Lady Maisery is an English folk vocal harmony trio composed of Hannah James… Read Full Bio ↴Lady Maisery is an English folk vocal harmony trio composed of Hannah James (formerly in Kerfuffle) (vocals, piano accordion, clogs, foot percussion) Hazel Askew (of The Askew Sisters) (vocals, concertina, harp, bells) and Rowan Rheingans (of Fidola, The Rheingans Sisters) (vocals, fiddle, banjo, bansitar). Inspired by folk singing traditions of the UK and northern Europe, Lady Maisery sing songs and ballads both unaccompanied, and with backing from their combined instrumental talents on accordion, harp and fiddle. They are reviving the tradition of diddling, or singing, tunes, something which has nearly died out in the England but is still prevalent in Scandinavia and other parts of Europe.

They released their first album, Weave & Spin in 2011, and their second, Mayday, in 2013. Their third album, Cycle, was released in October 2016

Katy Cruel
Lady Maisery Lyrics

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Oh when I first came to town, they called me the roving jewel
Now they've changed their tune, they call me Katy Cruel
Day-ah-dee-ooh-ten-daddy-day

When I first came to town, they bought me drinks aplenty
Now they've changed their tune, they bring me bottles empty
Day-ah-dee-ooh-ten-daddy-day

Oh if I was what I would be then I would be what I am not
But I am what I must be, what I would be I cannot
Day-ah-dee-ooh-ten-daddy-day

Through the woods I go, through the boggy mire
Straightway down the road, to my heart's desire
Day-ah-dee-ooh-ten-daddy-day

Oh if I was what I would be then I would be what I am not
But I am what I must be, what I would be I cannot
Day-ah-dee-ooh-ten-ooh-ten-daddy-day

I know who I am, I know who's going with me
I know who I love, but Lord knows if I'll marry
Day-ah-dee-ooh-ten-daddy-day

Oh if I was what I would be then I would be what I am not
But I am what I must be, what I would be I cannot
Day-ah-dee-ooh-ten-ooh-ten-daddy-day

I'll dye my petticoats red and face them with the yellow
And I'll tell all the lads my own heart I will follow
Day-ah-dee-ooh-ten
Day-ah-dee-ooh-ten

Day-ah-dee-ooh-ten
Day-ah-dee-ooh-ten-daddy-ooh

Overall Meaning

The song "Katy Cruel" is a traditional Scottish folk song which tells the story of a young woman who has gained a reputation in town for being cruel. The opening verse speaks of her previous nickname "the roving jewel" which has now been replaced by the name "Katy Cruel." The repetition of "Day-ah-dee-ooh-ten-daddy-day" is a common chorus in traditional Scottish music that adds a rhythmic and lively element to the song.

The next verse speaks of how people's attitude towards her has changed from buying her drinks to bringing her empty bottles. It could be interpreted that she has gained this cruel reputation by rejecting the advances of men who have since turned against her. The following verse speaks to Katy's sense of self and her acceptance of who she is, not what others want her to be. She acknowledges that she may not be able to become who she wishes, but she is content with who she is and where she is headed.

In the final verse, Katy states her intentions of following her heart and not conforming to societal expectations. She will dye her petticoats in a non-traditional color combination of red and yellow to show her defiance, and she will not let others dictate her future.

Overall, "Katy Cruel" is a song that celebrates independence and individuality while confronting the challenges that come with rejection and societal expectations.

Line by Line Meaning

Oh when I first came to town, they called me the roving jewel
Upon first arriving in town, I was highly sought after and admired.

Now they've changed their tune, they call me Katy Cruel
However, my reputation has gradually changed, and I am now known as a cruel person.

Day-ah-dee-ooh-ten-daddy-day
These repeated syllables serve as a chorus and have no direct meaning.

When I first came to town, they bought me drinks aplenty
People were eager to give me gifts and make me feel welcome.

Now they've changed their tune, they bring me bottles empty
However, now people are no longer as generous and neglect me.

Oh if I was what I would be then I would be what I am not But I am what I must be, what I would be I cannot
This verse speaks to the struggle of trying to fulfill expectations placed on oneself, versus accepting who you are and what you can realistically achieve.

Through the woods I go, through the boggy mire Straightway down the road, to my heart's desire
This verse represents the journey towards one's true desires, even if it involves difficulty and obstacles.

I know who I am, I know who's going with me I know who I love, but Lord knows if I'll marry
Despite knowing oneself and one's desires, external factors such as societal expectations may still make it difficult to fulfill them.

I'll dye my petticoats red and face them with the yellow And I'll tell all the lads my own heart I will follow
This verse represents defiance against societal expectations and a commitment to follow one's own heart, even if it means going against tradition.

Contributed by Logan N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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