Transcribed from Martyn Wyndham-Read's CD "Beyond the red horizon" (Fellside Recordings FECD146) - Great CD ;-)

The Lapwing's Feather
(Graeme Miles)

Summer's passed into the winter
The tired old sun is late to rise
Frosty edgings 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
Year is all but over

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
Down by the burn we'd walk together
Oh, the year was youthful then

Came the summer, such a summer
Sunfilled days, lovefilled nights
Speckled shadows among the willows
Every hour new delights
And oh, such joy when I was with her
Arm in arm, hand in hand
But golden days dulled into silver
Now the year was ageing

Goodbye old year, you're now behind me
I'll often think of you and smile
For all in all you tread me kindly
Brought me love, though just for a while

Came the autumn, sad sad autumn
When pale mists hung above the corn
In my heart a chill was creeping
A warning of the coming storm
And oh, such loving I did give her
Then she turned and went away
And as the leaves began to wither
I saw the year was dying

Now the winter, bleak December
At my door, the swirling squall
Flickering flames and glow'ring embers
Shadows dancing on the wall
And in my mind I hear her laughter
Fade upon the sighing wind
I think of her, my heart beats faster
Now the year is past 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


* It sounds like "roak", but in the context rook makes more sense, except if roak is another word for that bird.

Best wishes,

Bente