Sandy Denny (6 January 1947 – 21 April 1978), born Alexandra Elene Maclean Denny, was an English singer and songwriter, perhaps best known as the lead singer for the folk rock band Fairport Convention. She has been described by Allmusic's Richie Unterberger as "the pre-eminent British folk rock singer".
After briefly working with British folk band the Strawbs, Denny joined Fairport Convention in 1968, remaining with that band until the end of 1969. She formed the short-lived band Fotheringay in 1970, releasing one album with them (another unreleased album would surface some three decades later), before focusing on a solo career. Between 1971 and 1977, Denny released four solo albums: The North Star Grassman and the Ravens, Sandy, Like an Old Fashioned Waltz, and Rendezvous. She is also noted as the only guest vocalist on a Led Zeppelin studio album, when she shared a duet with Robert Plant for "The Battle of Evermore" on Led Zeppelin IV (1971).
Music publications Sunday Express, Uncut and Mojo have each called Denny Britain's finest female singer-songwriter. Her composition "Who Knows Where the Time Goes?" has been recorded by many artists as diverse as Judy Collins, Nina Simone and Cat Power.
Tam (or Tamas) Lin (also called Tamlane, Tamlin, Tomlin, Tam Lien, Tam-a-Line, or Tam Lane) is the hero of a legendary ballad originating from the Scottish Borders. The story revolves around the rescue of Tam Lin by his true love from the Queen of the Fairies. While this ballad is specific to Scotland, the motif of capturing a person by holding him through all forms of transformation is found throughout Europe in folktales.
The story has been adapted into various stories, songs and films.
Most variants begin with the warning that Tam Lin collects either a possession or the virginity of any maidens who pass through the forest of Carterhaugh. A young maiden, usually called Janet or Margaret, comes to Carterhaugh and plucks a double rose, whereupon Tam appears and asks why she is in Carterhaugh without his command and has taken what is his. She states that she owns Carterhaugh, because her father has given it to her.
In most variants, she then goes home and discovers that she is pregnant; some variants pick up the story at this point. When an old knight taxes her with it, she announces that she will not declare him her baby's father, that her lover is an elf and that she loves him. She returns to Carterhaugh. In some variants, her brother has told her that a herb growing there will induce an abortion. In all, she picks something, whether the herb or the same roses as when they first met. Tam reappears, enraged, and forbids her to abort.
Although the flames they are so dim,
I can see them from over here.
But this is no time to worry now,
No time to shed a tear.
The people are all smiling,
And the letters are all too,
The flowers they are all arranged
And the notes they are all blue.
Where are the words to say to you,
Where do they all begin.
I should not have a lot to lose
And everything to win.
And I want you to be smiling,
I want you not to cry.
And even if I hide away,
Then you'll get the notion why.A symphony I learnt at school,
In pigeonholes so clear,
But it made me for to write no songs,
For nobody to hear.
And I see you are all smiling
Even in the candle light.
Just close your eyes and fall asleep,
And I think you'll be alright.
Close your eyes and fall asleep,
And I think you'll be alright.
Why do you whisper, green grass,
Why tell the trees what ain't so?
Whispering grass,
The trees don't have to know.
Why tell them all your secrets,
Who kissed there long ago?
Whispering grass,
The trees don't need to know.
Don't you tell it to the breeze,
`Cos she will tell the birds and bees,
And everyone will know
Because you told them once before.
Yes you told them once before,
It's no secret anymore.Why tell them all the old things,
They're buried under the snow.
Whispering grass, don't tell the trees,
'Cos the trees don't need to know.
Now don't you tell it to the breeze
`Cos she will tell the birds and bees,
And everyone will know
Because you told them once before.
Yes you told them once before,
It's no secret anymore.
Why tell them all the old things,
They're buried under the snow.
Whispering grass, don't tell the trees,
'Cos the trees don't need to know.
Wondering and waiting, my back agaist the wall
Not a word that passed between us comes to recall
Just you shadow at the window as you pass on down the hall
You never wanted me and never knew me at all
I haven't any picture to set before my eyes
Nothing I can blame when the blues start to rise
Just the memory of laughter and a living out of lies
But if I could change my ways we would never have said goodbye
If you ever get the time, please think of me
It's a lock that can't be broken and there isn't any key
I'm only in your mind, only you can set me free
You can't hurt me anymore and it isn't hard to see
Someday, someone will leave you and I know you'll feel the same
But you'll mark it down to memory and a dream that never came
But they are no answers given when love is just a game
And you never wanted me and now I feel the same
I'd work for you, I'd even slave for you
I'd be a beggar or a knave for you
And if that isn't love it'll have to do
Until the real thing comes along
I'd gladly move the earth for you
To prove my love dear and its worth for you
And if that isn't love it'll have to do
Until the real thing comes along
With all the words dear at my command
I just can't make you understand
I'll always love you, darling, come what may
My heart is yours, what more can I say
I'd sigh for you, I'd cry for you
I'd tear the stars down from the sky for you
And if that isn't love it'll have to do
Until the real thing comes along
I'd sigh for you, I'd cry for you
I'd tear the stars down from the sky for you
And if that isn't love it'll have to do
This train don't carry no gamblers, this train,
This train don't carry no gamblers, this train,
This train don't carry no gamblers
No crap shooters, no midnight ramblers,
This train don't carry no gamblers, this train.
Chorus:
This train is bound for glory, this train,
This train is bound for glory, this train,
This train is bound for glory,
Don't carry nothin' but the righteous an' the holy
This train is bound for glory, this train.
This train goes down the track, this train,
This train goes down the track, this train,
This train goes down the track,
And once you're on board you don't come back
This train goes down the track, this train
(Chorus)This train don't pay no transportation, this train,
This train don't pay no transportation, this train,
This train don't pay no transportation
No Jim Crow and no discrimination,
This train don't pay no transportation, this train.
(Chorus)
It's a lesson too late for the learning
Made of sand, made of sand
In the winking of an eye my soul is turning
In your hand, in your hand.
Chorus:
Are you going away with no word of farewell?
Will there be not a trace left behind?
I could have loved you better
Didn't mean to be unkind
But you know that was the last thing on my mind.
You had reasons plenty for going
This I know, this I know.
For the weeds have been steadily growing
Please don't go, please don't go.
(Chorus)
As we walk, my thoughts are a-tumbling
Round and round, round and round
And the subway beneath my feet is a-rumbling
Underground, underground(Chorus)
As I lie in my bed in the morning
Without you, without you.
Every song in my breast dies a-borning
Without you, without you.
(Chorus)
I'm a long way from you,
I'm a long way from home.
And who cares for the feeling
Of being alone?
The notes and the words
They will always unfold
And I'm left with a manuscript
That will grow old
And the secrets all told anyway.
So the song it is yours,
And the song it is mine.
And a cold wind it blows
Through good fortunes of time.
The hobo he leaves
When the going is bad
And the music he weaves
Is so gentle and sad.
But freedom he has anyway.
The lady she had a silver tongue.
For to sing she said,
And maybe that's all.
Wait for the dawn and we will have that song.
When it ends it will seem
That we hear silence fall.
The lady she had a golden heart,
For to love, she said
And she did not lie.
Wait for the dawn and we'll watch for the sun.
As we turn it will seem
To arise in the sky.
We heard that song while watching the skies,
Oh the sound it rang
So clear through the cold.
Then silence fell and the sun did arise
On a beautiful morning of silver and gold.
My young man, oh he is so fine,
Sweet Rosemary did say.
She gathered flowers and she sang
All about her wedding day.
Oh when I was a lass at school
I looked out at the sky,
And now among the woodlands cool,
Gathering sweet primroses I.
I wish I was a little bird,
With wings that I could fly,
Then I would find my own true love,
And when he'd speak then I'd be by.My heart would flutter like the wings,
Oh to see my own dear one.
And pretty words I'd like to sing
All beneath the morning sun.
Oh, my young man, oh he is so fine,
Sweet Rosemary did say.
She gathered flowers and she sang
All about her wedding day.
I can't believe that it's so cold
As gentle tides go rolling by,
Along the salt sea strand
The colours blend and roll as one
Together in the sand.
And often do the winds entwine
Do send their distant call,
The quiet joys of brotherhood,
And love is lord of all.The oak and weed together rise,
Along the common ground.
The mare and stallion light and dark
Have thunder in their sound.
The rainbow sign, the blended flower
Still have my heart in thrall.
The quiet joys of brotherhood,
And love is lord of all.
But man has come to plough the tide,
The oak lies on the ground.
I hear their tires in the fields,
They drive the stallion down.
The roses bleed both light and dark,
The winds do seldom call.
The running sands recall the time
When love was lord of all.
Such sweet love is so hard to find
Look around, these are troublesome times
The sun beats down on our hunger and thirst
It would soon all be over if we let it be worse
Chorus
Take me away, take me away
Take me away, take me away
If not for you how would I keep going
No one to be near, no good fortune to know
Take my hand, make me feel stronger
You're a man - progress is slow
(Chorus)There will be rain clouds, for harvest to grow
We'll find the rain clouds, and the rivers will flow
Leave what is past, search for the future
Leave this black dream for it's high time to go
(Chorus)
I don't want your lonely mansion, with a tear in every room
All I want's the love you promised beneath the haloed moon
But you think I should be happy with your money and your name
And hide myself in sorrow while you play your cheating game
Silver threads and golden needles cannot mend this heart of mine
And I dare not drown my sorrows in the warm glove of your wine.
You can't buy my love with money for I never was that kind
Silver threads and golden needles cannot mend this heart of mine
Silver threads and golden needles cannot mend this heart of mine
And I dare not drown my sorrows in the warm glove of your wine.
You can't buy my love with money for I never was that kind
Silver threads and golden needles cannot mend this heart of mine
Gold and silver is the autumn
Soft and gentle are her skies
Yes I know, are the answers
Written in my true love's eyes
Autumn's leaving, winter's coming
I think that I'll be moving on
I've got to leave him and find another
I've got to sing my heart's true song
Round and round the burning circle
All the seasons, one, two, and three
Autumn leaves with the winter
Spring is born and wanders free
Gold and silver burnt my autumns
All too soon they'd fade and die
And then there were no others
Milk and honey were their lives
Make me a pallet on your floor
Make me a pallet on your floor
Make it soft, make it low, so your woman don't know
Make me a pallet on your floor.
Come all you good time friends of mine,
Come all you good time friends of mine.
When I had ten dollars, you treated me so fine
Where were you when I only had a dime.
Come on and make me a pallet on your floor
Make me a pallet on your floor
Make it soft, make it low, so your woman don't know
Make me a pallet on your floor.
I'll be more than satisfied,
If I could catch one train to ride
But if I reach Atlanta with no place to go,
Please make me a pallet on your floorMake me a pallet on your floor
Make me a pallet on your floor
Make it soft, make it low, so your woman don't know
Make me a pallet on your floor.
I'm gonna make you a red-hot meal
Gonna make you a red-hot meal
To show you I appreciate all that you have done
When you make me a pallet on your floor.
Come on and make me a pallet on your floor
Make me a pallet on your floor
Make it soft, make it low, so your woman don't know
Make me a pallet on your floor.
Here comes the morning how it pleases
It always brings me something new
Its golden light will wash away the dust of yesterday
If I try it may let me forget you
And when these winter days are over
I mean to set myself upon my feet
I see me as something that I have never been
And I'll pick up the pieces that will make the girl complete
I'll be smiling all the time at everybody
My friends will tell me I'm just not the same
I won't linger over any tragedies that were
And I won't be singing any more sad refrains
Crash on the levee, mama,
Water's gonna overflow,
Swamp's gonna rise,
No boat's gonna row.
Now, you can train on down
To Williams Point,
You can bust your feet,
You can rock this joint.
But oh mama, ain't you gonna miss your best friend now?
You're gonna have to find yourself
Another best friend, somehow.
Now, don't you try an' move me,
You're just gonna lose.
There's a crash on the levee
And, mama, you've been refused.
Well, it's sugar for sugar
And salt for salt,
If you go down in the flood,
It's gonna be your own fault.
Oh mama, ain't you gonna miss your best friend now?
You're gonna have to find yourself
Another best friend, somehow.Well, that high tide's risin',
Mama, don't you let me down.
Pack up your suitcase,
Mama, don't you make a sound.
Now, it's king for king,
Queen for queen,
It's gonna be the meanest flood
That anybody's seen.
Oh mama, ain't you gonna miss your best friend now?
Yes, you're gonna have to find yourself
Another best friend, somehow.
Oh it's like a storm at sea
And everything is lost,
And the fretful sailors calling out their woes,
As to the waves they're tossed.
Oh they are all gentlemen,
And never will they know
If there is a reason each of them must go,
To join the cruel flow.
And it'll take a long, long time.
It'll take a long, long time.
It'll take a long, long time.
Oh it'll take such a long, long time.There is no need for rules,
There's no-one to score the game
And there is nobody living in this town
As even knows its name.
Oh it'll take such a long, long time.
It'll take a long, long time.
It'll take a long, long time.
A long, long time.
It seems like a lifetime since I saw you
Lover lover I've been away too long
When I see lovers holdings hands and sighing
I hang my head for shame of doing wrong
Bus wheels spinning, song birds singing break my heart
Take me back to old remembered days
Remind me of the times we spent together
Times before we went our separate ways
I wish I was a fool for you
I wish I was a fool for you
I wish I was a fool for you again
I'm sorry for the things I've said, the things I've done
I'm sorry for the restless thief I've been
Please don't make me pay for my deceiving heart
Just turn up your lamp and let me in
I wish I was a fool for you
I wish I was a fool for you ...
I wish I was a fool for you again
I've watched you rise up and I've watched you fall down
'Til you've lost everything but what money can own.
And you feel alright now, but for how long?
You feel alright now, how long?
Do me a favour, stay away from my door.
I could use some good company but I don't care for yours.
No more pageants, no more.
No more pageants, no more.
I find your words empty and you know as a rule
To you I have purposefully never been cruel.
But you waste my time, such fools.
You waste my time, such fools.
My love is not here, my love is away.
You've caught me alone but you've nothing to say.
And it's time to leave now and you know the way.
And it's time to leave and you know the way.
Go and live in the country and I'll stay in town.
I have everything but what money can own.
And I'll be just fine now, so long.
I'll be just fine now, so long.
So long.
You make me nervous when I see you
I can't imagine what it's like to be you
It's a mystery to me everyday
And I've got to get away
I put a bet on with a bookie
For the race they put on over in Kentucky
It's lovely at this time of year, so they say
And I've got to get away
But I'm a dreamer and you know
I'm a schemer with an eye for a show
It's my imagination when I get low
And the truth is I don't think I'll ever go
When the music's playing, that's when it changes
And no longer do we seem like total strangers
It's all those words which always get in the way
Of what you want to say
When I wake up in the morning
I think it only fair to give you warning
I probably won't go away
I'll more than likely stay
'Coz I'm a dreamer and you know
I'm a schemer with an eye for a show
It's my imagination when I get low
And the truth is I don't think I'll ever go
'Coz I'm a dreamer and you know
I'm a schemer with an eye for a show
It's my imagination when I get low
I've been on the road, so long
Been tired and broke, so long
I've been to the south where the winds they were warm
Travelling the road of no return, so long
I've seen what was war, so long
The ruins and the scars, so long
The mansions of mud, the wounds and the blood
Seen the dying of all that was good, so long.
Seen the world in the shadow, so long
Is its mushrooming cloud, so long
And the lies and the greed of the leaders of men
Those cheats who would take us to war again, so long.
Yet hope is in me, so long
For it's love that I see, so long
The courage and strenght of the young men's smile
The faith that's in a little child, so long
I've travelled this road, so long
Have been tired and broke, so long
I've been to the south where the winds they were warm
Travelling the road of no return, so long
Oh babe you are the one I love,
You are the one I'm thinking of.
You know it's still a long long way,
But I'll be home at the end of the day.
I'll sing my songs just for you
And I'll bring my love home to you.
I can hardly wait to see your face again,
But I'll be home at the end of the day.Just miles and miles of rosy sky,
I'll fall asleep by and by.
I'm crying now 'cos you're so far away
But I'll be home at the end of the day.
Oh babe you are the one I love,
You are the one I'm thinking of.
So many words I need to say.
You'll hear them all at the end of the day.
But I'll be home at the end of the day.
I can't believe that it's so cold
And there ain't been no snow.
The sound of music it comes to me
From every place I go.
Sunday morning, there's no one in church
But the clergy's chosen man
And he is fine I won't worry about him
Got the book in his hand.
There's a bitter east wind and the fields are swaying
The crows are round their nests.
I wonder what he's in there saying
To all those souls at rest.
I see the path which led to the door
And the clergy's chosen man
Bushes and briars, you and I
Where do we stand?
I wonder if he knows I'm here
Watching the briars grow.
And all these people beneath my shoes,
I wonder if they know.
There was a time when every last one
Knew a clergy's chosen man
Where are they now? Thistles and thorns
Among the sand.
I can't believe that it's so cold
And there ain't been no snow.
The sound of music it comes to me
From every place I go.
Sunday morning, there's no one in church
But the clergy's chosen man
Bushes and briars, thistles and thorns
Upon the land.
Do I ever wonder? You don't know, you'll never follow
And I'll never show, do you see the water and watch it flow
And float an empty shell? And you think that I'm hiding from the island
You've a fault in your senses, can you feel it now?
Time, what is that? I've no time to care, I've lived for a long
While nearly everywhere, you will be taken, everyone
You ladies and you gentlemen, fall and listen with your ears
Upon the paving stone, is that what you hear? The coming of the sea
Sea flows under your doors in London town and all your defenses
Are all broken down, you laugh at me on funny days
But mine's the slight of hand, don't you know I am a joker
Annie wanders on the land
She loves the freedom of the air
She finds a friend in every place she goes
There's always a face she knows
I wish that I was there
She says, "I'm leaving here tomorrow
To find a new town far away''
She says, "Won't you come too, you need a break
You love to wake up somewhere new
And find another day''
But I live in the city
And imagine country scenes
For among the rich
Within four walls and out of reach
I live behind the screen
She smiles as one who loves to smile
To show that she is free
But is she thinking now it's time
To wander back again
To see her friends and me?
We all live in the city
And imagine country scenes
For among the rich
Within four walls and out of reach
Good morning, good afternoon
And what have you got to say?
Well, I'm waiting and I can't stay long
It's such a lovely day
There's a time to be talking
And a time when it's no use
Right now I think the things you say
Are liable to confuse
I've just gone solo
Do you play solo?
Ain't life a solo?
What a wonderful way to live
Traveling all over the world
Why the fame and all the golden
Opportunities unfurled
No time for the gent with the Mulliner Bentley
And Heaven knows what else
Why, he wouldn't even stand a chance
With all his oil wells
She just went solo
Do you play solo?
Ain't life a solo?
I've always lived in a mansion
On the other side of the moon
I've always kept a unicorn
And I never sing out of tune
I could tell you that the grass is really greener
On the other side of the hill
But I can't communicate with you
And I guess I never will
We've all, all gone solo
We all play solo
My shadow follows me
Wherever I should chance to go
John, The Gun did say
''If you should chance to meet me
As I wander to and fro
Sad would be your day"
My life is mine and the light did shine
Till the guns they did go through me
So now I shall never fall
Ideals of peace are gold
Which fools have found
Upon the plains of war
I shall destroy them all
Put away your guns of steel
Death comes too soon for all
Your Master He may need you soon
And you must heed His call
I am the master of the games
That you will hardly ever play
So I will teach your sons
And if they should die
Before the evening of their span of days
Why, then they will die young
Put away your guns of steel
Death comes too soon for all
Your Master He may need you soon
And you must heed His call
I am the master of the games
That you will hardly ever play
So I will teach your sons
And if they should die
Before the evening of their span of days
Why, then they will die young
Condemn me not
For always will I play the game of war
In moonshine or in sun
And if any cross the path I choose to tread
Their chances they are poor
My name is John The Gun
Put away your guns of steel
Death comes too soon for all
Your Master He may need you soon
And you must heed His call
I am the master of the games
That you will hardly ever play
So I will teach your sons
And if they should die
Before the evening of their span of days
Summer skies are gone for ever
Nothing left but to remember
Morning leaves a bed of echoes
Tears of blood in weeping meadows
Can you see me, can you hear me?
Can you leave me here in silence?
Drums and flags and trumpets playing
Armies in the night are praying
Hymns of hate to have their souls blessed
For the morning's bloodshed harvest
Can you reach me, can you hold me?
Can you leave me here in silence?
Take my children, golden children
Grow them, train them, cut them, kill them
For the justice of your Jesus
For the service of your leaders
Can you feel me, can you touch me?
Can you leave me here in silence?
Innocence is gone forever
Nothing left but to remember
Autumn cracks the leaves of pity
Winter chokes the cries of mercy
Can you free me, can you love me?
Everybody else has gone
But you're still here with me
All the world is sleeping by and by
Through the windowpane
The frosted light is streaming in
Full moon sailing high across the sky
Tonight is like the night when we first met
I always knew I never would forget you
Come and hold me close
I miss you more than I can say
I can't remember how I pass the time
(With you away)
Wondering if you'll ever know
How much you mean to me
I never dreamed there'd be a change of mind
Lover, this is where I want to stay
Maybe it could always be this way
I recall you said to me a long, long time ago
"Don't you lose direction in the crowd"
(I think you could)
But when I did you found me and I didn't even know
I hardly even knew
You were around and understood
I was reaching out each moment to be free
You were all those things I'd never be
Gentle music, rock away the sadnesses in me
Rock away my lonely yesterdays
Like pennies on the ocean
'Til no trace of them I see
'Till moonlight shows no ripples on the waves
And then the clear reflection will remain
Perhaps the same reflection
How often she has gazed from castle windows over
And watched the daylight passing within her captive wall
With no-one to heed her call
The evening hour is fading within the dwindling sun
And in a lonely moment those embers will be gone
And the last of all the young birds flown
Her days of precious freedom, forfeited long before
To live such fruitless years behind a guarded door
But those days will last no more
Tomorrow at this hour she will be far away
Much farther than these islands
Farewell, farewell to you who?d hear
You lonely travelers all
The cold north wind will blow again
The winding road does call
And will you never return to see
Your bruised and beaten sons
Oh I would, I would if welcome I were
For they loathe me every one
And will you never cut the cloth
Or drink the light to be
And can you never swear a year
To anyone but we
No, I will never cut the cloth
Or drink the light to be
But I?ll swear a year to one who lies
Asleep along side of me
Farewell, farewell to you who would hear
You lonely travelers all
The cold north wind will blow again
Goodbye, Norma Jean
Though I never knew you at all
You had the grace to hold yourself
While those around you crawled
They crawled out of the woodwork
And they whispered into your brain
They set you on the treadmill
And they made you change your name
And it seems to me you lived your life
Like a candle in the wind
Never knowing who to cling to
When the rain set in
And I would have liked to have known you
But I was just a kid
Your candle burned out long before
Your legend ever did
Loneliness was tough
The toughest role you ever played
Hollywood created a superstar
And pain was the price you paid
Even when you died
The press still hounded you
All the papers had to say
Was that Marilyn was found in the nude
And it seems to me you lived your life
Like a candle in the wind
Never knowing who to cling to
When the rain set in
And I would have liked to have known you
But I was just a kid
Your candle burned out long before
Your legend ever did
Goodbye, Norma Jean
Though I never knew you at all
You had the grace to hold yourself
While those around you crawled
Goodbye, Norma Jean
From the young man in the twenty-second row
Who sees you as something more than just sexual
More than just our Marilyn Monroe
And it seems to me you lived your life
Like a candle in the wind
Never knowing who to cling to
When the rain set in
And I would have liked to have known you
But I was just a kid
Your candle burned out long before
(By Sandy Denny. U.F.O. Music, Inc. (C) 1972)
I can't believe that it's so cold
And there ain't been no snow.
The sound of music it comes to me
>From every place I go.
Sunday morning, there's no one in church,
But the clergy's chosen man
And he is fine I won't worry about him.
Got the book in his hand.
Oh, there's a bitter east wind, and the fields are swaying,
The crows are round their nests.
I wonder what he's in there a saying
To all those souls at rest.
I see the path which lead to the door,
And the clergy's chosen man.
Bushes and briars,
You and I,
Where do we stand?
I wonder if he knows I'm here,
Watching the briars grow.
And all these people beneath my shoes,
I wonder if they know.
There was a time when every last one,
Knew a clergy's chosen man.
Where are they now?
Thistles and thorns,
Among the sand.
I can't believe that it's so cold
And there ain't been no snow.
The sound of music it comes to me
>From every place I go.
Sunday morning, there's no one in church,
But the clergy's chosen man
Bushes and briars,
Thistles and thorns
Oh hark, the drums do beat, my love, no longer can we stay
The bugle-horns are sounding clear and we must march away
We're ordered down to Portsmouth and it's many is the weary mile
To join the British Army on the banks of the Nile
Oh Willie, dearest Willie, don't leave me here to mourn
Don't make me curse and rue the day that ever I was born
For the parting of our love would be like parting with my life
So stay at home, my dearest love, and I will be your wife
Oh my Nancy, dearest Nancy, sure that will never do
The government has ordered, and we are bound to go
The government has ordered, and the Queen she gives command
And I am bound on oath, my love, to serve in a foreign land
Oh, but I'll cut off my yellow hair, and I'll go along with you
I'll dress myself in uniform and I'll see Egypt too
I'll march beneath your banner while fortune it do smile
And we'll comfort one another on the banks of the Nile
But your waist it is too slender, and your fingers they are too small
In the sultry suns of Egypt, your rosy cheeks would spoil
Where the cannons they do rattle, when the bullets they do fly
And the silver trumpets sound, so loud to hide the dismal cries
Oh, cursed be those cruel wars, that ever they began
For they have robbed our country of many's the handsome men
They've robbed us of our sweethearts while their bodies they feed the lions
The river flows it flows to the sea
Wherever that river goes that's where I want to be
Flow river flow let your waters wash down
Take me from this road to some other town
All he wanted was to be free
And that's the way it turned out to be
Flow river flow let your waters wash down
Take me from this road to some other town
Flow river flow past the shaded tree
Go river go go to the sea
Flow to the sea
The river flows it flows to the sea
Wherever that river goes that's where I want to be
Flow river flow let your waters wash down
I once loved a lass and I loved her so well
And I hated all others who spoke of her ill.
And now she's rewarded me well for my love,
For she's gone and she's wed another.
And I saw my love up to the church go
With bridesmen and bridesmaidens she made a fine show.
And I followed on with my heart full of woe
For she's gone and she's wed another.
I saw my love as she sat down to dine.
I sat down beside her and poured the wine.
And I thought of the lassie that should have been mine,
I thought her sweet company better than meat
Now she's gone and she's wed another.All the men in yon forest they asked of me,
How many strawberries grow in a salt sea?
And I answer them with a tear in my e'e,
How many ships sail in the forest?
Oh dig me a grave and dig it sae deep,
And cover it over with wee flowers sae sweet.
And I lay me down for to take a long sleep
And maybe in time I'll forget her.
So they dug him a grave and they dug it sae deep
And they covered it over with wee flowers sae sweet
And he lay him down for to take a long sleep
And maybe in time he'll forget her.
If today was not an endless highway,
If tonight was not a crooked trail,
If tomorrow wasn't such a long time,
Then lonesome would mean nothing to you at all.
Yes, and only if my own true love was waiting,
And if I could hear his heart softly pounding,
Only if he was lying by me.
Then I'd lie in my bed once again.
I can't see my reflection in the waters,
I can't speak the sounds that show no pain,
I can't hear the echo of my footsteps,
Or can't remember the sound of my own name.
Yes, and only if my own true love was waiting,
And if I could hear his heart softly pounding,
Only if he was lying by me.
Then I'd lie in my bed once again.There's beauty in the silver, singing river,
There's beauty in the sunrise in the sky,
But none of these and nothing else can touch the beauty
That I remember in my true love's eyes.
Yes, and only if my own true love was waiting,
And if I could hear his heart softly pounding,
Only if he was lying by me.
Then I'd lie in my bed once again.
They said that it was snowing in astounded tones upon the news.
I wonder why they're always so surprised 'cos every year it snows.
Frozen images of snowploughs as they churn along the motorways.
I haven't had no boots to wear or any loot to spare for days and days.
I've travelled more than forty miles today, I must have grown some wings.
It's strange how time just seems to fly away, I can't remember things.
In a world of my own they say and who can blame them, they're just not the same.
I've known about it all along though I thought I was all wrong, and it's such a shame.
Why don't you have any brushes any more, I used to like your style.
I see no paintings anywhere and there's no smell of turpentine.
Did I really have no meaning? Well I never thought I'd hear those words from you.
Who needs a meaning anyway, I'd settle anyday for a very fine view.
I couldn't even tell you all the changes since you saw me last.
My dreams were like the autumn leaves, they faded and they fell so fast.
In fact as you say the snows are here and how the time it slips away.
But I'm glad you did pass by, I think I'll have another try. It's another day.
The day and then the night have gone, it was not long before the dawn,
And the travelling man who sat so stiffly in his chair began to yawn.
Having kept me here so long my friend, I hope you have a sleeping place to lend,
but the painter he just smiled and said: I'll see you in a while, this one has no end.
Well, come-a little baby let's jump the broomstick
Come on let's tie a knot
Come-a little baby let's jump the broomstick
Come on let's tie a knot
Father don't like it, my brother don't like it
My sister don't like it, my mother don't like it
Come-a little baby let's jump the broomstick
Come on let's tie a knot
Goin' to Alabama back from Texarkana
Goin' all round the world
I'm goin' to Alabama back from Texarkana
Goin' all round the world
My father don't like it, my brother don't like it
My sister don't like it, my mother don't like it
Come-a little baby let's jump the broomstick
Come on let's tie a knot
Come-a little baby, don't-a mean-a maybe
Let's settle down
Come-a little baby, don't-a mean-a maybe
Let's settle down
My father don't like it, my brother don't like it
My sister don't like it, my mother don't like it
Come-a little baby let's jump the broomstick
Come on let's tie a knot
Well-a come-a little baby let's jump the broomstick
Come on let's tie a knot
Come-a little baby let's jump the broomstick
Come on let's tie a knot
My father don't like it, my brother don't like it
My sister don't like it, my mother don't like it
Come-a little baby let's jump the broomstick
Come on let's tie a knot
I'm goin' to Alabama back from Texarkana
Goin' all round the world
I'm goin' to Alabama back from Texarkana
Goin' all round the world
My father don't like it, my brother don't like it
My sister don't like it, my mother don't like it
Come-a little baby let's jump the broomstick
Come on let's tie a knot
This is the text on the Rendezvous album:
If your eyes are blue you know the rest
Champagne if it's very cool
It's never very formal how you dress
For oysters by the swimming pool
Then slip away into the mountainside
Like the man in the Lazy E'
It's great to have a place where you can hide
Why you must amazes me
Chorus
Golden,
Where are you?
Sold on gold dust
I shuttled all around America
From New York to Los Angeles
Nervous breakdown later, there we were
From Liberty to redwood trees
A friend of mine, she hitched from east to west
In time to hear my final song
It seems to me she tried her very best
She is a good companion
(Chorus)
He stores away the moments of her smiles
As if they were rare butterflies
Stalks his prey for miles and miles and miles
Then barters for the merchandise
When Life it drags the likes of me around
Just when we need some time alone
You have a simple mansion underground
Without address or telephone
(Chorus)
The live version on The Attic Tracks Vol. 3 and on Gold Dust - Live At The Royalty is a bit different. The last two lines of verse one are:
It's nice to have a place where you can hide
For why you must amazes me
And the last verse is:
He stores away the moments of her smiles
As if they were rare butterflies
Stalks his prey for miles and miles and miles
And barters for the merchandise
As time it drags the likes of me around
Just when we need some time alone
You have a private mansion underground
Without address or telephone
Roses are red, and violets are blue,
Primroses pale on a velvet green hue,
Warm summer days by cool waterfalls,
Like the music we hear,
Those things we'll always hold dear,
Like an old fashioned waltz.
When the moonlight shines down
on the Hollywood world,
And the heroine waits for her beau to return,
And violins play from behind garden walls,
How I'd love to remain with the silver refrain
of an old fashioned waltz.As they dance round the floor,
and there's no-one else there,
and the world is no more and there's never a care,
by the perfect lagoon where the nightingale calls,
with only the moon and the nostalgic tune
of an old fashioned waltz.
Roses are red and violets are blue,
Primroses pale on a velvet green hue,
Warm summer days by cool waterfalls,
Like the music we hear,
Those things we'll always hold dear,
Like an old fashioned waltz,
Like an old fashioned waltz,
An old fashioned waltz.
The Summertime's escaping, and the carnival's away,
And the sunshine is awaiting for another sunny day.
Breakers whisper to the shells upon the shore,
And hear the seagulls they cry for more.
And hear the gulls they cry for more.
Good day to you sweet Autumn, so gently you appear.
Why I never even realised those rustic times were near.
The moment's changing from a dusty green to gold,
The Summer fair she has grown old.
The Summer fair she has grown old.And away in the blue of the skies and over the trees
How the carnival flies on the wings of a breeze.
You've had your time and now it's mine for me to go,
These colder days they move too slow.
These older days they move too slow.
So the Summertime is leaving, and the carnival's away,
So the sunshine is relieving us of all our sunny days.
But I'll be waiting for to greet your fleeting calls,
So come back soon the carnival.
So come back soon the carnival.
Come back soon.
We search for everything
Keeping what we would win
Orchids or tiny flowers
Wooden huts or ivory towers
Centuries or hours
Dark are the winter days
Holy in many ways
Vaults of time unshaken
Whilst as through them we are taken
Sleeping forests wake
Ice melts on the lake
Birds begin in making their way back home
The frost and the fire goes
East winds and winter snows
Sun upon the daffodils
Dancing on the verdant hills
Lambs in the fieldsWarmer grows the morning sun
Days of youthfulness and fun
The prime of the year begun
The song of summer to be sung
Everything is one
Working day is done
Watch the river running through our lives
How slowly the colours change
We feel the drops of rain
Mists of evening rise again
We rarely stroll the shadowed lanes
As autumn night draws in
We sit upon the sand
Warmth draining from the land
Watching the ruby sun
Setting on the ocean
The echoes in the caves
The flame upon the waves
Memories for saving all our days
To cross the wide sea I deserted,
From the shore I did fly.
I thought it time that I travelled,
So I took to the roads of the sky.
It was late and the wind it did gently blow,
Oh the night it was calm.
I saw the flower of the ocean
And the universe did me noo harm,
It said to fly on.The sea captain he loved the ocean,
But his ship was on fire.
His hands they did stretch out before him,
For to take one of many desires,
But there was no time.
Across the wide sea he departed,
From the ship he did fly.
He thought it time that he travelled
And I saw him as he passed by,
And I saw him as he passed by.
They stood upon the deck
As the ship went out to sea.
The wind it took the sails
And left the land a memory.
All upon the shore for
To wonder why the sailor goes.
All to close their eyes
And wonder what the sailor knows.
That is you to them,
That is how they think you are.
Never on the land,
But sailing by the North Star.To the tower and to the ravens
And the tale that hopes they'll never leave.
What if they should go?
We always dread to think of them.
I wonder if they flew one day
And no-one ever knew they'd gone
To circle over ships at sea,
Claiming yet another son.
That is you to me,
That is where I think you are.
Never on the land,
But gone to find the North Star.
The summer was the reason
Why it took so long to see
That even if I do possess
Some seeds of honesty,
There is no garden,
So how come I have no land?
I shall be waiting here awhile
To see what comes to hand.
Misers mise and compromise;
I know what I have seen.
The wanderers are in the east;
That's where I should have been.
But I did not go there;
I couldn't find the way.
I do believe I made a try,
But I really couldn't say.Oh, that wretched Wilbur,
He keeps ploughing up the land.
He fights the battle thoughtfully
With roses in his hands.
But where is the fight now?
So play us your merry song.
The autumn, it has blown away,
And the winter, it is long.
The steps he took were nice and easy.
He never knew he could stumble and go down.
As he saw the buildings and the mountains crumble,
Over the road he would take to the town.
He said, ``Next year I'm coming back, I'll see you later.''
It takes longer when you're far away.
There's a tale which says he was pursued by an assassin.
What he knows of that, no-one can tell.
How close he came to the trapper,
But he stopped by a wishing well.
He said, ``Next year there will be many flowers,
Each one much brighter than the one before.''
As he turned he caught the feeling,
And he smiled as he walked down the road.
All my days they are filled with meaning,
But I have yet to fathom the code.
But next year I'll call the tune and it won't be easy,
The timing's all out of place with how you feel.
Next year I'm coming back, I'll see you later.
It takes longer when you are far away.
Next year there will be many flowers,
Each one much brighter than the one before.
Next year I'll call the tune and it won't be easy,
The timing's all out of place with how you feel.
Then came the question and it was about time.
The answer came back and it was long.
The house it was built by some man in a rhyme,
But whatever came of his talented son?
Who wrote me a dialogue set to a tune?
Always you told me of being alone,
Except for the stories about God and you,
And do you still live there in Buffalo?
They put up the walls with no more to say,
Nobody stopped to ask why it was done.
The stream was too far and the rain was too high,
So into the city the river did run.
Because of the architect the buildings fell down,
Smothered or drowned all the seeds which were sown.
I wish I were somewhere, but not in this town.
Maybe the ocean next time around.I seem to remember the face and the name,
But if it's not you I won't care.
I know of changes, but nothing would change you
To Theo the sailor who sings in his lair.
And then I'll turn and he won't be there,
Dusky black windows to light the dark stair,
Candles all gnarled in the musty air
All without flames for many's the year.
The wine it was drunk, the ship it was sunk,
The shot it was dead, all the sorrows were drowned.
The birds they were clouds, the brides and the shrouds
And as we drew south the mist it came down.
The wooded ravine to the wandering stream,
The serpent he moved, but no-one would say.
The depths of the waters, the bridge which distraught us
And brought to me thoughts of the ill-fated day.
The temples were filled with the strangest of creatures
One played it by ear on the banks of the sea.
That one was found but the others they went under.
Oh the tears which are shed, they won't come from me.
The methods of madness, the pathos and the sadness,
God help you all, the insane and wise.
The black and the white, the darkness of the night,
I see only smoke from the chimneys arise.
The pilot he flew all across the sky and woke me.
He flew solo on the mercury sea.
The dream it came back, all about the tall brown people,
The sacred young herd on the phosphorus sand.
Missed the morning too, didn't rise before noon.
She's a lazy lady today.
Always yawning, you with your eyes on the moon.
Your're a crazy lady I'd say, da da da.
Now should I say more, for I know so well
And you're no hazy maiden in grey.
How can I be sure, it's not easy to tell.
But you're a crazy lady, I'd say.
Crazy lady.
One evening fair I took the air
Down by Blackwaterside
'Twas gazing all around me
When the Irish lad I spied
All through the first part of that night
We did lie in sport and play,
When this young man arose and he gathered his clothes,
Saying, ``Fare thee well today''.
That's not the promise that you gave to me
When the first you lay on my breast,
You could make me believe with your lying tongue
That the sun rose in the west.Go home, go home, to your father's garden
Go home and weep your fill,
And think upon your own misfortune
Which you bought with your wanton will.
There's not one girl in this whole town
As easily led as I,
And when the sky does fall and the seas will run dry,
Why, it's then you'll marry I.
Polly, pretty Polly, come go along with me
Polly, pretty Polly, come go along with me
Before we get married some pleasure to see
She got up behind him and away they did ride
She got up behind him and away they did ride
Over the hills and the valleys so wide
They rode a little further and what did they spy
They rode a little further and what did they spy
But a new-dug grave with a spade lying by
Oh Willy, oh Willy, I'm scared of your ways
Oh Willy, oh Willy, I'm scared of your ways
Scared you might lead my poor body astray
Polly, pretty Polly, you've guessed just about right
Polly, pretty Polly, you've guessed just about right
I've dug on your grave the best part of last night
And he stabbed her in the heart and the heart-blood did flow
And he stabbed her in the heart and the heart-blood did flow
Into her grave pretty Polly did go
He threw a little dirt over her and started for home
He threw a little dirt over her and started for home
Leaving nothing behind but the wild birds to moan
And it's debt to the devil, and Willy must pay
And it's debt to the devil, and Willy must pay
For killing pretty Polly and running away
There is a lonely train called the 3.10 to Yuma
And it's the only train left for me to ride on
I'll catch that lonely train called the 3.10 to Yuma
I'll get my ticket now for my last time
They say the life of man is made up of four seasons
And springtime finds him young and planting his grain
And then the summer comes bringing warm rains of reason
And time to reap his crop of heartache and pain
The winter comes, finds him snow-cropped and laden
He has been humbled now, walking into the rain
But the rains of death never fall from the cloudless skies of Yuma
Time stand still for those on that 3.10 train
There is a lonely train called the 3.10 to Yuma
And it's the only train left for me to ride on
I'll catch that lonely train called the 3.10 to Yuma
I'll get my ticket now for my last time
The young man rose his pretty face,
All for to feel the salty spray.
When storms are mustering, they say
I'll come and take you all away.
I am a traveller by trade,
I only have what I have made.
A fortune teller too they say,
And I can take you all away.
Chorus
Listen Listen to him do.
He is the one who is for you.
Listen, they say
He'll come and take us all away.
And over there the young man stayed,
Upon on the rocks so rough and grey.
Watching the boy, watching the day
Thinking of how he came to be.A young man he, he is so real,
And never more to go astray.
He is of value now they say,
And he can take himself away.
(Chorus)
My name is Jan the gypsy
I travel the land.
There are no chains about me
I am me own man.
I can tell a fair old story which I'm sure ain't no surprise
Of the places I have been, oh,
And they ain't no lies.
I've never had a proper home,
Not one like yours is.
I've nearly always had a caravan
With horses.
And I know you won't believe me
Though it is the truth to tell
That the living it is hard, oh,
But it suits me well.
I am I traveller of the seas,
I am a sailor.
The ocean has been good to me,
She ain't no jailor.
I can tell a fair old story which I'm sure ain't no surprise
Of the places I have sailed, oh,
And they ain't no lies.
I've never had a garden,
Or a place with windows.
I stand upon the salty deck,
And feel the wind blow.
And I know you won't believe me
Though it is the truth to tell
That the living it is hard, oh,
But it suits me well.
My mother was a fire-eater,
'Fore she desert us.
So when I was only seven years old
I joined the circus.
And I can tell a fair old story which I'm sure ain't no surprise
Of the places we have played, oh,
And it ain't no lies.
I've never had no money,
And no hope to get none.
I can always get a penny,
When there is good reason.
And I know you won't believe me
Though it is the truth to tell
That the living it is hard, oh,
But it suits me well.
There you may stand in your splendour and jewels
Swaying me in both directions.
One is the right one, the other for fools,
How do I make my selection?
The city lies silent in the warm morning light,
The sand is as golden as saffron.
Oasis of love, sweet water of life,
God bless the poor ones who have none though they have tried.
Someone is drowning down there in the flood
But this river will dry by tomorrow.
Is it ocean or stream, this love in my blood,
Bringer of joy or of sorrow?
The end of the journey must soon be in sight,
Birth is the start of the swansong.
Oasis of love, sweet water of life,
God bless the poor ones who want some but are denied.
No one is given the map to their dreams,
All we can do is to trace it.
See where we go to,
Know where we've been,
Build up the courage to face it
While we fumble in the darkness where once there was light
Roaming the land of the ancients.
Oasis of love, sweet water of life,
God bless the poor ones whose patience never died.
While we stumble in blindness where once there was sight
Searching for trees in the forest.
Oasis of love, sweet water of life,
God bless the poor ones, so helpless they have cried.
God bless the poor ones who have none though they have tried.
God bless the poor ones who want some but are denied.
God bless the poor ones whose patience never died.
God bless the poor ones on that one way donkey ride.
Love, oh don't we know how can the river flow
Without you.
Warming like the sand upon the land.
How can we doubt you?
Dark to me the night and dim the morning light
Tomorrow.
How can we not see the simple melody
Of sorrow?
Oh to be with you, oh to see them through
Those days when we think you are gone,
They are so lonesome, and so long.
What shall we do?Parting comes to soon, my weary tune
Has lost its pleasure.
Waiting for the time, this lonely wine
Has lost its treasure.
Dark to me the night and dim the morning light
Tomorrow.
How can we not see the simple melody
Of sorrow?
Oh to be with you, oh to see them through
These days when we think you are gone,
They are so lonesome, and so long.
What shall I do?
Once Sandy Denny was young
And she wore a school girl's uniform
Windows of our lives become boarded up in time
Decisions made for spite
And we're unprepared for life
The things we dislike in others
We find in ourselves
Summer left us with one
Summer left us with one
Summer left us with one
Acting like a boy with a man
Music halls like belonging
They scatter in the wind
Fruits stands bend and break in the distance
Decisions made for spite
And we're unprepared for life
The things we dislike in others
We find in ourselves
Summer left us with one
Summer left us with one
Summer left us with one
And I remember I broke in hello
The way the bottles flew
And so we go on alone
Fruits stands bend and break in the distance
Decisions made for spite
And we're unprepared for life
The things we dislike in others
We find in ourselves
Summer left us with one
Summer left us with one
Summer left us with one
Once Sandy Denny was young
And she wore a school girl's uniform