The Cruel Mother

Lyrics

There was a lady near the town – Low so low and so lonely She walked all night and all around – Down in the greenwoods of ivy She leaned her back against a thorn – Low so low and so lonely Two little babies she had born – Down in the greenwoods of ivy She took a rope so long and neat – Low so low and so lonely She tied them down both hands & feet – Down in the greenwoods of ivy She took a knife so keen and sharp – Low so low and so lonely She pierced it through each tender heart – Down in the greenwoods of ivy She buried them under the marble stone – Low so low and so lonely Then she turned and went on home – Down in the greenwoods of ivy As she walked out one moonlit night – Low so low and so lonely She saw two babes all dressed in white – Down in the greenwoods of ivy 'Oh babes oh babes if you were mine'- Low so low and so lonely 'I'd dress you up in silk so fine' — Down in the greenwoods of ivy 'Oh Mother, Oh Mother when we were yours' – Low so low and so lonely 'You dressed us in our own hearts' blood' – Down in the greenwoods of ivy You wiped your penknife on your shoe – Low so low and so lonely The more you wiped, the bloodier it grew – Down in the greenwoods of ivy You buried us under the marble stone – Low so low and so lonely You turned and went a maiden home – Down in the greenwoods of ivy Oh babes oh babes come tell me true – Low so low and so lonely What death must I die for you – Down in the greenwoods of ivy For seven years you shall ring the bell – Low so low and so lonely For seven years you'll wait in hell – Down in the greenwoods of ivy