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I Once Loved A Lass (Orkney Blackening)

by Sikkersnapper

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about

A version of the ancient ballad I Once Loved A Lass, aka The False Bride. The lyrics contain supposedly the oldest riddle in the English language.

Accompanied by the sounds of an Orcadian blackening, which is a pre-wedding ritual found in parts of the North of Scotland. Bride and/or groom are tarred and feathered and trussed up (drunk) in a public spot - often the Merkit Cross outside St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall.

lyrics

I once loved a lass, I loved her sae weel
I hated all others that spoke o' her ill;
But noo she's rewarded me weel for my love,
She's gaun tae get wed tae anither.

When I saw my love to the kirk go,
Wi' bride and bride-maidens, they made a fine show;
l followed behind wi' a heart full o' woe,
For she's gaun tae get wed tae anither.

When I saw my love sit doon tae dine,
I sat doon beside her and poured oot the wine,
I drank to the lassie that should'a been mine,
Even though she's been wed tae anither.

The men o' yon forest they askit o' me,
How many strawberries grow in the saut sea?
I askit 'em back wi' a tear in my e'e,
How many ships sail in the forest?

O dig me a grave and dig it sae deep,
And cover it over with flooers säe sweet,
I'll lie doon in it
And take a lang sleep,
And maybe in time I'll forget her.

credits

released July 21, 2023
Traditional. Arranged and played by Sikkersnapper.

license

all rights reserved

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Sikkersnapper Scotland, UK

Sikkersnapper is the legendary vorpal sword which once belonged to Odin.

Draw the Sword Scotland.

End London Rule.

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