Eliza And Martin Carthy – Her Servant Man lyrics

It's of a damsel both fair & handsome
These lines are true as I have been told
On the banks of Shannon in a lofty mansion
Her father chambered great stores of gold

Her hair was black as a raven's feather
Her form & features to describe who can
But still this folly belongs to nature
For she fell in love with her servant man

As these two luvers were fondly talkin'
Her father heard them and near them drew
As these two luvers were together walkin'
In anger home her father flew

For to build a dungeon was his intention
& to part true lovers he contrived to plan
He swore by oaths & powers to mention
He would part his fair 1 from her servant man

To build a dungeon was his intention
To part true love he contrived to plan
He swore an oath on all his mansion
He would part his fair 1 from her servant man

His dungeon it was of bricks & mortar
With a flight of steps bein' underground
The food he gave her was bread & water
No bed nor blanket for her was found

Three times a day he did sorely beat her
Till to her father she cryin' began
“O if I've transgressed, my own dear father
Yet I'll live & die for my servant man

Young Edwin he found her habitation
It was protected with an iron door
He vowed in spite of all the nation
He would set her free or would rest no more

Now after leisure he toiled with pleasure
How he'd gain releasement for his Mary Ann
He gained his object, set free his treasure
She cried, “My faithful young servant man

But when he found his daughter vanished
Like a lion he began to roar
Sayin', Out of Ireland you shall be banished
With my broadsword I will shed your gore

Well I agree, cried Edwin, It's at your leisure
Since I've released her now do all you can
Oh forgive your daughter, I will die with pleasure
For the 1 in fault it is your servant man

But when he saw him so tender hearted
Down he fell onto the dungeon floor,
Cryin', such true luvers can ne'er be parted
Since love has entered in an iron door

So they were joined to be parted neva
& to roll in riches this young couple can
& this fair young lady she rules in pleasure
For to live fo' eva with her servant man