Music: Traditional, Folk
How came that blood upon your lap?
Oh, my dear, will you tell me?
Tis the blood of a naughty pup
Who never gave her love to me
How came that blood upon your hair?
Oh, my dear, will you tell me?
Tis the blood of a roguish mare
Who never would quite heed to me
How came that blood upon your cuff?
Oh, my dear, will you tell me?
From a younger brother not good enough
Who took the lifeblood out of me
A brother who has shown no love
A brother who did tell me off
A brother who would sell me off
In a family that did not value me
What will become of our estate?
Oh, my dear, I fear for thee
I will ride my horse astride
And the land will never bleed for me
And will you never be a bride?
Oh, my dear, I fear for thee
I'll hold my heart and keep my pride
The land will be my family
Where now will your mother bide?
Oh, my dear, I fear for me
She'll hold my hand and never hide
The love she's always had for me
A mother who will be my guide
A mother who my sin will hide
A mother sitting by my side
In a home that truly needs me