Loreena McKennitt
"Blacksmith"


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 forever

But where is my love gone with his cheeks like roses?
And his good black Billycock on, decked 'round with primroses?
I hope the scorching sun won't shine and burn his beauty
And if I was with my love, I'd do my duty

Strange news is coming to town, strange news is carried
Strange news flies 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 laid 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 forever