Sunday Music: Planxty

If you like Irish music, or folk music, or traditional music, or good music of any description, then the righteous Planxty is for you. They broke up in 1983, but ...

Here, they sing "The Blacksmith", live on Ireland's "Late Show", in 1980. If I received tickets for concerts by the Rolling Stones and Planxty for the same night, I'd attend the concert by the better group. And I'd make someone happy by giving them Stones tickets.

A blacksmith courted me, nine months or better
He fairly won my heart, wrote me a letter
With his hammer in his hand, he looked so clever
And if I were with my love, I would live forever

Oh, where has my love gone with his cheeks like roses
He's gone across the sea gathering primroses
Will burn and scorch I fear the shining sun his beauty
And if I were with my love, I would do my duty

Strange news is come to town, strange news is carried
Sad news cried up and down, that my love is married
I wish them both much joy, though they can't hear me
And if I were with my love, I'd do my duty

What did you promise me when you lay beside me
You said you'd marry me and not deny me
If I said I'd marry you, 'twas only to try you
So bring your witness, love, and I'll not deny you

Oh, witness I have none, save God Almighty
And may he reward you well for the slighting of me
Her lips grew pale and wan; her heart did tremble
For to think she'd had one love, and he proved deceitful