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Two Sisters
This is a song I was given by one of the performers out at Scarborough and Hawkwood. It is a very haunting melody that she usually performs a capella with several others joining in harmony. I worked out the chords so I could do it solo. I do not know who wrote it, but it is a story that has repeated itself through the ages - the jealous or injured girl doing away with her sister - and there are many variations on the story, too. This one is set in the Ozark mountains of America. When performed, try to bring out the attitude of the sister who is speaking and try to use some dramatic pauses, if you can. Oh - and if some of you want to get together and work up some harmony.... (hint, hint)UPDATE! I received an email from Tom Peal. He has identified the author and composer as his wife, Jennifer. He said that she was part of the Scarborough Faire company in 1983-85, when she was known as Jennie Mansfield. He also said Two Sisters was recorded on her first album of original material in 1990. The album on cassette tape, called Big Wind, is currently out of print and is scheduled for re-release on CD in 2005. See the website for info on Jenni's new CD, Flood, released this year.
Am Em Am
The flock is in. The gate is barred.
C G Am
My father’s fowl have left the yard.
Em Am
His riding horse is curried down.
C G Am
He stands and watches all alone.
G Am
These Ozark Mountains, Ozark kin,
G Am
They hide their secrets old as sin.
G Am
White river mist will rise and roam
G Am
When is my sister coming home?
Am Em Am My sister’s name is Anna Lee. C G Am She lays her head here same as me. Em Am She never lifts one dainty hand. C G Am She’d catch the eye of any man. G Am My mother died when we were small G Am My sister has her rings and all. G Am My father’s love was left to me G Am And his beloved Anna Lee.
Am Em Am My father calls his Anna fair C G Am With her little waist and her yellow hair, Em Am But I’m the one who tends this farm C G Am He says I’m near good as a son G Am He doesn’t see her for her kind G Am Or that she stole what’s rightful mine G Am He doesn’t know that he has seen G Am The last of lovely Anna Lee.
Am Em Am Early this morn on a rocky ledge C G Am She was wandering by the water’s edge Am Em Am Wet stones betrayed her pretty foot C G Am I saw her fall from where I stood G Am White river mist can’t hide my shame G Am She clutched my hand, she called my name. G Am I saw her eyes as she went down G Am And I was glad my sister drowned.
Am Em Am Now night must fall, as night must do C G Am My father stares off in the blue Am Em Am He doesn’t even notice me C G Am He’s waiting for his Anna Lee G Am These Ozark Mountains, Ozark kin G Am They hide their secrets old as sin G Am White river mist will rise and roam G Am When is my sister coming home? G Am When is my sister coming home?
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