Page 41
after the Planxty version

    Blacksmith, The

    by trad
    A blacksmith courted me, nine months and bet ter
    he fairly won my heart, he wrote me a let ter
    with his hammer in his hand, he looked quite cle ver
    and if I were with my love, I’d live for ever

    But where is my love gone with his cheeks like roses?
    and his good black billy cock gun decked around with primroses?
    I’m afraid the scorching sun will shine and burn his beauty
    and if I were with my love, I’d do my duty

    Strange news is come to town, strange news is carried
    stange 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 this slighting of me

    break

    Don’t you remember when you lay beside me,
    you said you’d marry me and ne’er deny me
    if I said I’d marry, it was only for to try you
    so bring your witness love and I’ll not deny you

    Oh, 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 her poor heart tremble
    to think she loved a one and he proved deceitful