The words as printed in Graeme's book 'Songscapes' are as follows: v.1 The summer's passed into the winter The tired old sun is late to rise Frosty etchings on my window The streams are silent under the ice The trees are stark, the sky is clouded Hard the clay beneath my feet The fields with rook and crow are crowded The year is all but over. Goodbye old year you're now behind me I'll often think of you and smile For all in all you tret(sic) me kindly You brought me love though just for a while. v.2 Your spring was sweet, your spring was gentle The winds of March and April's rain Soothed my brow when I was troubled And I was boyish once again I gave my love a lapwing's feather And she kissed me in return Beside the burn we walked together And the year was youthful then. Goodby old year..... v.3 Come the summer, such a summer, Sun filled days and love filled nights. Speckled shadows among the willows Every hour a new delight. Oh such joy when I was with her Arm in arm and hand in hand But golden days dulled into silver For now the year was ageing. Goodbye old year..... v.4 Came the autumn, sad, sad autumn When pale mist hung above the corn In my heart a chill was creeping A warning of the coming storm Oh such loving I did give her But then she turned and went her way And as the leaves began to wither I saw the year was dying. Goodbye old year..... v.5 Now the winter, bleak December At my door a swirling squall Flickering flames and glowing embers Shadows dancing on the wall In my mind I hear her laughter Faint upon the sighing wind I think of her, my hear beats faster But now the year has passed and gone Goodbye old year you're now behind me You've gone your way I'll go mine Both joy and sadness you've left inside me You brought me love though for a short time. This is the closest you are likely to get to an 'official' version. What Martyn sings will almost certainly vary from this, and probably from performance to performance. Such is the folk process. Don't worry too much about it. The important thing is to sing the song.
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