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Advice to Ladies
©1995 by Morgan Wolfsinger mka Catherine Demott Come all ye fine ladies and listen to me If you think maid or lover is acting too free If suspicions arouse and there is many a clue Just pray it's a woman and not, say, a ewe. Chorus And it's men, men, drink to the men Drain mug or goblet, and raise it again. Although they are trouble they're still one in ten It's worth every minute, so drink to the men. Oh men are strange critters, and given to lust, And rare is the one who is worthy of trust. When love is concerned in such matters one knows, They're best led around by the balls, not the nose. Chorus Now if you find out that his love is a sheep, Don't worry , she's warm and she's easy to keep. She'll not ask for diamonds or rubies or wine, And served up with mint sauce she'll taste mighty fine. Chorus If he looks for too long now, and boys are his choice, Don't cry them out fool, lass, stand up and rejoice. His new lighter love might be manly and fair And if you ask sweetly then maybe he'll share. Chorus If his heart's desire seems really quite young In fact at an age where a lullaby is sung Just send off a note the town constable's way Then smile, give her cookies and send her to play. Chorus Now should your love's taste run to leather and chains Jelly and butter and other things strange If such does amuse you then join in the fun If not see that he is the receiving one. Chorus If worse comes to worse, now, and he's his own love Don't send up your cries to the heavens above Just dust off his clothes, give his mirror a shine And you and his ego will get along fine. Chorus If you've found no comfort in what I have said, You're tired of his quirks and you wish he was dead. Don't slice up your lover, for murder's a crime Just find you another and have a good time. Chorus | |
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Again and Again
traditional English
I married a wife, oh then, oh then I married a wife, oh then I married a wife, she's the plague of my life! I wish I was single again. Chorus Again and again and again and again, Again and again and again! My wife took a fever I prayed wouldn't leave her For I wished to be single again. Chorus My wife then she died. I laughed 'till I cried I was glad to be single again. Chorus I went to the funeral The band it played, And I danced all the way For the joy to be single again! Chorus I married another Far worse than the other. And I wish I was single again! Chorus | |
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Ale In My Cup
By Stephen of the Grove
I've wandered and traveled throughout many lands I've smiled at the ladies and I've kissed their hands I've told a few stories and sang 'til sun-up And I'll do it tonight, if there's ale in my cup. I'll drink until morning, I don't need a dare. I'll laugh at the king (if the king doesn't care) I'll be under the table, but then I'll stand up As soon as you pour me some ale in my cup. I'll drink and I'll sing, all through the night. I'll sleep only after I've seen the daylight. I'll rise for the feast, I'll sit down and sup And then I will revel with ale in my cup. I'll play with my sticks to amuse the crowd And if I do well, they'll all cheer out loud. With three in my hands, I'll start to throw up For I juggle much better without ale in my cup So I'll build a fire, and you bring a chair. You bring your guitar and you just be there. You tell a story and you sing a song, And if we all know it we'll all sing along. We'll sing about maidens rescued by kings Tell stories of seamen and sea-monster things. And if someone asks me, why, then I'll get up And sing you a song about ale in my cup. | |
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| Angus' Kilt by Michael Sean MacLeish of Emerald Keep | |
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Have ye heard the tale The bonnie Scots telled 'Bout ol' Angus MacLeish And wha's in his kilt? If ye listen to me I'll tell ye I will All that I've heard 'Bout Angus' kilt. Chorus 'Twas a big one he had. Much larger than mine And the bonnie lasses bragged 'Bout it all o' the time. Once out on the lochs A storm took our sail But ol' Angus saved us all With his kilt in the gale. So we sailed into port With his kilt in our rig And the crowds did exclaim By the Gods, it is big! Chorus Once out on the high moors In the snows we were lost. With no hopes of shelter To keep out the frost. If not for ol' Angus We'd've died in the wind, But a pavilion we had When his kilt was unpinned. Chorus |
Once o'er in the Holy Lands, When we needed a flag But we could na find naught Save a dirty old rag. But ol' Angus once more Did he come to our aid When he unwound his kilt For our victory parade. Chorus Once after a battle We needed a shroud. To bury not one But the whole clan McCloud O'l Angus stepped forward And said to the priest "Ye can have me kilt sir, To cover up your deceased." Chorus Once making some scotch When we needed a sieve To strain through with whiskey From Erin I believe Old Angus once more Did he top all the rest When he took off his kilt And made that batch our best. Chorus |
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Anne Boleyn Song
In the Tower of London large as life, The ghost of Anne Boleyn walks, they declare Poor Anne Boleyn was once King Henry's wife, Until he made the headsman bob her hair Ah, yes, he did her wrong long years ago And she comes out at night to tell him so.... Chorus With her head, tucked, underneath her arm, She walks the bloody tower With her head, tucked, underneath her arm At the midnight hour She's come to haunt King Henry, She means giving him what for Gadzooks, she's going to tell him off For spilling all her gore, And just in case the headsman wants to give her an encore She has her head tucked underneath her arm Chorus Sometimes gay King Henry gives a spread For all his Earls and churls a ghostly fun The headsman carves the joint and cuts the bread Til Anne Boleyn comes in to spoil the run She holds her head up with a wild war hoop! And Henry cries "Don't drop it in the soup!" Chorus One night she found King Henry, He was in the Canteen Bar Said he "Are you Jane Seymore, Anne Boleyn, or Katherine Parr? How the sweet St. Parian do I know who you are? With your head tucked underneath your arm?" Chorus | |
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Armorer of Meridies
©1999 by Lord Stephen of Forth Castle mka Stephen Sheldon | |
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I swing my might hammer, I hear the anvil ring. I stoke the fire higher, Red as the dragon's wing. I forge both gold and silver, A many a Kingdom day. Oh, it brings me pride to strike that iron As an armourer of Meridies. I swing no blade of glory, The battle is not for me. Though many a blade's passed through my hands To bring us victory. Our troops go forth my blades in hand My steel they use to slay. Oh, it brings me pride to strike that iron As an armourer of Meridies. Coats of plates and rings of mail I give away for free. For there is no coin in all the land That you could give to me To match the thrill of a warrior's skill As in my armour he plays. Oh, it brings me pride to strike that iron As an armourer of Meridies. |
Look out across the field, Out in the rising sun. A sea of shining steel, A battle to be won. Though they may try their blows won't land, And we will win the day, Oh, it brings me pride to strike that iron As an armourer of Meridies. (slower) Some day I won't be able to raise my hammer anymore. For years come fast and take a toll, As battles in a war. But as I leave this world behind, My tombstone it will say: Oh, I was proud to strike that iron As an armourer of Meridies. (faster) I swing my might hammer, I hear the anvil ring. I stoke the fire higher, Red as the dragon's wing. I forge both gold and silver, A many a Kingdom day. Oh, it brings me pride to strike that iron As an armourer of Meridies. |
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Auchindoon
traditional
As I came 'pon Finnachside, all on a May morning I saw Willie McIntosh, as the cocks were crowing. Chorus 1 Turn ye McIntosh, turn again I bid thee If you burn Auchindoon, Huntley he will head thee Head me or hang me, that well ne're frighten me I''ll burn Auchindoon, e're my life shall leave me. As I came 'pon Auchindoon, all on a May morning Auchindoon was burning, as the cocks were crowing. Chorus 2 Burning, burning, Auchindoon was burning For Huntley had killed Murrey all on a May morning Head me or hang me, that will ne're frighten me I'll burn Auchindoon, e're my life shall leave me. As I came 'pon Cairn Coon, all on a May morning I saw Willie McIntosh, amidst the town a burning. Chorus 2 (slower) Bonnie Willie McIntosh, where have ye left your fine young men? I've left them down at Stapley Gate and they will ne're come home again. Chorus 1 | |
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The Ballad of Sir Charlie
by Sir Cipriano d'Alvarez mka Guy Bradley filk: The Man Who Never Returned | |
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Let me tell you the story 'bout a man named Charlie How he signed his life away He put ten bucks in the mail, sent it off to California And he joined the SCA. Oh will he ever return, oh no he'll never return And his fate is still unlearned He may wait forever for his first newsletter He's the man who never returned. His first event was down in Trimaris Oh perhaps it was Aphar All the lords and ladies and the knights and squires Said, "That man, he's gonna go far." Oh will he ever return, oh no he'll never return And his fate is still unlearned He said, "This is the life, so goodbye to my wife." He's the man who never returned. His next event was called Red Tower Where he earned his battle star Well he cleared the field of ev'ry contender And he wasn't even breathing hard. Oh will he ever return, oh no he'll never return And his fate is still unlearned Now he's driving 'cross the land, looking for some more rattan. He's the man who never returned. His third event was at Iron Mountain And there he became a Lord And before he knew, he was a squire too By the virtue of his sword. Oh will he ever return, oh no he'll never return And his fate is still unlearned All the time remaining he spends in training; He's the man who never returned. By number four he had earned even more He had his own Barony He was now known as Captain Baron Squire Lord Charlie OVO and OGB Oh will he ever return, oh no he'll never return And his fate is still unlearned He found the hardest fighting was reports that needed writing He's the man who never returned. |
By number five it came as no surprise When Charlie became a knight With seventeen ladies hanging onto his collar It was also an eventful night. Oh will he ever return, oh no he'll never return And his fate is still unlearned With seventeen ladies in a two man cabin He's the man who never returned. His sixth event was at Bryn Madoc At the Collegium Well before he left he was handed a Laurel Earl Marshall and a Pelican. Oh will he ever return, oh no he'll never return And his fate is still unlearned He could spend twenty years just in meeting with the peers He's the man who never returned. Sir Charlie said, "I've won ev'ry honor I've earned most everything Crown List is tomorrow down in White Buck Forest Guess I'll try my hand at King." Oh will he ever return, oh no he'll never return And his fate is still unlearned He may drive forever looking for Jesup, Gorgia. He's the man who never returned. The field down in Jesup was wet and was marshy And there Charlie met his end The last we could spy was his sword held high As he sank beneath the fen. Oh will he ever return, oh no he'll never return And his fate is still unlearned He may fight forever in the swamps of Jesup. He's the man who never returned. He may fight forever in the swamps of Jesup. He's the man who never returned. |
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The SCA Happy Birthday Song,
otherwise known as the Birthday Dirge filk: The Volga Boatmen Chorus after every verse: Happy Birthday! (UHH!) Happy Birthday! (UHH!) |
1. Death and gloom and black despair People dying everywhere 2. May the candles on your cake Burn like cities in your wake 3. Fear and gloom and darkness yet No one found out you know what 4. You're a period cook, its true Ask the beetles in the stew 5. Now your jail-bait days are done Let's go out and have some fun! 6. Were I sitting in your shoes I'd go out and sing the blues 7. Now you've lived another year Age to you is like stale beer 8. Long ago your hair turned grey Now it's falling out, they say 9. Indigestion's what you get From the enemies you 'et 10. This one lesson you must learn FIRST you pillage, THEN you burn 11. While you eat your birthday stew We will sack a town for you 12. Death will come before the dawn Now's the time to party on! 13. Rape the horses while they sleep, See the women wail and weep 14. Your ship of fortune arrives at last Plague death flag nailed to its mast 15. You hear the patter of small feet Midget thieves have robbed your keep 16. Your daughter's face could crack a mirror Your firstborn son is acting queer 17. Burn the castle, storm the keep Kill the women but save the sheep! 18. May your deeds with sheep and yaks Equal those with sword and axe 19. Your servants steal, your wife's untrue Your children plot to murder you 20. They stole your gold, your sword, your house They stole your sheep, but not your spouse 21. So another year has passed Don't look now they're gaining fast! 22. The Black Death has struck your town You yourself feel quite run-down |
23. We brought you linen, white as clouds Now we'll sit and sew your shroud! 24. So far death you have bypassed Don't look back it's gaining fast 25. I'm a leper, can't you see Have a birthday kiss from me 26. Burn, then rape by firelight Add romance to life tonight! 27. Now you've lived another year, And your death is drawing near. 28. Raise your cup of bitter cheer, Make the barman eat his ear 29. We like children, yes we do Baked or broiled or in a stew. 30. Famine, fear, and fire and flood, Can't keep your face out of the mud. 31. News that fills our hearts with fear: They've proved cancer's caused by beer 32. Just be glad the friends you've got Haven't found out you-know-what! 33. Birthdays come but once a year Marking time as Death draws near 34. Now you've reached the age you are Your demise cannot be far 35. Like the wrinkles in your lace Time is etched upon your face 36. When you've reached your age you know That the mind is first to go 37. Now you've lived another year And your death is drawing near 38. It's your birthday; never fear; You'll be dead this time next year 39. Children dying everywhere Women crying in despair 40. Typhoid, plague and polio Coffins lined up in a row 41. May the children in the street Be your barbequeing meat 42. Your friends are here, your enemies too, We just don't know who is who.... 43. May the women that you see Not have sense enough to flee |
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Black Widows in the Privy
by Heather Rose Jones
Everyone knows someone we'd be better off without But best not mention names for we know not who's about. But why commit a murder and risk the fires of hell When black widows in the privy can do it just as well. Now poison's good, and daggers, and arrows in the back And if you're really desperate you can try a front attack. But are they really worth the risk of being caught When black widows in the privy need not be bribed or bought? So if there's one of whom wish most simply to be rid Just wait 'til dark then point the way to where the widows hid And say to them "I think you'll find that this one is the best", And black widows in the privy will gladly do the rest. | |
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Blood Oath
by Conn MacNeill
Chorus Preachain, Preachain, for Clanne and for kinsmen, Preachain, Preachain, to battle we go Preachain, Preachain, for spears colored crimson, Preachain, Preachain, it's blood for the oath! There's a Clanne of bold temper, they're wild-eyed and clever, Their war-yell a death-knell for many a foe. The Morrigan's hammer, their song joyful clamor, They're oath-bound for sword-ground to keep a grim oath. Now the Senachal's spoken of a time long forgotten, When word-sign was tongue-plied by beats as by man, When the corn that they'd hoped for lay blighted and broken, And the Crow-king on coal-wing came swift to the Clanne. Chorus We'll no corn be taking, if to join in oath-making, You sword-swear no work-snare is set for the Crow. It's battle we're needing, on flesh and blood feeding, And red-gold to the sword-bold and their kinsmen will flow. In these words was wisdom, they bound themselves in them, A crow-sign or the war-line a token of faith. They armed and took hire, employed sword and fire, Took war-gear, gained word-fear and swept all away. Chorus From that time to this time, as spoken in fair rhyme, Preachain and the crow-band keep the unbroken oath, If you've stomach for warring than heed well my warning To the sword-bold give the war-gold or your flesh to the Crow! There's a Clanne of bold temper, they're wild-eyed and clever, Their war-yell a death-knell for many a foe. The Morrigan's hammer, their song joyful clamor, They're oath-bound for sword-ground to keep a grim oath. Chorus | |
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Bonny Mary of Argyle
traditional
I have heard the mavis singing his love song to the morn I have seen the dew-drop clinging to the rose just newly born But a sweeter song has cheer'd me at the evening's gentle close And I've seen an eye still brighter than the dew drop on the rose 'Twas thy voice my gentle Mary and thine artless winning smile That made the world an Eden, Bonny Mary of Argyle. Though thy voice may lose its sweetness and thine eye its brightness too Though thy step may lack its fleetness and thy hair its sunny hue Still to me wilt thou be dearer than all the world shall won. I have loved thee for thy beauty but not for that alone. I have sought thy heart, dear Mary, and its goodness was the wile That has made thee mine forever, Bonny Mary of Argyle. | |
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The Border Lament
traditional
My love he built me a bonnie bower And clad it quite with lily flower A lovlier bower you never did see, Than my true love he built for me. There came a man my middle day He spied his sport, and went away And brought the king that very night Who broke my bower and slew my knight. He slew my knight, to me so dear He slew my knight and pined his gear The servants all for life did flee And left me in extremetie. I took his body on my back And while I went and while I convened I dug a grave and laid him in And sheltered him with the sod so green. | |
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The Brisk Young Butcher
Its of a brisk young butcher as I have heard them say He started out of London town all on a certain day Says he, "A frolic I will have my fortune for to try I will go into Liestershire some cattle for to buy." When he arrived at Leister town he stopped into an inn He called forth a hosteler and boldly he walked in He called for liquors of the best and being a rambling blade He quickly fixed his eyes upon the lovely chambermaid. Then she took up a candle to light him up to bed And when she came into the room these words to her he said "One sovereign I'll give to you all to enjoy your charms." And this fair maid all night did sleep all in the butcher's arms. 'Twas early the next morning he arose to go away The landlord said, "Beg pardon, Sir, You have forgot to pay." "Oh, no," the butcher did reply, "Pray do not think it strange One sovereign I gave you maid, and I haven't got the change." They straightway called the chambermaid and charged her with the same The golden sovereign she lay down for fear she'd get the blame The butcher he again went home well pleased with what was past And soon this pretty chambermaid grew thick about the waist. 'Twas in a twelvemonth after he came to town again And then as he had done before he stopped at that same inn 'Twas then the buxom chambermaid she chanced him for to see She brought a babe just three months old and placed him on his knee. The butcher sat like one amazed and at the child did stare But when the joke he did fine out how he did stamp and swear She said, "Kind Sir it is your own, pray do not think it strange One sovereign you gave to me and here I've brought your change." | |
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Cabin in the Woods
by Sir Cipriano d'Alvarez mka Guy L. Bradley When I first joined the SCA about three years ago I used to travel 'round everywhere every weekend or so. My classes always made me late, I had to sleep where I could And so it seemed I was always assigned to a cabin off in the woods. Chorus There were fourteen ladies and fourteen lords in sleeping bags on the floor. There were three outside and four on the roof and one in a sling by the door. There were ten kite shields and four hound dogs. We'd've fit five more if we could Didn't get much sleep but we had a lot of fun in that cabin off in the woods. I guess I really can't complain; I guess it's not that bad. Everybody's got a tale to tell 'bout a cabin they once had Like the lady who slept by the door who made our grumbling stop "No matter how cramped you lords may be, at least you'll be on top!" Chorus Now six kings have come and gone, the autocrats know my name. A heated cabin right by the hall, I know how to play that game. But things seem so much different now. We don't have the fun that we should. I'd trade that heater and my fold-up cot for that cabin off in the woods. Chorus | |
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Calling on Song
Good people, pray heed our petition Your attention we beg and we crave And if you are inclined for to listen And abundance of pastime we'll have. We are come to relate many stories Concerning our forefather's times And we trust they will drive out your worries Of this we are all in one mind. Many tales of the poor and the gentry Of labor and love will arise There are no finer songs in this country In Scotland and Ireland likewise. There's one thing more needing mention The dances we've danced all in fun So now that you've heard our intention We'll play on the beat of the drum. | |
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Carlough
traditional
Bruce McTaggart, hold your face Brooding over the old disgrace That black FitzWilliam's stormed yer place, Drove you to the fens! Grey said, "Vicar, leave assured. Soon the fire-byrne we'll secure." Until he met at Glen Malure With Feach MacHugh O'Burne! Chorus Curse and swear, Lord Kildare! Feach will do as Feach will dare! Now, Fits William have a care Fallen is your star, lo! Up with halberd, out with sword! On we go, for by the Lord Feach MacHugh has given the word: "Follow me up to Carlough!" See the swords at Glen Amough: They're flashin' over the English Pale See all the children of the Gael Beneath O'Burne's banner! Rooster of a fightin' stock Would you let a Saxon cock Crow out upon an Irish rock? Fly up and teach him manners! Chorus From Tassangart to Claymore There flows a stream of Saxon gore We're great as Rory Og O'more At sendin' the lions to Hades! White is sick, Grey is fled, Now for black FitzWilliam's head! We'll send it over drippin' red To Queen Liza and her ladies! Chorus | |
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The Chastity Belt
O say, gentle maiden, may I be your lover? Condemn me no longer to mourn and to weep! Cut down like a hart, I lie wounded and fainting Let down your drawbridge, I'll enter your keep. Enter your keep, nonny, nonny Enter your keep, nonny, nonny Let down your drawbridge, I'll enter your keep. Alas, gentle errant, I am not a maiden. He's caged me in armor, that cunning old Celt! He's off to the wars for a twelve-month or longer And taken the key to my chastity belt. Taken the key, nonny, nonny Taken the key, nonny, nonny And taken the key to my chastity belt. Fear not, gentle maiden, for I know a locksmith To his forge we will go, at his door we will knock. To try and avail of his specialized knowledge And see if he's able to unpick your lock. Unpick your lock, nonny, nonny Unpick your lock, nonny, nonny And see if he's able to unpick your lock. "Alas, Sir and Madame, to help I'm unable. My technical knowledge is of no avail. I can't find the secret of your combination; The cunning old bastard has fitted a Yale! Fitted a Yale, nonny, nonny Fitted a Yale, nonny, nonny The cunning old bastard has fitted a Yale! The knight's squire returned with sad news of disaster. "A terrible mishap I have to confide: As our ship was passing the Straits of Gibraltar The knight and the key, they went over the side. Over the side, nonny, nonny Over the side, nonny, nonny The knight and the key, they went over the side." Alas and Alack! I am locked up forever! But up spoke a blacksmith, saying "Leave it to me." "'Twas I forged your belt, I forged the key also And as a precaution I've copies made three: One for his Lordship, one for the High Priest But only one fits and I kept that for me. Kept that for me, nonny, nonny Kept that for me, nonny, nonny But only one fits and I kept that for me. | |
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Circles
By Gwen Zak Filk: Windmills In days gone by, when the world was much younger Men wondered at spring, born of winter's cold strife Wondered at the games of the moon and the Sunlight, They saw there the Lady and Lord of all life. Chorus And around and around and around turns the good Earth All things must change as the seasons go by We are the children of the Lord and the Lady Whose mysteries we know, but we'll never know why. In all lands the people were tied with the good Earth Plowing and sowing as the seasons declared Waiting to reap of the rich golden harvest Knowing her laugh in the joys that they shared. Chorus Through Flanders and Wales and the green land of Ireland In kingdoms of England and Scotland and Spain Circles grew up all along the wild coastline And worked for the land with the sun and the rain. Chorus Circles for healing and working the weather Circles for knowing the Moon and the Sun Circles for thanking the Lord and the Lady Circles for dancing the dance never done. Chorus And we who reach for the stars in the heavens Turning our eyes from the meadows and groves Still live in the love of the Lord and the Lady The greater the Circle, the more the love grows. Chorus Chorus | |
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Come, Follow, Follow
by John Hilton, 1596-1657
Come, follow, follow, follow, follow, follow, follow me. Whither shall I follow, follow, follow, Whither shall I follow, follow thee? To the greenwood, greenwood tree. | |
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Come Share the Dream
Lyrics by Sieglinde Syr Music by Sieglinde Syr and Iolo Fits Owen Listen! The laurel branches sing, The wind gives life thus to the song. Knighthood's flower breathes once more, Born and bloomed a-maying. And on a spring wind it has flown From sea to sea these twenty years Seedlings of the dream have sown Ten, to the fullest glory grown. We who are here have heard The voice calling from bygone days "Come share the dream, come live the legends, Relearn the ancient ways." Chorus Come, share the dream, come hold it in your hands As it might once have been Come live the legends that will never die Through us they live again. Reaching through time, their touch is real Upon the road of glory anon Side by side we ride with kings Bards shall sing our stories Tales are remembered skills not lost As it once was it shall be again And through us our children will know Of the greatness long ago. Each springs rebirth shall be the time When time its pace would sow And for a moment take us once more Into the days of yore. Chorus Those who began it here join hands With those for whom the magic is new And cast its spell a siren's song Calls us all to follow. Heed it we will and follow still ideals Born of fire and sword Born these twenty years ago Where mist and wind the laurels blow. And to our shores and mountains And plains carry the living dream As it once was it has been again; Chivalry lives, my friend. Chorus Chivalry lives, my friend. | |
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The Coming of Spring
by Lord Thomas Bordeaux
Give me a song, give me rhythm and rhyme Find the warmth of the sun in the circle of time Breathe new life to the trees from the heavens above On the cries of an infant, on the wings of a dove. Chorus And we'll sing hallelujah, hallelujah Oh for the coming of spring! And we'll sing hallelujah, hallelujah Oh for the coming of spring! Fill the forest with laughter, the heavens with light For a warm moonlit evening filled with lover's delight Fill the fields with flowers in colors that please For all the gods, children take comfort in these. Chorus Let the farmer's prepare all their fields to sow Set the flocks out to pasture where the sweet clover grows As the world makes it's turning in darkness and light A new day waits beginning on the edge of the night. Chorus Take heart you good gentles and warriors so bold Know that winter will end as is always foretold Don't despair for the spring though it's winter's dark night For it's spring in your hearts though it's winter outside. Chorus Chorus | |
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The Crafty Maid's Policy
author
Come listen awhile and I'll sing you a song Of three merry gentlemen riding along They met a fair maid and to her did say "We’re afraid this cold morning will do you some harm." "Oh, no, kind sir," said the maid, "You’re mistaken To think this cold morning will do me some harm. There's one thing I crave which lies twixt your legs. If you give me that, it will keep me warm." Then since you do crave it, my dear, you shall have it If you'll come with me to yonder green tree; Then since you do crave it, my dear you shall have it I'll make these two gentlemen witness to be. So the gentleman lighted and straightway she mounted And looking the gentleman hard in the face Saying, "You knew not my meaning, you wrong understood me." And away she went galloping down the long lane. "Oh, gentlemen, lend me one of your horses That I may ride after her down the long lane If I overtake her, I' warrant I'll make her Return unto me my own horse again." But soon did this fair maid she saw him a-coming She instantly then took a pistol in hand Saying, "Doubt not my skill that you I would kill I'll have you stand back or you are a dead man." "Oh why do you spend you time here in talking? Oh, why do you spend you time here in pain? Come, give her a guinea, it's what she deserves And I warrant she'll give you your horse back again." "Oh, no, kind sir, you're badly mistaken If this is his loss, well, this is my gain And you were a witness that he gave it to me." And away she went galloping down the long lane. | |
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Crusader's Song
By: Duke Conn McNeill
Chorus I'm for the Holy Land sailing, To win back Jerusalem's walls I'm for the Holy Land sailing, And I'll win my fortune or a martyr I'll fall. As my ship sails out I watch the far coastline, Leaving my kinsman my heart is full pained I've traded all for the cross at my shoulder, No land for a third son so I'm away Chorus As I look around me at the men on the benches, Their eyes are like mine so I know their hearts pain I sing them a song of bravery and battle, Now their eyes shine like the keen polished blade Chorus We're for the Holy Land sailing, To win back Jerusalem's walls We're for the Holy Land sailing, And we'll win our fortune or as martyrs we'll fall I followed King Richard to Sicily island, Joanna's dowry against Tancred prevailed Now a fortune in silver, a new wife hath Richard, I've a swift horse and a fine coat of maile Chorus At landfall in Cypress they refused Berengaria, Richard in anger has answered in steel Now the crown of Cypress he's added to England's, I've added knighthood's gold spurs to my heels Chorus I followed the banner to battle at Targrin, Held it aloft when it's bearer was slain We've given Richard a tower o'er the city, He's given me rank and a full captain's pay Chorus On the coastline at Tarsus we met with the Paynim, We won the battle though many men fell One was a baron with lands that need tending, Now they are mine and I'll tend them well Chorus Now I sit in court over Christian and Muslim, I've a strong keep and soldiers ten score King Richard's army has sailed back to England, I've said farewell for I'll see them nay more You see I'm in the Holy Land staying; to guard my own castle walls I'm in the Holy Land staying, I've won my fortune so farewell to all. | |
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Dragon Road
by Sir Cipriano d'Alvarez mka Guy Bradley It was on the first of August, out of Aronmerray, Half a dozen horses and a wagon load of hay There had been a party, hangovers galore Our clerics were unconscious and our fighters saddle-sore. Chorus And there were dragons, dragons, flying o'er the road, Wyverns all around us and behind us yellow mold And there were orcses, orcses, filling all the wood They all jumped upon us because we were lawful good. We were not discouraged. We were set to fight But we had drunk ten gallons of the finest mead that night! Sir Morris was disheveled, Sir Percy was the same And the elf who traveled with us was too drunk to know his name. Chorus The dragons got the horses, the orcs got even more And chewing on our wagon was an ugly manticore. We finally woke our wizard, he would make them pay But he rally pulled a boner when he mumbled spells that day. Chorus His fireball misfired, his lightning missed the mark And then the party found itself encased in total dark He tried to polymorph them, that dirty ancient louse And we did not think it funny when Sir Kay became a mouse. Chorus Our fighters bravely battled, but it was all for nought 'Cause we had not the measure of the monsters that we fought T'was our bard who finally saved us, for he could do no wrong And he really had them running when he belted out this song! Chorus | |
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| Faire Opening, Faire Closing used at the California Renaissance Faire | |
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Faire Opening
Awake! Awake! The day doth break Good craftsmen open your stalls come greet the light Shake off the night The faire is open to all! |
Faire Closing
Good craftsmen rest your weary voices Put your wares away Good travelers make your final choices Come not the end of the day As the daylight dies like a rose The faire must come to a close As the sun deserts the sky We bid you good people good-bye. |
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The Fairy’s Love Song
Chorus Why should I sit and sigh Pulling bracken, pulling bracken? Why should I sit and sigh On a hillside dreary? When I see the plover* rising Or the curfew* wheeling Then I know my mortal lover Back to me is stealing. Chorus Ah, but there is something wanting; Oh but I am weary! Come by, blithe and bonny laddie, O’er the knoll to cheer me. Chorus *plover: a bird, related to the sandpiper. *curfew: a bird, related to the woodcock. | |
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The Favor
by Ceara ni Neill mka Alexandria Long filk: Rossann nel Coir (recorded by Scartaglen) Ireland's sun is shining today But my heart does not bask in it's rays For my lover has gone off to battle And he carried the favor of fair Faye. Promised he me never to leave, But to steal his heart Faye did achieve Now he leaves me, alone, to my own fate Since for her my love he did betray. Come they, come they, suitors aplenty; I send, I send them away For my lover, he's gone into battle, Though he carried the favor of fair Faye. Ireland's sun is shining today, But my heart does not bask in its rays. For my brothers have gone into battle For to gain my honor thrown away. And I went to the battlefield today And from his belt, pulled the favor of fair Faye. | |
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Folk o' the Plaid
traditional
Ken ye the heart of the folk o' the plaid Wonder as many of what they are made? For they're hard as the highlands and cold as Loch Sloy Scots hae a spirit tha' nay can destroy. Chorus And it's hey to the highlands, hello to the low If ye leave a Scot breathin', he'll strike the last blow As the English Chieftain so angrily knows, A thistle bows not to the rose, a thistle bows not to the rose. Born in the damp winds and raised in the hills Those who reach manhood have iron-like wills For the weavers and the rovers and the brigands, it's known A Scotsman looks after his own, a Scotsman looks after his own. Chorus Now french ladies charm with their glances and sighs But give me a lassie with fire in her eyes. Aye, Scots girls are fiery, they're long, and they're lean, Sharper of wit than a dirk it is keen. Now lovin' the women's like juggling with knives; Too many at once and they'll look to your lies. Find ye but one lass and stay to her true She'll fight at your back and share all that you do. Chorus Now some call us heartless and callous and cruel But a Scot's a survivor and nobody's fool. We've wagered though the ages of hardship and strife Sometimes it takes a hard man to lead a hard life. So we'll pipe 'til the blood sings, and we'll drink liquid fire Watch where ye tread lest ye risk Scottish ire Hark ye the words of the MacKintosh Clan Touch not the cat without a gloved hand. Chorus Chorus | |
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The Forth Castle Chronicle
by Ceara ni Neill mka Alexandria Long Good day, miladies and milords, of this you may not know A story of Forth Castle and some folks that you may know. Aye, o'er the river and through the woods to Forth Castle we go We'll fight all day with furniture and wear our funny clothes! Chorus Oh, fie diddley die and fie diddley dee Oh come along, enjoy our southern hospitality! The ladies they will bake all day, and sit and sew and knit For gossip is a bardic art with no equivalent. The men they boldly swagger 'round and boast of maidens laid, Until their wives remind them that the children are up late. The children they run rampant while Daddy's off at war When he returns home weary, then they beat him with his sword. Follow me now, if you will for if you'll come and see We'll drink our ale and shout, "VIVAT! This 'tis the life for me!" Chorus Now listen to me carefully, I'll sing a little yarn. Lest harm it should befall you come and meet me 'round the barn; We'll rob you of your weapons, your horses and your gold Let Donald tell his jokes to you for they are stale and old! Lord Erich von dem Schwartzwald was a large and stately man He'd breathe his charm and have the ladies eating from his hand. Oh, Katherine was his Lady, a mistress of the feast. She'd cook her little (ahem!) arse off with the vengeance of a beast! Chorus Lord Walter built our armory with knowledge of the mead Damn him, he's gone! We can't brew 'nough to satisfy our need! Lady Catriona was his wife, and oh, so sweet! Since they've been gone they've landed in a Western Baron's seat. Lady Bronwyn was a pretty lass, though perhaps too prone to lush But wear ye not a kilt near her for she is sure to blush! And Chrys would be a ladies'man, but we are not to know: When faced with woman and a book, the wench was first to go! Chorus Another asset of our shire is fine Lord Perigryne. Twas he the first of ours to squire-- you should have seen him grin! His Lady, wife Dennet she wrapped the belt around his girth. That day a hundred cannons could not bring him down to Earth! And Lord Artan MacDarragh is a mighty man to fold. He'll welcome kilt checks frequently, then blame it on the cold. 'Tis all the story that I know; I'm sure there's more to tell, But if you want to know more you must partake of our ale. Chorus Aye, come along with me, I say, I trow you'll not forget The wondrous time you've had with us (Though you may not admit!) But if you are disgusted and you can take no more, Ne'er mind us, for we're drunk again and lying on the floor! Chorus Aye, drink with us and nurture with our grain vitality! | |
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Four Blind Mice
Four blind mice are dead Four blind mice are dead See how they lie See how they lie Four dead bodies on the ground Four dead bodies on the ground Poor dead mice Poor dead mice | |
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Four Drunken Maidens
traditional English
There were three drunken maidens, come from the Isle of Wight They drunk from Monday morning non-stop 'til Saturday night When Saturday night came 'round me boys, they would not then go out These three drunken maidens, they pushed the jug about. Then up come handsome Sally, her cheeks as red as bloom Move up me jolly sisters, and give young Sally room! For I'll be your equal before we ten go out These four drunken maidens they pushed the jug about. There's woodcock and pheasant, there's partridge and hare. There's all sorts of dainties, no scarcity was there. There's forty quarts of beer me boys, they fairly drunk them out These four drunken maidens, they pushed the jug about. Then up come the landlord, he's asking for his pay It's a forty pound bill, me boys, these girls have got to pay That's ten pounds apiece, me boys, but still they wouldn't go out! These four drunken maidens, they pushed the jug about. Oh where are your feathered hats, your mantles rich and fine? They've all been swallowed up in tankards of good wine. And where are your maidenheads, you maidens brisk and gay? We left them in the alehouse, we drunk them clear away! | |
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The Froggy Song
by Ceara ni Neill mka Alexandria Long When I was a young lass of fourteen and two, I went to a witch who could tell fortunes true. But I swear that that witch cast a spell upon me For since then I've only eyes for men slimy green. Chorus Someday I will find my true horny-toad. My kiss will change him to a fine, handsome rogue But with my luck, he'll love me and leave me to be A-lookin' for another frog to kiss and marry me. I hear a frog croaking near yonder deep pond. His voice is so deep, it makes my heart grow fond! Perhaps he's a large toad with back spotted brown; He'll change to a fine prince with hair to the ground! Chorus "Come to me, sweet Ceara," he croaked with a smile. "Aye, here lass, sit by me and chat for a while. I'll tell you a story, you'll sing me a song. We'll frolic together 'til dusk becomes dawn!" "I hear thee, dear Toadie, but what if I do? Perhaps there's no spell and your words are untrue." "Then kiss me, I beg of you, for I know well To regret today is better than no story to tell." Chorus With eyes closed, my lips touched his skin, damp and cold; I feared of the warts of which I had been told. But my wondering eyes opened to find such a treat A stately, tall, and handsome prince with perfect webbed feet! Chorus | |
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Gilda and the Dragon
by Cynthia McQuillin
Sir Loren undertook a quest, the maiden Gilda seeking. He found her in a dragon's bed, from 'neath the covers peeking. "What seek you here, Sir Loren dear?" the dragon asked with guile. The noble knight could not but note the dragon's sated smile. "Why smilest thou, Lord Dragon, sir?" asked our hero in armor laden? "Why, you'd smile too," the worm replied, "if you'd just eaten a maiden." "Such candor," this young lordling cried, "must touch upon dishonor!" The dragon grinned his lecherous grin and once more was upon her. "Cease and desist!" Sir Loren cried, his fine steel blade a-flashin'. "Oh, slay him not!" young Gilda cried, her voice a play of passion. "Was ever a maid so tried as I betwixt desire and honor? I should demand you slay the beast, but he stirs in me such ardor!" "Fie, fie!" Sir Loren cried to her. "What foolishness is this? Would you deny you lord and land all for a dragon's kiss?" Intently he did search her face, then frowned in deep dismay As she shed a tear for honor's sake, and sent him on his way. "Why smilest thou, Lord Dragon, sir?" asked our hero in armor laden? "Why, you'd smile too," the worm replied, "if you'd just eaten a maiden." | |
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The Golden Vanity
traditional
Oh, there is a lofty ship, and she sails the open sea And the name of our ship is the Golden vanity And we fear we will be taken by the Spanish enemy And sunk beneath the lowland, lowland, lowland, Sunk beneath the lowland sea. Then up spoke our cabin boy, and boldly out spake he Saying unto the Captain, "What will you give to me If I should swim alongside of the Spanish enemy, And sink her in the lowland, lowland, lowland, Sink her in the lowland sea? "Oh I will give you silver and gold," said he "And my own fair daughter your bonny bride shall be If you will swim alongside of the Spanish enemy, And sink her in the lowland, lowland, lowland, Sink her in the lowland sea." So the cabin boy made ready and overboard sprang he, And he swam to the side of the Spanish enemy And with his drilling tool in her side he bore holes three And sank her in the lowland, lowland, lowland, Sank her in the lowland sea. Then the cabin boy swam back to the Golden Vanity And he called upon the Captain for to pull him from the sea. But the Captain would not heed him for his daughter he did need, And left him in the lowland, lowland, lowland Left him in the lowland sea. So then the cabin boy turned round, and he swam to the port side And he called up to his messmates and most bitterly he cried, Saying, "Messmates, pull me up, for I'm drifting with the tide, And I'm sinking in the lowland, lowland, lowland Sinking in the lowland sea." Well we pulled him up on board, but upon the deck he died. So we wrapped him in his hammock, which was so very wide. Then we cast him overboard, and he drifted with the tide And he sank beneath the lowland, lowland, lowland Sank beneath the lowland sea. Oh, there is a lofty ship and she sails the open sea But she sails without a cabin boy whose age was twelve and three And we fear we will be taken by the Spanish enemy And sunk beneath the lowland, lowland, lowland Sunk beneath the lowland sea. | |
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Greensleeves
traditional
Alas, my love, you do me wrong To cast me off discourteously. And I have loved you so long Delighting in your company. Chorus Greensleeves was all my joy Greensleeves was my delight Greensleeves was my heart of gold And who, but my Lady Greensleeves. I have been ready at your hand To grant what ever you would crave. I have both waged life and land Your love and good will for to have. Chorus Thou couldst desire no earthly thing But still thou hadst it readily Thy music still to play and sing And yet thou wouldst not love me. Chorus Well I will pray to God above That thou my constancy may'st see For I am still thy lover true Come once again and love me. Chorus | |
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Gypsy Rover
traditional
The gypsy rover came over the hill, Bound though the valley so shady He whistled and he sang 'till the green woods rang And he won the heart of a lady. Ah dee doo, ah dee doo dah day Ah dee doo, ah dee day dee He whistled and he sang 'till the green woods rang And he won the heart of a lady. She left her father's castle gate, She left her own true lover. She left her servants and her estate To follow the gypsy rover. Ah dee doo, ah dee doo dah day Ah dee doo, ah dee day dee She left her servants and her estate To follow the gypsy rover. Her father sadled his fasted steed, He roamed the valley all over. He sought his daughter at great speed And the whistling gypsy rover. Ah dee doo, ah dee doo dah day Ah dee doo, ah dee day dee He sought his daughter at great speed And the whistling gypsy rover. He came at last to a mansion fine Down by the River Claydee, And there was music and there was wine For the gypsy and his lady. Ah dee doo, ah dee doo dah day Ah dee doo, ah dee day dee And there was music and there was wine For the gypsy and his lady. "He is no gypsy, my father," she said, But lord of tehse lands all over; And I will stay 'till my dying day With my whistling gypsy rover." Ah dee doo, ah dee doo dah day Ah dee doo, ah dee day dee And I will stay 'till my dying day With my whistling gypsy rover." And I will stay 'till my dying day With my whistling gypsy rover." | |
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Heigh, Ho, Nobody Home
Heigh, ho, nobody home Meat nor drink nor money have I none Still, I will be merry, very merry Heigh, ho, nobody home. | |
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I'm a Duke and You're Not
By Lord Thomas Bordeaux (melody negotiable) I've heard some people talkin' Bout the high road I've been walkin Well it's really more about The things that I can't live without. I've got the finest clothes they're makin', And the greatest care I've taken Not to dress like those below me Yeah, you, who used to know me Won't believe the things I've got- 'Cause I'm a duke, and you're not. Chorus I'm a duke and you're not, I can throw those options shots I love the sound of ringing metal, Hey, there's one more for the kettle Yeah, I'm a duke and you're not, Come and get it while it's hot Just set 'em up, I'll knock 'em down, Pound those guys into the ground I'm here to show you what I've got- 'Cause I'm a duke and you're not. When it comes to heavy fightin' There's some things I really like First there's the fact that I'm the winner I never have to buy my dinner. It doesn't matter what I'm sayin' It's my word they'll be obeyin 'Sides most people are just weenies All my Queens wear string bikinis!) I am really hot to trot- 'Cause I'm a duke and you're not. Chorus Those other peers they think they Know a little 'bout the kingdom And the way that things should be. Yeah, but if they did, they'd see That it's the fighting men that matter And the world would surely shatter If I didn't play the game. Things would never be the same And that's why I'm at the top- Cause I'm a duke, and you're not. Chorus I've heard that somewhere out there There's some guy that likes to sing and likes To tell his little stories And oh wait, there's even more-he's Got a little tune he's singin' 'Bout some fighters that he's zingin' And some say that one's about me But won't give them cause to doubt me There's no reason to get hot 'Cause I'm a duke and he's not. I'm a duke and he's not, He can't block my option shots He doesn't' even have a Crescent On the field he isn't' present I'm a duke and he's not And all that he can do is natter He can have his chitter-chatter. Of the things that really matter He's a little, I'm a lot- 'Cause I'm a duke, and he's not. | |
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I'm a Rover
also known as "A Health to All True-Lovers"
Chorus I'm a rover, seldom sober. I'm a rover of high degree. It's when I'm drinking I'm always thinking How to gain my loves' company. 'Tis many a night I'm going to ramble, 'Tis many a night I'm going to roam 'Tis many a night I'm going to ramble Into the arms of my won true love. Chorus O through the night be as dark as dungeon Still a star be seen above I shall be guided without a stumble Into the arms of my own true love. Chorus I stepped up to her bedroom window I tapped softly upon the pane I whispered through her bedroom window, My darlin', dear, do you lie alone? Chorus She raised her head from her downsoft pillow Waved her arms about her breast Says what is that at my bedroom window Disturbing me at my long night's rest? Chorus Says I, my darling, it's thy true lover Open the door and let me in. For I have come on this long nights' journey For to be in thy arms again. Chorus She opened the door with the greatest pleasure Opened the door and let me in For I have come on this long nights' journey For to be in thy arms again. Chorus Says I my darlin', I must leave you To climb the hills, they're far above But I shall climb with the greatest pleasure I've been in the arms of my own true love. | |
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Itches in Me Britches
I was born of country parents One day when I was young That's how the country dialect Became me native tongue. That I was a pretty babe, Me mother she would vow The girls all ran to kiss me Well I wish they'd do it now. Chorus Oh I wish they'd do it now, Oh I wish they'd do it now, I've got itches in me britches And I wish they'd do it now! Well, when I was only six months old The girls would handle me They clutched me to their bosoms And they bounced me on their knee. They would rock me in the cradle And if I made a row They'd tickle me, they'd cuddle me I wish they'd do it now. Chorus At sixteen months, as fine a lad As ever could be seen The girls all liked to follow me Right down to the green They would make a chain of buttercups And drop it on my brow Then they'd roll me in the clover, Well, I wish they'd do it now. Chorus Well the eastern girls would call for me To swim when it was mild Down to the river we would go And splash about a while They would throw the water over me And duck me like a cow Then they'd rub me nice all over. Well, I wish they'd do it now. Chorus Well, it's awful lonely for a lad To lead a single life I think I'll go to the dance tonight And find meself a wife. Oh, I've got six bundle pigs Likewise one big fat sow There'll be plenty of love and bacon For the girl who'll have me now. For the girl who'll have me now For the girl who'll have me now There'll be plenty of love and bacon For the girl who'll have me now. | |
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Jesuitmont
There lived a knight in Jesuitmont A huntin' he did ride His footmen all attending him And his horsemen by his side. And they found out in Jesuitmont A pleasant sport and play His lady goes exceeding fine To hear the masses play. An she's called on her daughter Anne To come to her with speed To go and tell the master cook To dress the dinner straight. To go her message for to tell Young Annie feared nae ill An' she is gone to the master cook The message for to tell. Ye maun dress the dow, the dow That fair and milk-white dow That in the parlour shines so fair There's none so fair to show. Here is a penknife in my hand Will bereave thee of my life For thou art the dow that I maun dress Unto thy father's wife. Up them spoke the kitchie boy An' he spoke loud an' high "O save, O save fair Annie's life An' bake me in your pie." "I will not save fair Annie's life, No, not for such as thee But if thou divulge this lady's life Thy butcher I will be." When day was done and night was come And they were all at dinner When he's ca'd for 'is daughter Anne To come and carve his dinner. Up he rose and away he goes An angry man was he "One bit of meat I will not eat Till I fair Annie see." Up then spake the kitchie boy An' he spake loud an' high "An' ye wad your fair Annie see, Ye maun break up the pie." Her meat it was a minced sma' An' forced by the fire An' cursed by her stepmother For it was her desire. This lord he is a-clad in black A' for his Annie's sake An' he has caused her stepmother To be burnt at the stake. An' he has caused the master cook In boilin' lead to stand An' he has make the kitchie boy The heir o' a' his land. | |
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Johnny Be Fair
names and, with a few other changes, may be sung by a man as well. And I would marry Johnny but me father up and said, "I'm sad to tell you, daughter, what your mother never knew, But Johnny is a son of mine, and so is kin to you." Oh, Robin be fair, and ..... Oh, Sean be fair, and ..... ( Change names as needed, repeat as many times as you want. ) You never saw a girl so sad and sorry as I was, The boys in town are all my kin and my father is the cause. If life should thus continue I will die a single miss, So I will go to Mother and complain to her of this. "Well, daughter, haven't I taught you to forgive and to forget, And if your father sowed his oats, well, still you needn't fret. Your father may be father to all the boys, but still, He's not the one who sired you, so marry who you will." | |
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Knights, Boys, Knights
by Sir Cipriano d'Alvarez mka Guy Bradley Man, born of woman, was a squire for to be He's born to degradation in every degree Of sword blows and shield drills he never has his ease He has so many masters that he don't know who to please. Chorus Knights, boys, knights; it's knights we ought to be. Knights, boys, knights; by His Magesty's decree The sword and the shield and the whipping boys are we Oh, it's great to be a squire, but it's knights we ought to be! Go to your knight if you want to learn how to fight He'll cave in half your helm and he'll say the shot was light You sue that blow in tourneys and you quickly gain some fame Then your knight comes back to practice and he takes you out again. Chorus Go to the Earl Marshall if you want your weapons checked He'll say you're under-armored with no padding on your neck You make a sturdy gorget out of steel wrapped up in cloth When the first blow breaks the buckle and you cannot get it off. Chorus Fight in a crown tourney if you want to feel a fool Get beaten in a round, if you're lucky you'll last two. You go back to the sidelines, but your lady isn't there She's hanging on the winner and you're left just standing there. Chorus Then you go to the Chiurgeon 'cause you're feeling mighty ill The chiurgeon looks you over and he gives you a pill Then if you die he'll say you're out of his hands. The chiurgeon's done his duty and he doesn't give a damn. Chorus You find a comely lady and you carry all her gear You come right back and find you knight a-whispering in her ear You try to curb your anger 'cause you never had a chance Then they borrow your best sleeping bag and send you off to dance. Chorus Go and find the autocrat to get a place to sleep He'll say there's no more beds, but the mud ain't very deep. You finally get to bed nestled underneath a tree Then you wake up in the morning with a double dose of fleas. Chorus Go tell the Kingdom Seneschal of thinking you have done She'll tell you of the problems of her job which isn't fun You finally do explain to her the nature of your plan Then she says the king won't buy it, and she doesn't give a damn. Chorus The other peers I'm sure will find my tale hard to believe I shall explain it shortly; you indulgences I plead you say that your associates do everything we do But I've yet to see a protégée get beaten black and blue! Chorus The populace may wonder why we're eager to be knights To take on peerage status and a belt that's colored white The answer's far too simple for me even to discuss For anyone with eyes can see they're better off than us. Chorus | |
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Lizzie Lindsey
by Robert Burns
Chorus
Will ye gang to the hielands, Lizzie Lindsey? Will ye gang to the hielands, wi' me? Will ye gang to the hielands, Lizzie Lindsey My bride and darlin' tae be? Tae gang tae the hielands wi ye, Sir I fear that never may be For I ken no the land that you live in Nor ken I the lad I'm gang wi'. Chorus Oh, Lizzie lass, ye mun ken little, If you say that ye do not ken me; For my name it is Lord Robert McDonald A chieftain of high degree Chorus She's kilted up her skirts of green satin She's kilted them over her knee And she's off with Lord Robert McDonald His bride and his darlin' tae be. Chorus | |
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Maids in Trades
Come all of ye trades and ye tradesmen And let ye be wise that are fools But remember each day That your trade would decay If a maid didn't look to your tools. The blacksmith, the smokey old blacksmith He's known as a jolly old fellow But his iron would burn old And his fire would grow cold If a maid didn't blow up the bellows. And then there's the candlestick maker, He works up the tallow so quick. But his craft would be marred And the works not get hard If a maid didn't hold up the wick. The ploughman, the jolly old ploughman He follows the plow in the silt. But it's ne'er a clod turned If a maid hadn't learned him To drove the blade up to the hilt. The brewer, the jolly old brewer He maketh a very fine ale. But his brew would be waste If there's no maid to taste And make sure it doesn't' go stale. So come all of ye journeymen, craftsmen And all who are apprenticed to trade For it's never a srcew Or a nut would be turned If it weren't for the help of a maid! | |
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Mattie Groves
by James Childe
One high, one high one holiday On the very first day of the year Little Mattie Groves to church did go God’s holy word to hear. Well the first to enter was the lady in white The next the lady in blue The last to come was Lord Banner’s wife The flower among the few. She cast her eye on little Mattie Groves Little Mattie Groves on she What would you give, my fine young man To spend one night with me? I dare not come, I dare not go I dare not for me life For I see by the little ring you wear You’re the great Lord Banner’s wife. So what if I am Lord Banner’s wife, Lord Banner is not at home He is gone to London town To fetch King Henry’s throne. Well, a little footpage was standing by He took to his heels and he run He run till he come to the waterside He bent his breast and swum. What news, what news, my little footpage, Is my castle burning down Or is my lady brought to bed Of a daughter or a son? No, your castle it is not burning down You have no daughter or son Little Mattie Groves is in bed with your wife, They lie as they were one. Well, they hadn’t been in bed about two hours I’m sure it was not three When Lord Banner appeared in their chamber Standing at their bedfeet. And how do you like my pillow, Milord? And how do you like my sheets? And how do you like that fair young maid Who lies in your arms asleep? It’s well that I like your pillows, Milord It’s well that I like your sheets But it’s best that I love this fair young maid Who lies in my arms asleep Get up, get up, little Mattie Groves Get dressed as fast as you can It’ll ne’er be said in the morning sun I slew a naked man. Oh, I can’t get up, I won’t get up I dare not for me life For at your side hand two broadswords And I have nary a knife. If at my side hang two broadswords They cost me deep in purse But you shall have the better of the two And I shall have the worst. The very first blow that little Mattie struck He struck Lord Banner sore The second blow Lord Banner struck Little Mattie rose no more. He’s taken his lady by the hand And placed her on his knee Saying "Who do you like the best, my dear, Little Mattie Groves or me?" It’s well that I like your rosy red cheeks It’s well that I like your chin But it’s best that I love little Mattie Groves Than you or all your kin. He’s taken her by the lily white hand And led her through the hall He’s taken her to an upper room And killed her before them all. Go place these lovers in one grave Go place them deep within But place my lady on the top, For she’s of nobler kin. | |
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Mead for the Servant
by Lord Aegid
I forged my blade in the fires of my wrathful indignation I quenched the steel in the ice of my veins I hear the fierd in their armor, impatient in the dawn I hear the lookout cry at sight of land, the hosting of the foes Chorus So ready axe, shield and spear To my war-horn pay good heed I'll be the first on the land today Or taste Valhalla's mead All this for life and for honor And for right of kingly sway All this for loot and for plunder And for mercenary pay! Yet says their priest, "We are brothers, Each cherished of their lord." But I say, "Let us die as we have lived, Servants of the sword!" Chorus | |
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Men of the Picts
by Rudyard Kipling
Rome never heeds where she treads. Always the heavy hooves fall On our stomachs, our hearts and our heads. And Rome never heeds when we bawl. The sentries pass on, that is all. And we gather behind them in hordes, And plot to reconquer the Wall With only our tongues for our swords. We are the little folk, we, Too little to love or to hate. But leave us alone and you'll see Just how we can drag down the State. We are the worm in the wood, We are the rot at the root, We are the tint in the blood, We are the thorn in the foot! Mistletoe choking an oak Rats gnawing cables in two Moths making holes in a cloak How they must love what they do. Yes, and we are the little folk too! We are as busy as they Working our works out of view. But watch, and you'll see them someday. No, indeed we are not strong. But we know people who are! And we, we will guide them along To crush and destroy you in war. Yes, we have always been slaves, And yes, we will still be their slaves. But you, you will die of the shame, And then we will dance on your graves. We are the little folk, we. Too little to love or to hate. But leaves us alone and you'll see Just how we can drag down the State! | |
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Meridies
by Lady Megan Nimaia led Celeta ©1979 by Lila Fraser Will my dazzled eyes ever learn to bear the flash of sun on chrome? Will there ever be a place that I can truly call my home? Will my courage fail before I find the place where I belong? Will the city's noise drown out the sound of a lonely minstrel's song? Meridies, you mean so much to me A joy in life that is almost too much to bear Meridies, you've set my spirit free; Now I can drop the lifeless mask I wear. When I see the knights in their gleaming mail I move back through the years When I see my sister with her lord I'm almost moved to tears. When I see the feast-hall candle-lit it's like coming home at last; Now I know you are my people and my place is in the past. Meridies, you mean so much to me The taste of cloves and the warmth of a stranger's kiss. Meridies, you've set my spirit free; I never dreamed that life could be like this. There's a place where the time has no power over men and their affairs, Where a craftsman still puts all his love and skill into his wares. There's a place where fellowship has not become an empty word Where no noise drowns out the laughter and the music can be heard. Meridies, you mean so much to me You gave the minstrel a time and a place to sing. Meridies, you've set my spirit free; Long live the kingdom, and God bless the King. Meridies, you've set my spirit free; Long live the kingdom, and God bless the King. | |
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The Miller of Dee
There was a jolly miller once Lived on the river Dee. He worked and sang from morn till night No lark more blithe than he. And this the burden of his song Forever used to be. I care for nobody, no, not I, If nobody cares for me. I love my mill, she is to me Like parent, child and wife I would not change my station For any other in life. Then push, push, push the bowl my boys And pass it 'round to me The longer we sit here and drink, The merrier we shall be. So let us his example take, And be from malice free Let everyone his neighbor serve As served he'd like to be. And merrily push the can about And drink and sling with glee If nobody cares a dot for us, Why, not a dot care we. | |
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Must I Go Bound
Chorus Must I go bound and you so free? Must I love one who doesn't' love me? Must I be born with so little art As to love a one that will break my heart? I put my finger to a bush I thought I'd find a trusty tree. But first it bended and then it broke And so did my love prove false to me. Chorus There is a ship that sails the sea She's loaded down as deep as deep can be. But not so deep as the love I'm in I know not ere I sink or swim. Oh, love be gentle and love be kind Gay as a jewel when first it's new. But love grows old and then grows cold And fades away like morning dew. Chorus | |
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MacIntyre
Some friends and I in a public house Was playin' dominoes one night When into the room a fireman came, His face all chalky white. "What's up?" Says Brown, "have you seen a ghost? Have you seen your Aunt Mariah?" "Oh, me Aunt Mariah be buggered", says he, "The bleedin' pub's on fire!" "Oh", says Brown, "What a bit o' luck, Everybody follow me. I'ts down to the cellar; if the fire's not there, Oh, we'll have a grand old spree." So we all went down with good old Brown And the booze we could not miss We hadn't been there ten minutes or more 'Til we were quite like this: Chorus Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand... There was Brown, upside down A-moppin' up the whiskey on the floor. "Booze, booze!" the fireman cried As they come a-knockin' at the door. (thump-thump) "Oh, don't let 'em in 'til it's all mopped up." Somebody shouted "MacIntyre!" And we all got blue-blind paralytic drunk When the Old Dun Cow caught fire. Then Smith run over to the portwine tub And gave it a few hard knocks. (thump-thump) Started takin' off his pantaloons, likewise his shoes and socks. "Hold on," says Brown, "That ain't allowed. You can't do that there here. Don't go washin' your trotters in the portwine tub When we got Guinness's beer! Chorus And then there came a mighty crash Half the bloody roof caved in. We was drowned in the firemen's hose Though we were almost...happy Wo we got some tacks and old wet sacks And we tacked ourselves inside And we sat there getting bleary-eyed drunk When the Old Dun Cow caught fire. | |
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One Misty Moisty Morning
by Steelye Span
One misty moisty morning when cloudy was the weather I met with an old man a-clothed all in leather. A-clothed all in leather with his cap beneath his chin Singing how d'ya do and how d'ya do and how d'ya do again. This rustic was a thresher as on his way he hied And with a leather bottle fast buckled to his side He wore no shirt upon his back but wool unto his skin Singing how d'ya do and how d'ya do and how d'ya do again. I went a little further and there I met a maid A-going a-milking, a-milking she said The I began to compliment as she began to sing Saying how d'ya do and how d'ya do and how d'ya do again. This maid her name was Dolly clothed in a gown of grey I being somewhat jolly persuaded her to stay And straight I fell a-courting her in hopes her love to win Singing how d'ya do and how d'ya do and how d'ya do again. I having time and leisure, I spent a vacant hour A-telling of my treasure while sitting in her bower With many kind embraces I stroked her double chin Singing how d'ya do and how d'ya do and how d'ya do again. I said that I would married be and she would be my bride And long we should not tarry and twenty things beside I'll plough and sow and reap and mow and you shall sit and spin Singing how d'ya do and how d'ya do and how d'ya do again. Her parents then consented, all parties were agreed Her portion thirty shillings, we married were with speed Then Will the Piper he did play whilst others danced and sang, Saying how d'ya do and how d'ya do and how d'ya do again. Then lusty Ralph and Robin with many damsels gay Did ride on roan and dobbins to celebrate the day And when they met together their caps they off did fling Saying how d'ya do and how d'ya do and how d'ya do again. | |
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Paddy's Song
by James Treebull
(with modifications for the SCA) Milord, I write this note for to tell you of my plight And at the time of writing I am not a pretty sight. My body is all black and blue; my face, a deathly grey And I write this note to say why I'm not on the wall today. While working on the castle wall, some bricks I had to clear. For to throw them down from off the top seemed quite a good idea. But the bailiff, he would not agree, him being an awful sod He said I'd have to cart them down the ladder in my hod. (hood) Well, clearing all these bricks by hand, it seemed so very slow So I hoisted up a barrel and secured the rope below. But in my haste to do the job, I was too blind to see That a barrel full of building bricks is heavier than me. So when I untied the rope, of course, the barrel fell like lead And clinging tightly to the rope I started up instead. I shot up like an arrow, and to my dismay I found That halfway up I met the bloody barrel coming down. Well, the barely broke my shoulder as toward the ground it sped, And when I reached the top I banged the pulley with my head. I clung on tight, though numb with shock from that almighty blow, While the barrel spilled out half its bricks some forty feet below. Now when the bricks had fallen from the barrel to the floor, I then outweighed the barrel, so I started down once more. Still clinging tightly to the rope, I raced towards the ground. And I landed on those broken bricks that lay scattered all around. While as I lay there moaning, I thought sure I'd passed the worst But when the barrel hit the top, 'twas then the bottom burst. A shower of bricks rained down on me. I didn't have a hope And in the great confusion, I let go the bloody rope. Well, the barrel now was heavier and it started down once more And it landed right on top of me, as I lay there on the floor. It broke three ribs and my left arm and I can only say I hope you understand why I'm not on the wall today. | |
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Pennsic, Soon Around the Corner
by Ceara ni Neill mka Alexandria Long The summer wanes, the winter it cools. We realize, my love, we were only fools. But care we not of our lot, For Pennsic is soon around the corner. So shine your boots and your armor well And take care your battle stories, they do not swell. For when ye do fight, then the truth it will tell! For Pennsic is soon around the corner. And brew ye lots of ale and mead. You can ne'er brew too much for to fill your need! And bring ye your cup when you come to sup, For Pennsic is soon around the corner. To minstrels, bards, afar I hail: Come sing us your songs and drink of our ale! And the dancers will dance to the drummers' beat true For Pennsic is soon around the corner. So smile, my love and dry your eyes As the grass on the battlefield waves at the sky We'll frolic together and meet many others For Pennsic is soon around the corner. So pack ye your tent and your garb and your sword And if there is room, you can pack even more. You can ne'er bring too much to the Pennsic War! Aye, Pennsic is soon around the corner. Aye, Pennsic is soon around the corner. | |
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Preachain Song
by Ceara ni Neill mka Alexandria Long We live in a world that is vile and wrong We look to each other to keep ourselves strong With respect to our culture, we recreate the days And the best we know how practice all the ancient ways. The sky smiles above us to the earth beneath our feet On occasion, if you listen, the winds laugh maniacally But the trees wave them quiet and the brook bubbles them still And the gods invite us out to play, to frolic at will. Chorus Preachain, Preachain, let us all gather 'round And drive our enemies into the ground The Goddess is with us and we fight as one We belong to the Earth, the Sea and the Sun. Some spend their lives struggling to keep up the pace With society's downfall and technology's mace But we as a Clanne seek a higher, deeper call For it's our own inner child that will save us all. Chorus As Children of the Crow we will never grow old; Our hearts are wild and free. And ne'er will we live as slaves to mundanes We belong to the Earth, Fire, Sky and the Sea! Chorus | |
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The Price of a Nobleman's Pride
MacLeod and McKenzie are all in a frenzy and calling their kinsmen to war o'er six stony acres, put up in a wager that both of them claim to have won. Chorus And proudly they went there And fiercely they fought there And bravely they stood there and died And the debt that was paid With the blood spilled that day was The price of a nobleman's pride Young Seamus McKenzie, still nine short of twenty Is sneaking away to the war He can't wait to grow up, and prove he's a man but Now all of his growing is done. Chorus Old Ian MacLeod was both worried and proud To see all his fine sons go to war But one came back witless and one came back legless And one never came back at all Chorus Malcolm McKenzie was known to be friendly And loved by the whole countryside It was all he could do as he cut friends in two To see through the tears in his eyes Chorus MacLeod and McKenzie are all in a frenzy And calling their kinsmen to war Vengence they claim for the ruined and slain And the bloodshed has only begun. Chorus | |
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The Price of Duty
tune: slow lament, 'Scarborough Fair-ish' by Yitzhak ibn Yoshua mka James M. Turner Chorus Where sir be my bonnie sweet baby? And where now be my lass? For all that I once held dearest to me Is gone like shattered glass. I hold a seat of honor and power With much duty to uphold But once I loved a bonnie fair lady With hair of red burning gold. We met one night, b chance or by fortune Though fate seemed heavy on me Our eyes first met and our lips soon followed My sweet, oh how I love thee. Chorus Our love was for the shadows and darkness My station kept up apart She played her games in public with others But only I had her heart. Then one bright day, she told me a secret That brought to me greatest joy For we'd conceived q baby together A little girl or a boy. Chorus Then one dark eve, a knight took my lady To share a bottle, he said. He asked of her what she'd never give him And then the sky turned blood red. He struck her hard where our child lay sleeping She fought him back while she bled But by the time that rescue came running, My baby lay in her, dead. Chorus This yellow cur still haunts me at present He laughs and bellows at court I'd challenge him to fight for his honor And make his passing great sport. But my lady bids me hold back my weapon I can't be seen in disgrace So she and I share tokens in secret And mourn what we can't replace. Chorus | |
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The Queen Among The Heather
For it's up a wide and a lonely glen It was shed by many's a lofty mountain It being onto the busy haunts of men It being the first day that I went out a-hunting For it's been to me a happy day The day I spied my rovin' fancy She was herding her cows out over the knolls And down amongst the curlin' heather For her coat was white and her gown was green Her body it being long and slender Wi' her cast-down locks and her well-fared face It has of-times made my heart to wander For it's I've been to balls where they were bust And it's I've been to London and Balquither; And the bonniest lassie that e'er I saw She was kilted and bare-footed amongst the heather. Says I, "My lass, will you come with me And sleep wi' me in a bed of feathers' I'll give you silks and scarlets that will make you shine If you'll be my queen amongst the heather." She said, "My lad, your offer's fair And I really think you're all for laughter For it's you being the son of a high squire man And me but a poor humble shepherd's daughter." But it's her I sought and it's her I got And with her I intend to be contented. Fare you well, fare you well to your heather hill, Fare you well, fare you well, my song it is ended. | |
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Queen of All Argyle
by Andrew M. Stewart
Gentlemen it is me duty To inform you of one beauty Though I'd ask of you a favour Not to seek her for a while Though I own she is a creature Of character and feature No words can paint the picture Of the queen of all Argyle Chorus And if you could have seen her there Boys, if you had just been there The swan was in her movements And the morning in her smile All the roses in the garden They bow and ask her pardon For not one could match the beauty Of the Queen of all Argyle On the evening that I mentioned I passed with light intention Through a part of our dear country Known for beauty and for style In the place of noble thinkers Of scholars and great drinkers But above them all for splendour Shone the Queen of all Argyle Chorus So my lads I needs must leave you My intentions no' to grieve you Nor indeed would I deceive you Oh I'll see you in a while I must find some way to gain her To court her and attain her I fear my heart's in danger From the Queen of all Argyle. Chorus | |
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The Ramblin' Rover
Chorus There be sober men aplenty And drunkards barely twenty There are men of over ninety Who have never yet kissed a girl. But give me the Ramblin' Rover From Orkney down to Dover We will roam the country over And together we'll face the world. There be may who fain enjoyment From merciless employment Their admission was this deployment From the minute they left the school As they save and scrape the ponder While the rest go out and squander Wee the world and rove and wonder And were happier as a rogue. Chorus Well, I've roved through all tarnation Seen the light in all creation I've enjoyed the see sensation When my company did prove kind And when courtin' was my pleasure I drank another measure To the good friends that we treasure For they are always on our minds. Chorus So when troubles do befall me To the high road I do haul me Robbin' Johnny's what they call me 'Tis me blessing and me bane Though my comrades have been many I'll take a drink with any Till I've spent me last wee penny And life I'll not see again. Chorus Wo when you're bent up with arthritis And your bowels have got colitis You've got gallopin' gollipanitis And your thinkin' it's time you died, If you've been a man of action As you're lying there in traction You will gain some satisfaction, Thinkin', Damn it, at least I tried. Chorus | |
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Red Belt, Silver Spurs
by Rathflaed DuNoir, Black Bard of Meridies mka Stephen Melvin Today the silver chain goes, around your shoulders And we place the silver spurs upon your heels As the red belt is girded around your hips I remember how it feels. Many years ago I myself took that honor To pledge my fealty to my knight Today I give to you the gift they gave so long ago to me To chain you and bind you to the right. As I pledge my honor to my liege lord on the field And swear it by gold chain and belt of white So too you pledge to me your sword and shield in the battle And I know that I can count you by my side. Chorus Tis true I wear the white belt now, but once I stood your place I recall the chivalry I searched to find For by the silver chain you wear and the red belt round your waist I know your honor ranks as much as mine. Now you have much to learn and I have much to teach you For you must wear the mantle of a knight For they only give the belt of white to those who wear it on their actions So let your words and deeds be bold and bright. And if you wear the belt of red through all you years and days And they never give to you the spurs of gold Then let it not be said that they ever had a reason For still you are bound by chiv'ry's code. I take your oath today and I will teach you and I'll train you Be proud of these you red belt, spurs and chain Keep strong you faith in God, you kingdom and your knight As once they asked of me to do the same. Chorus | |
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Rite of Passage
by Duke Conn McNeill
In Hyberia born to a father full worthy Who died fighting Normans with a sword in his hand. My schooling was then taken up by my uncle A pirate more clever than the scholars of France. He said, I've seen a horse, a fine Andalus stallion, I've seen a blade of the good Spanish steel I've seen a bonnet of Rhineland gilt iron, And a cunning wrought hauberk from over the sea I've seen them all, I've seen them all-a-all. I've seen them all in my travels at sea. Now my eyes met the knights as we boarded his vessel My rusty blade sundered by his first blow at me As I bore him to the deck my wound burned like fire But not quite as brightly as the things in my dreams. I said, I'll have a horse, a fine Andalus stallion, I'll have a blade of the good Spanish steel I'll have a bonnet of Rhineland gilt iron, And a cunning wrought hauberk from over the sea. I'll have them all, I'll have them all-a-all, I'll have them all with the ransom for thee. The ransom by law, well it went to my uncle A tunic and dagger were all he gave me I drank the French wine as the knights spoke of tourney And the fine things and glories that waited for me. Saying, I'll have a horse, a fine Andalus stallion, I'll have a blade of the good Spanish steel I'll have a bonnet of Rhineland gilt iron, And a cunning wrought hauberk from over the sea. You'll have them all, You'll have them all-a-all, You'll have them all if you come back with me. So I went with the knight for my heart was a lions' But I had no skill with the horse or the lance Through the pain and the shame of my training I chanted My head hit the ground, or I stumbled at dance. Saying, I'll have a horse, a fine Andalus stallion, I'll have a blade of the good Spanish steel I'll have a bonnet of Rhineland gilt iron, And a cunning wrought hauberk from over the sea. I'll have them all, I'll have them all-a-all, I'll have them all when I've mastered these deeds. The tournament field held both demons and angels Men well scarred and ruthless And ladies full fair My horse and my armour were much cause for laughter But I laughed right back when I saw the knights there For one sat a horse a fine Andalus stallion, One girt a blade of the good Spanish steel, Another donned a bonnet of Rhineland gilt iron, And a cunning wrought hauberk from over the sea I'll have them all, I'll have them all-a-all, I'll have them all when I've won them from ye Now the knights in the meadow they numbered 500 But midst that death's throng I saw clearly but three The first one still carries my lance in his shoulder The second and third lie well bitten by steel Now, I'll have a horse, a fine Andalus stallion, I'll have a blade of the good Spanish steel I'll have a bonnet of Rhineland gilt iron, And a cunning wrought hauberk from over the sea. I have them all, I have them all-a-all, I have them all and now all shall know me The ladies in the evening they looked on me frowning Saying "Any wild beast can do the deeds that we've seen" So I danced in the galliard and lilted a chansong Now all the knights grow quite jealous of me For, I'll have a horse, a fine Andalus stallion, I'll have a blade of the good Spanish steel I'll have a bonnet of Rhineland gilt iron, And a cunning wrought hauberk from over the sea. I have them all, I have them all-a-all, I have them all, all the ladies I mean By torchlight we hearkened to tales of armed pilgrims Who told us of wonders in the lands to the east Where a butler through merit became Prince of Jaffa I cried out "My lords brave a passage for me." For, I'll have a horse, a fine Andalus stallion, I'll have a blade of the good Spanish steel I'll have a bonnet of Rhineland gilt iron, And a cunning wrought hauberk from over the sea. I have it all, I have it all-a-all, I'll have it all, all the lands there for me My hauberk has warded a dozen barbed arrows My stallion with hoofs shod in iron fells three The blow of an emir is turned on my bonnet My blade swift as lightening flies straight at his teeth And, I'll have a horse, a fine Andalus stallion, I'll have a blade of the good Spanish steel I'll have a bonnet of Rhineland gilt iron, And a cunning wrought hauberk from over the sea. I have them all, I have them all-a-all, I have them all, all his lands left to me My fief on the marches looks east on Damascus A holding fit only for the fierce and the bold And I need strong vassals with hearts like a lion's To help me bring back what the caravans hold. And, You'll have a horse, a fine Andalus stallion You'll have a blade of the good Spanish steel You'll have a bonnet of Rhineland gilt iron And a cunning wrought hauberk from over the sea. You'll have them all, You'll have them all-a-all You'll have them all, all the spoils of the east You'll have them all, You'll have them all-a-all You'll have them all, if you come back with me. Chorus | |
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The Ritual of Lughnasadh
by Ceara ni Neill mka Alexandria Long T'was summer, Pennsic XXIV A season close to heart My soul I'd thought lost to hardship and strife And then the ritual began. A seed deep within me I'd found long ago But had feared of its power and not let it grow For I had emotions I could not let show And then the Circle began. The cauldron of water stood still as a mirror To receive the image of the Moon. Sure She rose o'er the hill to spill out her light And touch me, like a spell. Barely conscious was I of activities at hand: The Smudging, the Calling of the Corners; And I shook from inside, feeling the presence Of the gods, gathered with us to stand. One by one, we advanced to kneel And reverence the Moon in the cauldron. I pulled a pebble from the pot, Cold, clear water on my hand, to feel. The grain we threw to the wind so gentle And drank of the mead so sweet When the end of the ritual was announced I found myself sitting, slightly weak. The Powers I'd felt were great and strong Yet soft and gentle and kind And I rose with a sense of renewed inner strength < | |