The Vagabond is based on words written by Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894). With their saucy praise of the life on the road and the freedom of nature, they are reminders of the ancient traditions of the wanderer. But the musical elaboration is far from being just simple and popular : Ralph Vaughan Williams employs refined means of composition, in order to realize varied colors and moods ; and he offers the voice the possibility to sing magnificent phrasing and to evoke strong emotional impact.