Have heard several versions of this song over the years. It changes even from recording to recording with some artists, but the story is so good, that it can work in many cultures and regions. I transcribed a version from a Fairport Convention CD some time ago. I think Sandy Denny took the lead. Again I have known it for years, and I think I have changed it a little for my on performances.
It's a very powerful song, sung very quickly and with passion, but every word is clear as day... I was a young naive 20 when I first heard it, and the efficient lyrics generated very stong images. It made quite an impact on me. I still get goosebumps when I get to the verse where Lord Darnley kills his wife... Still goes down very well at sessions and clubs...
Matty Groves (Liege and Lief) By Marcel Veltman
A holiday, a holy day The first one of the year Lord Darnley's wife came into the church The gospel for to hear
And when the meeting it was done She cast her eyes about And there she saw little Matty Groves Walking in the crowd
Come home with me little Matty Groves Come home with me tonight Come home with me little Matty Groves And sleep with me tonight
Oh, I can't come home, I won't come home And sleep with you tonight I can see by the rings on your fingers that You are Lord Darnley's wife
Tis true I am lord Darnley's wife Lord Darnley's not at home He is out to the far corn fields Bringing the yearlings home
And the servant who was standing by And hearing what was said He swore Lord Darnley he would know Before the sun would set
And in his hurry to carry the news He dropped his vest and ran And when he came to the broad mill stream He took off his shoes and swam
Little Matty Groves, he laid down And took a little sleep When he awoke Lord Darnley Was standing at his feet
Saying how do you like my feather bed And how do you like my sheets And how do you like my lady Who lies in your arms to sleep
O well I like your feather bed And well I like your sheets But better I like your lady maid Who lies in my arms to sleep
Well get up, get up Lord Darnley cried Get up as quick as you can It'll never be said in fair England I slew a naked man
Oh I won't get up I won't get up I can't get up for my life For you have two long sharp swords And I've not a pocket knife
Well it's true I have two beaten swords They cost me deep in the purse But you will have the better of them And I will have the worse
And you will strike the very first blow And strike it like a man And I will strike the very next blow And kill you if I can
So Matty struck the very first blow And he hurt Lord Darnley's sore Lord Darnley struck the very next blow And Matty struck no more
And then Lord Darnley took his wife And sat her on his knee Saying who do like the better of us Matty groves or me
And then up spoke his own dear wife Never known to speak so free I'd rather kiss poor dead Matty's lips Than you in your finery
Lord Darnley he jumped up and down And loudly he did bawl He stuck his wife right through the heart And pinned her against the wall
A grave a grave Lord Darnley cried To put these lovers in But bury my lady at the top For she was of noble kin.