TAM LIN -- A SCOTTISH FOLK TALE

Tint and I were talking recently about Celtic music, and in that conversation she mentioned BLACKMORE"S NIGHT. I was pleased as I have not run across all that many who know of or enjoy their music;  and I was sharing with her a similar sound by FAIRPORT CONVENTION.  Which gave me the idea to post this music and art blog.  I first came across TAM LIN by FAIRPORT CONVENTION (album title LIEGE & LIEF) in 1969, one of those musical treasures that stays with us, and certainly changes us in unknown ways, perhaps by some of the magic that used to be, and is still, in the quiet of moonlite nights.   When I finally wore out my vinyl I was surprised to see it had been re-issued in CD. This is my second CD.  TAM LIN was first mentioned in 1549, but the oral tradition must go much farther back before that.  I hope you enjoy this treat, let it take you back to another time and another place, when the Fairy Folk still walked in the same world that men do. --JohnOh--

TAM LIN

Performed by Fairport Convention

on album Liege & Lief

vocals by Sandy Denny

 

I forbid you maidens all
that wear gold in your hair
To travel to Carterhaugh
for young Tam Lin is there

None that go by Carterhaugh
but they leave him a pledge
Either their mantles of green
or else their maidenheads.

Janet tied her kirtle green
a bit above her knee
And she's gone to Carterhaugh
as fast as go can she.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She'd not pulled a double rose,
a rose but only two
When up then came young Tam Lin
says "Lady pull no more"

"And why come you to Carterhaugh
without command from me?"
"I'll come and go" young Janet said
"And ask no leave of thee".

 

 

Janet tied her kirtle green
a bit above her knee
And she's gone to her father
as fast as go can she.

Well up then spoke her father clear
and he spoke meek and mild
"Oh and alas Janet" he said
"I think you go with child."

 

 

"Well if that be so" Janet said
"Myself shall bear the blame
There's not a knight in all your hall
shall get the baby's name.

 

For if my love were an earthly knight
as he is an elfin grey
I'd not change my own true love
for any knight you have."

 

 

 

So Janet tied her kirtle green
a bit above her knee
And she's gone to Carterhaugh
as fast as go can she.

"Oh tell to me Tam Lin" she said
"Why came you here to dwell?"
"The Queen of Fairies caught me
when from my horse I fell

And at the end of seven years
she pays a tithe to hell
I so fair and full of flesh
and fear'ed be myself

But tonight is Halloween
and the fairy folk ride,
Those that would their true love win
at mile's cross they must hide.

 

 

 

First let pass the horses black
and then let pass the brown
Quickly run to the white steed
and pull the rider down,

For I'll ride on the white steed,
the nearest to the town
For I was an earthly knight,
they give me that renown.

 

 

 

Oh they will turn me in your arms
to a newt or a snake
But hold me tight and fear not,
I am your baby's father.

 

And they will turn me in your arms
into a lion bold
But hold me tight and fear not
and you will love your child,

 

 

 

 

 

And they will turn me in your arms
into a naked knight
But cloak me in your mantle
and keep me out of sight".

In the middle of the night
she heard the bridle ring
She heeded what he did say
and young Tam Lin did win.

 

Then up spoke the Fairy Queen,
an angry Queen was she
"Woe betide her ill-farred face,
an ill death may she die

              Had I known Tam Lin" she said
             "This night I did see
               I'd have looked him in the eyes
               and turned him to a tree."