|
|
The Three Ravens
This is a more melodic version of the Scots song "Twa Corbies" that I heard when I was very young. The tune has stayed with me all these years, and is one of my favorites.Am G E7
There were three ravens sat on a tree,
Am E7
Down a down, hey down, hey down
Am Dm E7
They were as black as black might be, with a down.
C G Am E7
The one of them said to his mate. "Where shall we our breakfast take?"
Am Dm E7 Am
With a down, derry, derry, derry down, down.Am G E7
Down in yonder green field,
Am E7
Down a down, hey down, hey down
Am Dm E7
There lies a knight slain under his shield, with a down.
C G Am E7
His hounds they lie down at his feet, so well they do their master keep.
Am Dm E7 Am
With a down, derry, derry, derry down, down.Am G E7
His hawks they fly so eagerly
Am E7
Down a down, hey down, hey down
Am Dm E7
No other fowl dare him come nigh, with a down.
C G Am E7
Down there comes a fallow doe as heavy with young as she might go.
Am Dm E7 Am
With a down, derry, derry, derry down, down.Am G E7
She lifted up his bloody head,
Am E7
Down a down, hey down, hey down
Am Dm E7
And kissed his wounds that were so red, with a down.
C G Am E7
She got him up upon her back and carried him to earthen lak.
Am Dm E7 Am
With a down, derry, derry, derry down, down.Am G E7
She buried him before the prime,
Am E7
Down a down, hey down, hey down
Am Dm E7
She was dead herself ere even-song time, with a down.
C G Am E7
God send every gentleman such hawks, such hounds, and such leman,
Am Dm E7 Am
With a down, derry, derry, derry down, down.Return to Miscellaneous Folk Songs
Return to Siobhan's Bard Book
Return to Dreamspinners Guild