Trad. arr. by Loreena McKennitt



A blacksmith courted me

Nine months and better

He fairly won my heart

Wrote me a letter

With his hammer in his hand

He looked quite clever

And if I was with my love

I'd live for ever.



But where is my love gone

With his cheeks like roses

And his good black Billycock on

Decked round with primroses

I'm afraid the scorching sun

Will shine and burn his beauty

And if I was with my love

I'd do my duty.



Strange news is come to town

Strange news is carried

Strange news flys up and down

That my love is married.

I wish them both much joy

Though they can't hear me

And may God reward him well

For the slighting of me.



Don't you remember when

You lay beside me

And you said you'd marry me

And not deny me.

If I said I'd marry you

It was only for to try you

So bring your witness love

And I'll not deny you.



No witness have I none

Save God Almighty

And may he reward you well

For the slighting of me

Her lips grew pale and wan



It made a poor heart tremble

To think she loved a one

And he proved deceitful.



A blacksmith courted me

Nine months and better

He fairly won my heart

Wrote me a letter

With his hammer in his hand

He looked quite clever

And if I was with my love

I'd live for ever