The Blacksmith
Déanta Lyrics
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A blacksmith courted me nine months or better
He bravely won my heart, wrote me a letter
With his hammer in his hand, he looked quite clever
And if I was with my love, I'd live forever
But where is my love gone with his cheeks like roses
I'm afraid the scorching sun will shine and burn his beauty
And if I was with my love, I'd do my duty
Strange news has come to town, strange news is carried
Strange news flies up and down that my love, he's married
I wish them both much joy though they can't hear me
And may God reward them well for the slighting of me
"Don't you remember well when you lay beside me
And you said you'd marry me and not deny me?"
"If I said I'd marry you, it was only for to try you
So bring your witness, love, and I'll not deny you"
"Oh witness have I none, save God Almighty
And may He reward you well for the slighting of me"
Her lips grew pale and wan, it made her poor heart tremble
To think she loved a one and he proved deceitful
The traditional Irish ballad "The Blacksmith" tells the story of a young woman who has been courted by a blacksmith for nine months. She has fallen deeply in love with him and believes that if they were to be together, their love would last forever. However, she wakes up to the news that her love has married another woman. She wishes them well but feels slighted by his deceitful actions.
The lyrics showcase the sorrow and deep emotions that come with lost love. The first verse describes her admiration for the blacksmith and how he won her heart with his charm and skill. The second verse shows her fear and worry for his well-being, despite his actions. The third verse is where the heartbreaking news is delivered, and the fourth verse displays her deep sadness and inability to understand why he would deceive her.
The song's melancholy melody complements the lyrics' sadness, and the traditional Irish instrumentation gives the feeling of a hymn. The song's theme of lost love, heartbreak, and the deceitful nature of some men is still relatable today.
Line by Line Meaning
A blacksmith courted me nine months or better
I was pursued by a blacksmith for over nine months.
He bravely won my heart, wrote me a letter
He courageously captured my heart and sent me a letter.
With his hammer in his hand, he looked quite clever
He seemed skilled and intelligent with his hammer in hand.
And if I was with my love, I'd live forever
If I were with him, I would feel complete and blissful.
But where is my love gone with his cheeks like roses
But where did my love go with his rosy cheeks?
And his good black billycock on, all crowned with primroses?
And his black hat decorated with primroses?
I'm afraid the scorching sun will shine and burn his beauty
I fear that the sun will harm his handsome features.
And if I was with my love, I'd do my duty
If I were with him, I would serve and care for him dutifully.
Strange news has come to town, strange news is carried
Stranger news has arrived in town, and it's spreading quickly.
Strange news flies up and down that my love, he's married
The unusual news being discussed is that my love is now married.
I wish them both much joy though they can't hear me
Although they cannot hear me, I hope they will experience happiness together.
And may God reward them well for the slighting of me
May God bless them for their mistreatment of me.
"Don't you remember well when you lay beside me
"Don't you recall when we were together
And you said you'd marry me and not deny me?"
And you promised to marry me without hesitation?"
"If I said I'd marry you, it was only for to try you
"If I promised to wed you, it was only a test
So bring your witness, love, and I'll not deny you"
If you have proof, my love, bring it forward, and I will not rebuff you.
"Oh witness have I none, save God Almighty
"I have no witness except God Almighty
And may He reward you well for the slighting of me"
May He bless you for spurning me."
Her lips grew pale and wan, it made her poor heart tremble
She became pale and frightened, causing her heart to quiver.
To think she loved a one and he proved deceitful
To believe that she loved someone and he turned out to be deceitful.
Writer(s): Eddi Reader, Loreena Mckennitt Copyright: Quinlan Road Music Ltd., MCA Music Ltd.
Contributed by Jason T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.