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Cruel Brother

from Shapeshifter by Tempest

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Cruel Brother (Trad.)
“I’d been looking for a good, epic murder ballad that hasn’t been done to death and finally found one. I love how folk songs can paint a picture of the human condition. This one is also notable because it’s followed by three instrumental tunes, including ‘The Tempest Reel’ — which is the piece I took the band’s name from, "Sue's Reel," written by Sue Draheim, and the Irish reel "Maid Of Mount Kisco.”

lyrics

There were three sisters lived in a hall
Aye the rose and the lily-o
There came a knight and he courted them all
Oh the rose it smells so sweetly

Well the first one she was dressed in red
Would you come with me and share my bed

And The second one was dressed in green
Would you come with me and be my queen

Oh the third one she was dressed in white
Would you come and be my own delight

Well you may ask my father the King
And you may ask my mother the Queen

And you may ask my sister Ann
Oh but don't forget my brother John

So he has asked her father the King
And he has asked her mother the Queen

And he has asked her sister Ann
But he forgot her brother John

And her father he led her through the hall
And her mother she danced before them all

And her sister Ann led her to the course
And her brother John helped her on her horse

He has taken a blade both long and sharp
And he pierced the bride right through the heart

Oh lead me gently up the hill
And there I'll sit and make my will

And what will you leave your father dear
the bonnie stead that brought me here

And what will you leave your mother dear
the bloody robes that I do wear

And what will you leave to your sister Ann
The golden ring from off my hand

And what will you leave to your brother John
The gallows tree to hang him on

credits

from Shapeshifter, released May 20, 2003

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Tempest Oakland, California

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