I once learned a fiddle tune of the same name from the wonderful Natalie MacMaster. The tune has remained one of my dearest musical possessions over the years, so I decided to write a song which would then give me an excuse to play the tune in concert. I'm joined on vocals by Kat Eggleston and Jerry Thiel. Two of the best singer/songwriters around. I've thrown a concertina part in as a place holder. You'll discover I can't play the concertina. Rest assured it will be replaced. I'm afraid I was channeling a different, coarser time when I wrote the last few lines. Enjoy them while you can, they'll be edited out of the final version.

The Old King came
Riding through the solstice fair
Heard a sound and turned to stare
The heart lays claim
An impish smile, a maiden there
Laughing in the summer air
A spark turned flame
Swelling breast and bouncing hair
The breath of spring and not a care
He asked her name
She chortled, "Me? The Smithy's daughter?
Surely I'm not worth the bother."

Old King, withering
Thought to steal the scent of spring
Castle cold, winter's bones
Stone walls where the moor winds moan
Young heart, stolen art
Made him greedy, lost and needy
They're laughing even as they kneel
Play for me the Old King's Reel

He rode the miles
Off to buy his heart's desire
Found the Smithy at his fire
The Old King smiled
Told him he'd be Earl of somesuch
After "Earl" the Smithy's ears buzzed
Talk all the while
Something 'bout a modest castle
Lands and sheep and even vassals
The Smithy smiled
All this and his witless daughter
Soon a queen and wearing fox fur

chorus

The Old King lame
Despite his lands and knights and gold
His hands and feet are ever cold
A spark needs flame
He shouts and has the fire lit
And orders her to sit a bit
It's all the same
She stitches her embroidery
Her face a mask of misery
His empty claim
He hears her in her bedroom bawling
He overhears the whispers walking
The Old King's shame
All in court have heard the joke
Seems every page has had a poke
chorus

© Bruce Holmes 2007 All Rights Reserved