We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

The Cruel Mother

from Deepest, Darkest Night by Kim Lowings

/
  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    Physical copy of Deepest, Darkest Night EP. Artwork by John Tribbel.

    Includes unlimited streaming of Deepest, Darkest Night via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 3 days

      £5 GBP or more 

     

about

This traditional tale is a ghost story of a woman who kills her illegitimate twin children & they come back to haunt her.

However, the song is far more complex than this simple tale. It hints at dealing with the grief of an unwanted pregnancy, potential post-natal depression and the guilt of a murderer.

lyrics

There was a lady lived in York
All alone, alone O,
Was courted by her Fathers clerk
Down by the greenwood side O.

She leaned her back against an oak
All alone, alone O,
But first it bent & then it broke
Down by the greenwood side O.

She leaned herself against a thorn
All alone, alone O,
& there 2 pretty babes were born
Down by the greenwood side O.

She had a pen-knife long & sharp
All alone, alone O,
She pressed it through their tender hearts
Down by the greenwood side O.

She dug a grave both wide & long
All alone, alone O,
& she buried them under a marble stone
Down by the greenwood side O.

Later at her Fathers hall
All alone, alone O,
She saw 2 babes a playing ball
Down by the greenwood side O.

O babes, O babes if you were mine
All alone, alone O,
I'd dress you up in scarlet fine
Down by the greenwood side O.

Mother, O Mother we once were thine
All alone, alone O,
But you did not dress us in scarlet fine
Down by the greenwood side O.

You dug a grave both wide & long
All alone, alone O,
& you buried us under a marble stone
Down by the greenwood side O.

Babes, O babes come tell to me
All alone, alone O,
Just what the future means for me
Down by the greenwood side O.

Mother, O Mother you know right well
All alone, alone O,
It's we for heaven & you for hell
Down by the greenwood side O.

It's we for heaven & you for hell
Down by the greenwood side O.

credits

from Deepest, Darkest Night, released August 17, 2013
Trad. Arr. K. Lowings/A. Lowings

Kim Lowings - Vocals, Shruti Box
Andrew 'Jarv' Lowings - Guitar
Tim Rogers - Cajon
Sarah Hendy - Fiddle
Kevin 'Reggie' Cooke - Double Bass

license

tags

about

Kim Lowings England, UK

Born and raised in the West Midlands, Kim Lowings has built up a national reputation with its roots at the heart of the country. She is perhaps best known for her work with The Greenwood and ‘folk supergroup’ The Company Of Players. Using the piano, guitar and trademark mountain dulcimer, she sings songs of love, loss and rebellion; tales old and new. Each with a modern twist and a purpose. ... more

contact / help

Contact Kim Lowings

Streaming and
Download help

Shipping and returns

Redeem code

Report this track or account

If you like Kim Lowings, you may also like: