Sir
Patrick Spens -
traditional Scottish ballad A verrrry old and venerable ballad for which no definite historical basis can be found. It has survived hundreds of years of re-interpretion. This is mine. In trying to discover its roots, the only solid fact that can be tied to it is a burial cairn on the island of Papa Stronsay, one of the Orcadian group, lying over against Norway that has always been known from time immemorial as the burial site of "Sir Patrick Spens". Interestingly, while the name "Patrick Spens" is Scottish, the people of the island are descended from the Norse and never spoke Gaelic or English. In fact, they knew nothing of the ballad when scolars went there and interviewed them. There are a gazillion verions of the song. I based this version on a 1950's field recording made in a Scottish pub. If you are a "folk music purist", my apologies. I do get it. There will always be a place for your point of view. But, I like to play it this way. |
Lyrics And the king sits in Dunfermlin Town Drinkin at the blood red wine Sayin' where will I find a good Scots sailor To sail this ship of mine Well, up and spoke an elderin knight Who was sitting at the king's right knee He said Sir Patrick Spens is the best sailor Who sails upon the sea And the king has written a letter long and broad And he has signed it all with his hand And he sent it to Sir Patrick Spens Who was walking upon the strand Oh what is this, and who has done this deed This ill deed thats been done to me To send me out, in this time of year To sail upon the sea Make haste, make haste, my merry men all For our good ship sails the morn Oh pray say nay my master dear For I fear a deadly storm Last night I dreamed a doleful dream Of a shipwreck, of storm and harm Last night I saw the new moon lying With the old moon all in her arms -- many verses omitted here so as to tell the story with music! Half or'e to Abradore Its fifty fathoms deep And there lies good Sir Patrick Spens With the Scots lords at his feet |