The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #37602   Message #3397048
Posted By: GUEST,Guest : Shay
29-Aug-12 - 11:39 AM
Thread Name: Origins: Three Jovial Huntsmen (and related songs)
Subject: RE: Origins: Three Jovial Huntsmen (and related songs)
This a recent version arranged and sung by Andy Irvine from the album Abocurragh an earlier version was also done by Sweeneys Men.

Three Huntsmen Trad: Andy Irvine
It's of three huntsmen brave and bold as I have heard them say
They took five hundred guineas all in one market day
And as they rode home together o'er the Wicklow mountains high
O its hold horse cries Johnson for I hear a woman cry

I will not stop says Wilson I will not stop says he
And nor will I stop says Gilmore for robbed I'm afraid we'll be
But Johnson getting off his horse and searching the woods all around
Till he found a naked woman with her hair pinned to the ground

O woman dear O woman dear how come you here for to span
Who that brought you here on this may morning with your hair pinned to the ground
It was three bold and struggling men with swords keen in hand
Who that brought me here this May morning with my hair pinned to the ground

But my father he's a wealthy man and your kindness he'll repay
My life I place all in your hands protect sir I pray
Well Johnson being a man of his own being valiant brave and bold
He took off his coat from off his back for to keep her from the cold

And Johnson getting on his horse the woman got on behind
They rode down that lonesome valley their fortunes for to find
And as they rode on along the way as fast as they could ride
She threw her fingers to her lips and gave three shivering cries

Out sprang three bold and struggling men with swords keen in hand
Who commanded him to tarry commanded him to stand
Well I will stand says Johnson I'll stand then says he
For I never was in all of me life afraid of any three

And Johnson killing two of them not minding the woman behind
As he was at the other one she stabbed from behind
The day it was free and a market day the people all passing by
Could have seen this awful murder could have poor Johnson die