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King Orfeo

from Land and Legend by Spiral Dance

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about

One of many so-called Child Ballads, collected by Francis James Child in the 19th Century. Many of those ballads harbour dark themes and King Orfeo is no exception; with his wife stolen away by the fae, the King plays music in an attempt to win her back. Originally learned from the singing of Steeleye Span, then brought back to mind by Emily Smith.

lyrics

There lived a lady in the West
Green the wood grows early
Her name was Lady Liza Bell

Where the stag runs yearly

The king, he has a hunting gone

Green the wood grows early
left his lady all alone

Where the stag runs yearly

The Elfin knight took out his dart
Green the wood grows early
Pierced poor Liza to the heart

Where the stag runs yearly

When the king came home at noon

Green the wood grows early
He asked for Lady Liza Bell

Where the stag runs yearly

His nobles unto him they said
Green the wood grows early
She first was wounded now she's dead
Where the stag runs yearly

He’s away into the wood
Green the wood grows early
And there upon a stone he stood
Where the stag runs yearly

He stood there for seven years

Green the wood grows early
‘Till a company to him drew near
Where the stag runs yearly

Some did ride and some did run
Green the wood grows early
He saw his lady them among

Where the stag runs yearly

The company then made their way

Green the wood grows early
And He took out his pipes to play

Where the stag runs yearly

First he played the notes of Noy

Green the wood grows early
And Then he played the notes of Joy

Where the stag runs yearly

Then he played the Gaber reel

Green the wood grows early
That would make a sick heart heal

Where the stag runs yearly

The Elfin Knight to him did say

Green the wood grows early
What shall I give thee for thy play?
Where the stag runs yearly

For my play I will thee tell

Green the wood grows early
I'll have my Lady Liza Bell

Where the stag runs yearly

You can take your lady home

Green the wood grows early
And you'll be king of all you own
Where the stag runs yearly

credits

from Land and Legend, released May 31, 2020
Traditional

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Spiral Dance Adelaide, Australia

With a combination of haunting vocals, intoxicating guitar riffs and groovy accordion lines, underpinned with potent bass and dynamic percussion, Spiral Dance presents an eclectic blend of traditional folk-rock with powerful self-penned songs and tunes. Rousing melodies intertwine with tales of Magick, myth and legend - music that will rock your ancestors! ... more

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