The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #100381   Message #2011845
Posted By: Bee
30-Mar-07 - 11:27 AM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Twelve Witches (Steeleye Span)
Subject: Lyr Req: Twelve Witches (Steeleye Span)
I have it on vinyl, nothing to play it on. I managed to transcribe this much from a fuzzy sound file; would really appreciate someone filling in the missing bits, thanks.

Also, does anyone know if this is traditional, or a Steeleye original?

The Twelve Witches

Oh there were twelve witches bold and they lived in the North
And their equals were not seen on the face of the earth
The first witch with her hands the storm could stay...(?)
And the second witch could stop all the torrent .......(?)
And the third witch she could strike upon the golden lyre
And she charmed both young and old into the dancing fire

Cho.: Rowan tree, red thread(?), hold the witches all in dread (twice)

The fourth witch she could dive in the sea as a fish
And the fifth witch she never wanted any meat on a dish
And now the next witch goes under the earth to....(?)
And the seventh witch could dance upon the rolling sea
And the eighth witch on her horn she would blow a blast
And everyone who heard would shudder and stand aghast

Oh the ninth witch she tamed all that in the green woods dwell/leapt(?)
And the tenth witch not a nap she had ever slept
The eleventh witch the grisly lingworm(?) unbound
The twelfth witch she could all things understand
These twelve witches bold they all lived in the North
And their equals were not seen on the face of the earth