolized by 'rue,' a plant associated with regret. This cautionary tale is a reminder of the emotional and social consequences of giving away one's virtue too freely. The imagery of the garden overrun with rue paints a vivid picture of lost innocence and the lasting impact of such experiences.

In the latter part of the song, the gardener's son offers the narrator three flowers, each representing different aspects of love and life. The red rose, often a symbol of passionate love, is refused in favor of the willow tree, which signifies sorrow and unrequited love. This choice highlights the narrator's experience of being slighted in love, a common theme in folk music that resonates with the universal human experience of heartache and disappointment. Mulligan's delicate and emotive delivery of these lyrics adds depth to the song's message, making it a poignant reminder of the importance of self-respect and caution in matters of the heart.