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The Unquiet Grave

from Green to Gold by Moonrakers

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about

There are versions of this ballad that go back as far as the 14th century, but only as words; the music is more recent, possibly 18th century. Ralph Vaughan Williams wrote his own arrangement of this traditional tune usually assigned to the ballad, Dives and Lazarus. The Unquiet Grave is both poignant and ethereal; it speaks to the danger of mourning too long for someone. If you do so, their spirit will become restless, hence the appearance of the ghost after a year and a day.

lyrics

Cold blows the wind to my true love
And gently falls the rain
I only had but one true love
And in greenwood she lies slain

I’ll do as much for my true love
As any young man may
I’ll sit and mourn all on her grave
For twelve month and a day

When twelve month and one day was passed
The ghost began to speak
‘Why sit you here all on my grave
And will not let me sleep?’

‘I crave a kiss from your cold cold lips
Then weep I will no more’
‘Your grief is blind’ the ghost replied
‘And death we must endure’

‘Go fetch me water from the desert
And light from the darkest moon
Go dig my grave both long and deep
For comes the darkness soon....for comes the darkness soon’

Twas down in Cupid’s garden
Where once young lovers walked
The fairest flower that ever I saw
Has withered to a stalk

The stalk is withered and dry sweetheart
But we shall meet I’m sure
When autumn leaves are pressed to earth
And spring is here once more.

credits

from Green to Gold, released May 27, 2023
Traditional, arranged Moonrakers

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Moonrakers Oxford, UK

Described as “startlingly talented” (Oxford Times) and now with five albums of "exquisite music "(BBC) and "truly wonderful" (Wycombe Festival) performances, Moonrakers present an informal evening of musical excellence and humour.

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