Seth Lakeman - The Ballad Of Midsomer County Lyrics
Come sit by me all youFine lords and laddies,And I'll tell you the taleOf the young John Henry.He met a fair maiden,One bright may morning,When he went a-huntingIn Midsomer County.And pale was the skinOf the Midsomer maiden,Blue were her eyesAs blue as the sea.And on her fair headLay a garland of flowers.Sweet were the rosesOf Midsomer County.But young men don't stray.This maiden will lead you away.'Come to go rest now, 'Said the Midsomer maiden,'You're weary from traveling, ''That I can see.''Let us go home now, ''Over yonder the Greenwood.''Come taste the fruits''Of Midsomer County.'She led him on throughThe Midsomer Greenwood'Til they came to a hutBy a juniper tree.She said, 'Sir, won't you''Come sit by my fire, ''You'll eat like the king''Of Midsomer County.'But young men don't stray.This maiden will lead you away.She brought him fine aleAnd she brought him supper.Fresh eggs and live eelsFor young John Henry.She said, 'Come, eat your fill.''And when you are sated''You'll stay with me here''In Midsomer County.'And 'Alas I cannot stay, 'Said young John Henry,'I'm bound to another, ''Soon married I'll be.''And I thank ye for supper''My kind and fair maiden.''Now I must leave here''Midsomer County.'But young men don't stray.This maiden will lead you away.Well up went the cryOf the Midsomer maiden.'For shame and for shame, ''For you have tricked me! ''You're bound to me now''And I am your lover.''I swear you'll not leave here''Midsomer County.'Cold was the bladeOf the Midsomer maiden.And soft was the neckOf young John Henry.And warm was the bloodThat flowed from his body.Red as the rosesOf Midsomer County.But young men don't stray.This maiden will lead you away.But deep in the GreenwoodOf Midsomer CountyLies young John HenryAs cold as can be.No headstone to mark him,No lover to grieve him,Save from the rosesOf Midsomer County.But young men don't stray.This maiden will lead you away.