The Blacksmith

1. A blacksmith courted me, nine months and better.
   He fairly won my heart, wrote me a letter.
   With his hammer in his hand he looked quite clever.
   And if I was with my love I’d live forever.
2. But where is my love gone with his cheeks like roses
   and his good black billycock on, decked round with primroses.
   I’m afraid the scorching sun will shine and burn his beauty.
   And if I was with my love I’d do my duty.
3. Strange news is come to town, strange news is carried,
   strange news flies up and down, that my love is married.
   I wish them both much joy though they can’t hear me.
   And may God reward him well for the slighting of me.
4. Don’t you remember when you lay beside me
   and you said, you’d marry me and not deny me.
   If I said I’d marry you, it was only for to try you
   so bring your witness love and I’ll not deny you.
5. A witness have I none, save God almighty,
   and may He reward you well for the slighting of me.
   Her lips grew pale and wan and it made her poor heart tremble
   to think she loved a one and he proved deceitful.

trad. irish arr. Planxty. Q: The Songs of Planxty, News Music, London 1976

MIDI

Myriad