The Blacksmith

from Field Recordings Vol. I by Uncle Dan Henshall

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about

I initially learned the mandolin part for this song off a Planxty compilation, but eventually set it to banjo for the sake of performing solo. I've never heard a traditional Appalachian version of this song, but I like to believe this is pretty close to what it would have sounded like.
Traditional, arr. Dan Henshall.

lyrics

A blacksmith courted me nine months or better
He fairly won my heart, wrote me a letter
With his hammer in his hand he looked quite clever
And if I were with my love I would live forever.

Oh where has my love gone with his cheeks like roses,
And his big black billycock on decked 'round with primroses?
I'm afraid the scorching sun, will burn and mar his beauty
And if I were with my love, I would do my duty.

Strange news has come to town, strange news is carried
Strange news flies up and down that my love is married
Well I wish them both much joy, though they can't hear me
And may God reward him well, for his slighting of me.

Do you remember when you lay beside me?
You said you'd marry me, and you'd 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.

Oh witness have I none, save God almighty
And may he reward you well for the slighting of me
Then her lips grew pale and wan, it made he poor heart tremble
For to think she loved a man, who did prove deceitful.

credits

from Field Recordings Vol. I, track released September 23, 2012
Dan Henshall - Vocals, Banjo.
Recorded by Ken Foster at Boat's house near London Ontario in the Summer of 2011.

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Uncle Dan Henshall London, Ontario

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