Son of a Jazz trumpeter Craig was introduced early to Swing music. His uncle played in a Skiffle band, his grandparents had performed in theater and vaudeville on one side and on the other were self taught musicians and folk singers.
In the early days Craig Herbertson played in experimental bands including the Scottish New Wave band 'The Androids' reviewed in NME with air play on BBC Radio 1.
Later he rediscovered his folk roots, playing with a variety of bands including 'The Keltix whose songs were featured on BBC radio and television.
Craig picked up experience busking in Europe and America, from the Paris Metro to Riverboats on the Mississippi, during which time he learned fiddle, mandolin, banjo, penny whistle and piano.
In 2004 he hit number 20 in the BBC Indie charts with 'Hearts of Glory'
In 2011 Craig was awarded second prize in the category “Best Folk Rock Singer” of the 'Deutscher Rock & Pop Preis'.
As well as music he is also a critically acclaimed fantasy and horror author.
Mad Lizzy
Craig Herbertson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Her mind is on the morrow and the ordeal yet to come
Twelve times the moon has lit its weary way across the sky
Young Lizzie deals the cards upon her thighs
See proud Edward ride the borders past the castle of Carlise
His mercy and his power and his chains of slaverie
Who of your nbole lineage will rule the land o scots
And the Hanged Man is laughing in the wind
The hanged man is laughing in the wind
As women caged by bonds as braid their lovely hair
Let fa the bitter tears of black despair
Proud Edward calls the dragon flag to fire, blood and wing
Rape and murder mercies of the bastard king
As loyal Wallace falls to the tyrant's bloody hand
His body broke and scattered through the land
Rise, rise for Scotland Lady Buchan crowns our king
Comyn blood traitor curse his name
Rise for Scotland or you never shall be free
Rise and end the tyrants bloody reign
Mad Lizzie she is waiting for the setting of the sun
Her mind is on the morrow and the ordeal yet to come
Seven years the moon has lit its weary way across the sky
Mad Lizzie lays her doun and pleads to die
The song "Mad Lizzy" by Craig Herbertson is a ballad that tells the story of a young woman named Lizzie who is waiting for the setting of the sun as she anticipates an ordeal that is yet to come. Lizzie is dealing the cards upon her thighs, perhaps to distract herself from the fear and uncertainty that she is experiencing. As she awaits her fate, the song shifts to a historical context, referencing the conflict between Scotland and England. The lyrics mention Edward, a powerful figure who rides past the castle of Carlise and seeks to rule over Scots with the support of thirty thousand lineage. The Hanged Man, a symbol of death and sacrifice in tarot, is laughing in the wind, while Scottish women are caged and forced to braid their hair.
Proud Edward raises the dragon flag to symbolize his reign of terror, characterized by rape, murder, and slavery. The loyal warrior Wallace falls to the tyrant's bloody hand, and Lady Buchan crowns a new Scottish king to lead the people in their fight for freedom against the tyrant's bloody reign. The song ends with Lizzie, who has waited for seven years, laying down and pleading to die, perhaps having lost hope in a world torn apart by violence and oppression.
Line by Line Meaning
Mad Lizzie she is waiting for the setting of the sun
Lizzie is anxiously waiting for the sun to set, knowing that tomorrow will bring a difficult challenge.
Her mind is on the morrow and the ordeal yet to come
Lizzie is solely focused on tomorrow and the upcoming challenge she will face.
Twelve times the moon has lit its weary way across the sky
A year has passed twelve times, during which the moon has continuously shone in the night sky.
Young Lizzie deals the cards upon her thighs
Lizzie sits and shuffles cards on her thighs as she prepares and waits for tomorrow.
See proud Edward ride the borders past the castle of Carlise
King Edward rides near Carlisle and proudly flaunts his power.
His mercy and his power and his chains of slaverie
King Edward shows his cruel control and disregard for others with the chains of slavery he imposes on others.
Who of your nbole lineage will rule the land o scots
Edward questions who will be able to rule over the Scottish land.
Thirty thousand says it shall be he
Edward's proclamation is that 30,000 soldiers will help him conquer Scotland and make him its ruler.
And the Hanged Man is laughing in the wind
The Hanged Man tarot card, representing chaos and change, is laughing in the midst of this tumultuous time.
As women caged by bonds as braid their lovely hair
Women, restricted by societal norms, sit and braid their hair.
Let fa the bitter tears of black despair
The tears of black despair fall as the women are feeling hopeless and desolate.
Proud Edward calls the dragon flag to fire, blood and wing
Edward calls for the dragon flag, representing his rule and strength, to be flown high and instill fear in others through violence and blood.
Rape and murder mercies of the bastard king
Edward's actions include rape and murder, demonstrating his cruelty and lack of remorse.
As loyal Wallace falls to the tyrant's bloody hand
The loyal William Wallace is defeated and killed by the cruel actions of the tyrant.
His body broke and scattered through the land
Wallace's body is broken and left in pieces as a warning to others who dare to stand up to the king.
Rise, rise for Scotland Lady Buchan crowns our king
Lady Buchan is ready to fight for Scotland and make a new king, who will lead Scotland to freedom.
Comyn blood traitor curse his name
Comyn, a Scottish noble who has betrayed the country, is cursed by Lady Buchan.
Rise for Scotland or you never shall be free
Scotland must rise up and fight for freedom or else they will never be truly free.
Rise and end the tyrants bloody reign
It is up to the people of Scotland to rise up and end the violent and oppressive rule of the tyrant.
Seven years the moon has lit its weary way across the sky
Seven years have passed, during which the moon has shone through the darkness.
Mad Lizzie lays her doun and pleads to die
Lizzie is so worn down by the events of the past and the upcoming challenge that she begs for death.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind