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 ghost song

from 52 Folk Songs: Yellow by Phil Edwards

/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      £0.52 GBP

     

  • Buy the Full Digital Album

lyrics

Now the queen she wants sailors to sail on the sea
Which made pretty Polly stood up for to plead,
Sayin', “William, dearest William, don't you go off so sea;
Please remember the vows that you made unto me.”

But 'twas early next morning before it was day
When he went to his Polly, these words he did say,
Sayin', “Oh Polly, pretty Polly, you must come 'long with me,
Before we are married my friends for to see.”

So he led her through groves and through valleys so deep
Which made pretty Polly to sigh and to weep,
Sayin', “William, dearest William, you have led me astray
On purpose my innocent life to betray.”

“Oh yes, dearest Polly, 'tis true all you've said,
For all this long night I've been digging your grave.”
And the grave it being open and the spade standing by,
Which made pretty Polly to weep and to cry.

“Oh pardon, dear William, my innocent life.
And I'll never regret for to be your dear wife.
I'll travel old England over all to set you free,
Please remember the vows that you made unto me.”

“But no pardon, no pardon, no pardon I'll give.”
And with that he drew out a long daggered knife.
He stabbed her to the heart and the blood did down flow,
And into a grave her fair body did throw.

Now be buried her securely in Upwall quite sound
He's not thinking the body would ever be found.
Then he went on board for a sailor to go,
Not thinking this murder would ever o'erthrow.

But 'twas early one morning before it was day
Then our captain came up and these words he did say,
“Our ship she is in mourning and cannot sail on,
There's a murder on board what has lately been done.”

Then up jumped one sailor, “And indeed, that's not me”,
Then up jumped another and likewise said he,
Then up jumped bold William to sigh and to swear,
Saying, “Indeed, that's not me, sir, I'll vow and declare.”

Then he hastened to the forecastle with speed
There he met pretty Polly which made his heart bleed.
She ripped him, and she stripped him, and she tore him in three,
Because he had murdered her baby and she.

credits

from 52 Folk Songs: Yellow, released April 22, 2012

license

tags

about

Phil Edwards Manchester, UK

contact / help

Contact Phil Edwards

Streaming and
Download help

Report this track or account

If you like Phil Edwards, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Saxophonist Isaiah Collier chats about his new LP and the influence of Pharoah Sanders.
listen now