Name: The Maid on the Shore
Duration: P00H04M06S
Description: This is adapted from the traditional ballad, Maid on the Shore, Roud 181. Fern originally learned the song from the singing of Jacqui McShee with the John Renbourn Group. The lyrics are traditional, but Fern has altered the tune.

The Maid on the Shore

from Ghost Story by Fern Maddie

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TheSlowMusicMovement With barely a nod to the musical developments of the last 60 years Fern Maddie unrepentantly preaches the old folk testament, but when her voice rings this true and clear a few expertly played traditional instruments that synergise and accentuate rather than distract from her well crafted lyricism can only be a good thing. Thanks to Jude Rogers for the tip.

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about

This is adapted from the traditional ballad, Maid on the Shore, Roud 181. Fern originally learned the song from the singing of Jacqui McShee with the John Renbourn Group. The lyrics are traditional, but Fern has altered the tune.

lyrics

There was a young maiden who sat by the shore
Let the wind blow high, blow low, oh!
No one could she find to comfort her mind
As she sat all alone on the shore

There was a sea captain who sailed on the sea
Let the wind blow high, blow low, oh!
I’ll die, I’ll die! The captain did cry
If I can’t have that maid on the shore, oh!

The captain had silver, the captain had gold
Let the wind blow high, blow low, oh!
This he would give to his jolly ship’s crew
If they’d bring him that maid from the shore

So slowly, oh slowly, she came up on board
Let the wind blow high, blow low, oh!
He seated her down in the cabin below
Adieu to all sorrow and woe

She seated herself in the bow of the ship
Let the wind blow high, blow low, oh!
She sang so sweet, genteel, and complete
That she sang all the seamen to sleep
She sang all the seamen to sleep

She took all his silver, partook of his gold
Let the wind blow high, blow low, oh!
She took a broadsword to make her an oar
To paddle her back to the shore

Your men must be foolish, your men must be mad
Your men must be filled with despair, oh
I’ve deluded them all as well as yourself
And again I’m a maid on the shore
And again I’m a maid on the shore

credits

from Ghost Story, released June 1, 2022
English, Irish, Canadian trad.
Arranged and performed by F.M.

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about

Fern Maddie Vermont

fern maddie is an old-time balladeer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter. she lives in the woods of northern vermont (n'dakinna) where she makes music and tends goats.

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