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.