I think the end line sounds more like it should say "stretched out her limbs and died" - that feels more like a traditional English folkie line to me, and it makes more sense of the tragic story. Gorgeous song, gorgeous, gorgeous voice. I always have to listen to one kate rusby song before bed. She is a gift to us all and a national treasure. love you Kate.
It's vaguely like to 'The Unquiet Grave': She's 'woken' by a ghost. At first she wonders if it's father, brother or then William. William the ghost tells her the only way they'll marry if if she goes to his (faraway) grave. She asks if she can get in his coffin and when he says there's no room, she wakes and cries (or dies, depending how morbid you feel). The brilliant thing is how well it evokes the process of waking from a dream when you get a cognitive dissonance - ie the coffin's too small.
Does she ever tour the US? I just got into her music per chance via Pandora and have been listening to her music ever since! Beauty abounds in her voice...wonderful rendition...almost poetry! Would really like it if someone could tell me a little about her touring schedules...doesn't look like she tours US...but would like to be proven wrong on that!
Beautiful traditional Scottish song.
schmalcs 1 year ago
Beautiful and moving. Kate really puts feeling into it. Really conveys the bittersweet sorrow of the tale.
rpgnostic 1 year ago 2
such a pretty voice it gives me chills
19Mckenzie95 1 year ago 2
Such a beautiful song and beautiful voice
Thanks for sharing,
Peace,
Jeannie
jeanniebeaux 1 year ago
Watch the glass it does move. The board it is clear, for it spells Our Kate. Fear not but take comfort here.
dazzajlee 2 years ago
I use to read to my sweetheart at night but that meant naught to her
59acres 2 years ago
I think the end line sounds more like it should say "stretched out her limbs and died" - that feels more like a traditional English folkie line to me, and it makes more sense of the tragic story. Gorgeous song, gorgeous, gorgeous voice. I always have to listen to one kate rusby song before bed. She is a gift to us all and a national treasure. love you Kate.
inahappydaze2 2 years ago 2
can someone explain to me what this song is about? ...its so beautiful =)
MissMusic5858 2 years ago
It's vaguely like to 'The Unquiet Grave': She's 'woken' by a ghost. At first she wonders if it's father, brother or then William. William the ghost tells her the only way they'll marry if if she goes to his (faraway) grave. She asks if she can get in his coffin and when he says there's no room, she wakes and cries (or dies, depending how morbid you feel). The brilliant thing is how well it evokes the process of waking from a dream when you get a cognitive dissonance - ie the coffin's too small.
blogward 2 years ago
Folk music is often sad and Kate makes it even sadder. A rare talent
MORGANTHEMOON1 2 years ago
Does she ever tour the US? I just got into her music per chance via Pandora and have been listening to her music ever since! Beauty abounds in her voice...wonderful rendition...almost poetry! Would really like it if someone could tell me a little about her touring schedules...doesn't look like she tours US...but would like to be proven wrong on that!
siladitya 2 years ago
This is the saddest yet most love filled song I've ever heard
hannahgiraffe 3 years ago 3
How right you are! Such a magnificent lament, so sensitively sung!
ChiefStressman 2 years ago
Is this song linked to the Drowned Lovers? With Sir William "turling at the pin" of his lover Margaret's door, it's very similar.
meirasanya 3 years ago
Could be. Although, Margaret and William were very popular names, so it might just be coincidence
Rusby08 3 years ago
@Rusby08 Yes, I was wondering the same.
TheHorrocksSmile 1 year ago
How could anybody not love this stuff.!!
midnite22155 3 years ago
what a tragic story
beautiful song :)
lulubooth1 3 years ago
I truly love this song! Kate makes it so beautiful...then again she makes everything beautiful.
Rita3500 3 years ago 7
You're very, very right on that =)
Rusby08 3 years ago