1. |
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You (G) say that you have (Em) heard the tales
and (C) rightly so you (D) may
But (Em) I have one that (C) I would love
to (D) sing for you (G) today
I traveled over mountainpass
and through the wind and rain
I stopped in Martha Burry’s Inn
and thought it'd be my last
And sometimes when I tread the peak
I’d hear a quiet sound
that (Em) settled in my (D) wayward ear
and (C) followed me (G)around.
(Em) I am a bard, (C) a wanderlust
and (G)I am made to (D) sing
(Em)Lightfoot and (C) lark hearted
(D)my fingers love the (G)strings
I left the road to follow fast
a whisper, a suggestion
Through the mountainside I came
to ease my song obsession
I heard it in my blood and bones
A thunder in the air
Over jagged rock and stones
into a dragon's laire.
His scales where sterling silver,
tooth and claw a striking white.
His voice was deep and dulcet as
it echo’d in the heights
“Womanling, you’ve left your fire
What did you think to find,
For don't you know, I hunger and
We feast upon your kind.”
I am a bard, a wanderlust
and I am made to sing
Lightfoot and lark hearted
my fingers love the strings
I answered in an honest truth,
It was your voice that called
from through the mountainside I came
i have been clear enthralled
And if I die to hear you sing
My life is better lost
For just one song before I go
It would be worth the cost.
The Dragon laughed and settled down
He sang to me a tune
I couldn't help but hum along
It ended far too soon
“Would that the mountain had a heart,
Would that the wind had breath
If stars could hum, and ocean drum
Such music, light and death.”
I am a bard, a wanderlust
and I am made to sing
Lightfoot and lark hearted
my fingers love the strings
We sang under that pale moonlight
And I bargained for my life
to die or stay forever and
become a dragon’s wife.
I settled in the mountainside
an aria at dawn
the harmony at brightest day
at dusk an evensong
In time I told him who I’d been,
he shared with me his name
But I am a creature of the air
my voice grew soft and strained
With every day I lived I lost
A little off my soul
And so my husband made a choice:
The Dragon let me go.
I am a bard, a wanderlust
and I am made to sing
Light footed and lark hearted
My fingers love the strings
He gave to me a silver gem
Bound fast by a silver chain
He said to keep it by my heart
and there is still remains
The light is on the mountainside
The rumble in the clay
My husband sleeps under the sun
Where a sleeping dragon lay
I hoped that you enjoyed my song
for I'll be leaving soon
Im going home to my own love
To sing a happy tune.
I am a bard, a wanderlust
and I am made to sing
Light footed and lark hearted
My fingers love the strings x2
(final chorus notes)
Em D Em D
G Em D G
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2. |
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Through deep oaken valleys
in dark mountain passes
cross river and lake and occasional straight
my feet love the water,
the kneehigh wild grasses
man made cobble stone is not up to my gate
I tread the wild places
and know the rock landing
the hunting trail, country road, highway and track
I climb the cliff faces
my world ever standing
on earthen made floor from the countryside back
I sleep under starlight
in breath catching heather
or sometimes I rest in the deep forest nooks
the burrows and bracken
in rain or cloud weather
the fallen leaf tresses a roof in my crooks
My wandering ways lead
to clearings of hallow
the hill is my country the road is my home
the forest and woodland's
the green pasture fallow
I find ever peace when the further I roam.
I am the rough weather
A soft trodden route
the trail to the backlands, the marchland, the glade
I am the cool water
the crickling spout
that travels the lost ways through undergrowth shade
Someday you may meet me
In the gold field of grain
across the cold deserts or shoreline by night
On sloping wild hilllands
the rooted old by lane
that know the forgotten and carry the right.
And when our paths crossing
our eyes meet and catching
greet me with a smile and the nod of a friend
for I will know dwellings
And they know my singings
this traveler's tale from beginning to end.
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3. |
Minstrel Fine
03:16
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It's up in the morning and on my way.
To marry make throughout the day.
With a string or horn or wind or drum,
I sing for you and I sing for fun.
Chorus
Well I wander near, and I wander far
with a wanderlust that fills my heart.
And though the pickings be lean and hard
I live the life of a bard, I live the life of a bard.
Well It Happened One Day by Averly
Between Fox Grove and the Briar Sea
My wagon was hailed with call to hold
By 13 men in brown and gold.
The captain stepped forward with a nasty grin
And said “Well bard, shall we begin?
I'll have your horse and your wagon fine,
and tonight you'll sing for me and mine!"
Chorus
Well I wander near, and I wander far
with a wanderlust that fills my heart.
And though the pickings be lean and hard
I live the life of a bard, I live the life of a bard.
Without do care for my tools or blade,
they took my lead, but no fuss I made.
For though they cut away my purse -
they'd asked of me a song and verse!
So that evening long I entertained:
Of war and jest and love I sang.
And I'd have left lighter and fed
but they ordered me to the captains bed.
Chorus
Well I wander near, and I wander far
with a wanderlust that fills my heart.
And though the pickings be lean and hard
I live the life of a bard, I live the life of a bard.
I'll take anything but an insult made.
Put my lute down and I drew my blade.
And the captain who praised my sing song lilt
I knocked out flat with the pommel and hilt.
A bard I'll be, and a minstrel fine,
but my loves the dagger, so I carry nine!
One for each bandit that jumped to the fray...
Two in my sleeve when the rest ran away.
Chorus
Well I wander near, and I wander far
with a wanderlust that fills my heart.
And though the pickings be lean and hard
I live the life of a bard, I live the life of a bard.
I gathered my lute and my wagon and horse.
Set out on my merry making course.
I'll give up my purse and I’ll gift my voice,
but i will fight if you take my choice!
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4. |
Star of the County Down
03:04
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5. |
Heart to Defend
02:21
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I was born by the sea
I was raised by mountain men
And I live by the blade in my hand
On my honor and my word
I would swear upon my sword
That I have the strength
That I have the will
That I have the heart to defend.
I am known among my kin
as a worthy friend and foe
And I know they'll stand beside me to the end
I keep that promise with me
So I never fight alone
For I have the strength to defend.
Chorus
So they say I'm large as life
I'm still lighter on my feet
And I'm more than just a giant among men
Know my mind will never waver
under pressure or the heat
For I have the will to defend
Chorus
There's a token on my belt
There's a red thrum on my brow
And a smile for my one true love and friends
And though I may meet my death
I will make that final bow
For I have the heart to defend
Chorus
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6. |
The Balthorn Rose
03:01
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Balthorn Rose
Chorus
How like the rose to wither
how like the petals to fall
the blooded flower is cutdown
and it fell in Eleran's hall
The fields of the northern hill
have bloomed across the ages
and with a seed there planted still
would shun the light of mages
But power dwells in summer sun
and fire burns in autumn
the winters cold and wrath may come
but spring will not be outdone
Chorus
Now under green fields glistening
a thorn will pierce those leary
and scent if with those listening
would cut a coarse soul weary
For spells the rainfall will recede
and cloudy skies will darken
some wind to blow the soft sea breeze.
over the northern hilland
Chorus
What stems from under dried out earth
that thirst for knowledge given
but taken by the grains lost worth
Will never keep one hidden
The dying cry out for the shore
the brittle air is smothered
by greed and fear that flower bore
the vows they tore asunder.
Chorus
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7. |
Walk in Shadows
03:08
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In the mountains south of hardwood
In the Shire I was raised
To the horns of hunting poachers
And the ocean white kissed waves
There I lived beside my true love
Playing on the forest bed
And I dreamt that when we grew up
He would take my hand to wed
But my love he walks in shadows
Deeper in the forest free
till one day when he went walking
Met a lonely leanan sidhe
Hair a mass of golden sunlight
Eyes a dark and Emerald Sheen
Ruby lips over her Fang bite
Gowned in a pinning green
Slowly seeming over hours
My love returned and took two pen
And he wrote under her glamour
Words to charm the hearts of men
Chorus
How I weeped to see him happy
Eyes of glass and smile of rose
Always caught up in a story
Or sunk deep in musing throws
And I watched her stand beside him
Inspiration at a cost
Was it Fate or by her own whim
That she chose the man I lost.
Chorus
Now he's waning in the moonlight
Hands that quiver, heart that quake
he is wild and feverbright eyed
And I hear my own heart break
They've returned into the woodland
So I follow where she'd tread
Till I came upon that deep glen
and my true love sleeping dead.
Chorusx2
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8. |
Come by the Hills
02:03
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Come by the hills to the land where fancy is free
And stand where the peaks meet the sky and the lochs meet the sea
Where the rivers run clear and the bracken is gold in the sun
Ah, the cares of to-morrow can wait 'til this day is done
Oh, come by the hills to the land where life is a song
And sing while the birds fill the air with their joy all day long
Where the trees sway in time and even the wind sings in tune
Ah, the cares of to-morrow can wait 'til this day is done
Come by the hills to the land where legend re-mains
Where stories of old fill the heart and may yet come a-gain
Where our past has been lost and the future has still to be won
Ah, the cares of to-morrow can wait 'til this day is done
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9. |
Tally Ho
07:12
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Tally Ho
1
I’m the Baron's youngest daughter, the crippled useless child
My siblings have all proved themselves with might and right and style
And though I've never bested them with sword or script or guile
I have a bow and I'll have you know I've practiced for a while
(Well) Winter has come early and the chill is in the air
My father's summoned all of us to a store room halfway bare
He's called for brother’s hunting dogs, he's saddled sisters mare
He's offered fourth a choice reward To hunt the Greenwood's fare
And the Huntsman cry tally ho
In the Greenwood bare, where the leaves are gold
You have one slot, take up your bow
And the Huntsman cry tally ho
2
The Castle gathered at the gates to watch the sport and game
While I limped to the stables and took up Old Dancer's rein,
He'd got me in this mess though I'd only myself to blame,
Together we could save the pride that left me limp and lame.
The hunting party headed south so I set out south west
The baying and the horns rung high to wake the beasts at rest
The Fox, the hare, the strong black Bear The pheasant in her nest
I had to bring home something and it had to be the best.
And the Huntsmen cry tally ho
In the Greenwoods bear where the leaves are gold
You have one slot, take up your bow
And the Huntsmen cry tally ho
3
A group can only ride as fast as the last man in the line
Which meant I found the first tracks and a chill raced down my spine
Claw marked on bark, Birch stripped and worked a clear and recent sign
A dang'rous prize, but oh the size, and I must make it mine.
I did not stop to wonder why we had an half bare hold,
For The Greenwood feeds my people more than wares or seed or gold
And a bear prepared for winter would not be out half as bold
I was not the only Hunter staving of the bitter cold.
And the huntsmen cry tally ho
In the forest bare where the leaves are gold
You have one shot, take up your bow
And the huntsmen cry, tally ho
Old Dancer knew we'd found that bear before my eyes caught sight
He stamped the earth and tossed his head, I pulled his reins in tight
That horse was smarter than he looked. I set my bow to fight
And in a flash I loosed my first and second and third flights.
The sound of wood and flesh, the roaring rumble from the green.
She charged, we dodged, her shoulder lodged two bolts that had struck clean
She reared and reached to swipe me, but she hit where I had been
We traded blows, I thanked the gods my horse was spry and keen.
Chorus, (Key change.)
There is a moment in the fray for foolish fancy thoughts
Like how a cripple ever thought to rein against such odds
But every arrow from my finger found itself a spot.
Into the beast, last but not least, I had one one final shot.
Her claws managed to reach me as i brought my bow around.
The saddle slipped and stirrup gone I landed on the ground.
I somehow kept my weapon even as I had been downed
Old Dancer screamed in anguish and my heart broke at the sound.
And the huntsmen cry tally ho
In the forest bare where the leaves are gold
You have one shot, take up your bow
And the huntsmen cry, tally ho
A bear paw slammed down on my leg as I drew my final shaft.
But I felt no pain, I felt nothing, and in triumph I just laughed.
She drowned before she killed me, in her own blood and my staff
I had nothing to my name but a limp leg and my craft.
My horse, my friend and freedom from a chair or walking cane,
Sported claw marks on the leg that matched my own one the same.
It was time I didn't have to patch him up through fear and pain
I blew my horn and prayed my efforts were not all in vain
And the huntsmen cry tally ho
In the forest bare where the leaves are gold
You have one shot, take up your bow
And the huntsmen cry, tally ho
Yes the hunting party found me and they loaded up my prize
We made it back to town and there I met my father's eyes
They were shocked, but for the first time in a long time filled with pride.
I won my place of honour, but I paid a cost too high
Old Dancer taught me how to ride and when we ran we soared
He missed a jump one summer that I thought ended my world
Too late I learned that he's worth more than pride or a reward.
No more I'll ride with him until I reach that distant shore
Yes my horse was worth more than the reward.
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10. |
One More Song to Go
04:18
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Chorus:
G Em
The leaves are changing color and
D G
The rivers running cold
G Em G D
And there's hearth that's waiting for me somewhere down this road
Em G
There is rhythm in my footsteps
Em D
And there's music in my soul
G D G
And I've at least, one more song to go.
Em G Em D
I'll sing for my supper, I play for my bed
Em G C D
You'll find me by the fireplace with a roof overhead
G EM
So come in from the weather
C D
Grab your supper and a beer
EM G
Come listen to this humble bard
D G G
There's a place for you right here
Chorus
Have you heard the latest there's a lady now at night
And that just Duke just won again he bested every fight
Thor was Grand but I understand it rained both day and night
I have news from everywhere and stories till first light.
Chorus
Dawn is on my pillow, waiting there for me upstairs
Those that remain are nursing drinks or
Cozy in their chairs
Come fill my cup with coin, the fires burning low
I’ll be gone at daybreak so here’s one more ere I go.
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11. |
Wings of Ash
02:44
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D G
We sisters wake up with the day
C G D
And rise in fire to the sun
D C
The eldest burns in red and gold
G C D
The second shines orange in the dawn
D G
I am the youngest Firetouched
C G D
Awhirl with white and smoky blue
D C
And though my sisters love me dear
G C ml D
They mourn my skybright hue.
D. G. D. C. G. C. D,.
My elder sisters loved the dawn
And flew amid the morning rays
The second loved fading dusk
But I loved clear skies lit ablaze
One morning we woke not to light
But from a hunting-horn and bay
before we left our hollow oak
The eldest said that we must stay
We hid inside our mother oak
Our wings of fire wrapped in shade
While hound and horn gave out the call
That filled the forest Glen and Glade
Would that the huntsmen passed us by
But day by day as if by whim
They hunted in our quiet grove
my sisters grew darker and dim.
I knew my sisters couldn't last
So when the seventh morning came
I told them fly to the northern oak and
Use the sun while their wings still flame
“Oh sister sister say not so
We’ll make it all, we will pull through
“No I shall lead them to the south
And catch the their eye with wings of blue”
The skylit up and the horns rang out
Over the hunt I sore set forth
The men gave chase as I flew south
And hoped my sisters passage north
Before I'd flown an hour out
My flames so weak from fear and rest
I perched upon a white birch limb
And felt an arrow pierce my breast
I am a Phoenix of the sun
No bird of flame will greet the earth
An arrow scorched will hit the ground
But I will rise in ashen mirth
The feathered blue of sapphire gleam
Fade softly from my gentle white
My eyes lose sight My heart grows cold,
To wings of ash in morning light
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Laverick Victoria, British Columbia
Laverick means "one who gets up in the morning and sings."
And I hope you enjoy my song.
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