Sir Colwyn

Trad. Sir Eglamore, performed by Kate Rusby here.
OOC lyrics by Jude Reid

This song is a clear adaptation of the traditional Dawnish song Sir Isobel, which itself has been sung about many different knights over the years.

Sir Colwyn he was a valiant knight Fa la lanky down dilly He took up his sword and he went to fight Fa la lanky down dilly As he strode through hill and dale All armoured in his cote of mail Fa la latten da latten da latten da lanky down dilly

There came an Eternal full of guile Fa la lanky down dilly His words were lies and his tongue dripped bile Fa la lanky down dilly Its gaze swept coldly o'er the room And spoke on Colwyn's House its doom Fa la latten da latten da latten da lanky down dilly

Then up spoke Colwyn, brave and true Fa la lanky down dilly 'My kin, this fate I'll keep from you,' Fa la lanky down dilly 'I'll bear it bravely in your stead Let this fell curse fall on my head!' Fa la latten da latten da latten da lanky down dilly

So on his head the curse was laid Fa la lanky down dilly Sir Colwyn he was not dismayed Fa la lanky down dilly His silks rotted to rags of brown Though still he strive to win renown Fa la latten da latten da latten da lanky down dilly A filthy beggar knight was he

Fa la etc A dreadful curse of poverty Fa la etc But he fought on both strong and proud His back unbent, his head unbowed Fa la etc

In battle he commanded well Fa la etc No single Dawnish soldier fell Fa la etc But through his curse he lived alone Condemned to dwell in pain alone Fa la etc

A year passed ere his curse was done Fa la etc His pains were healed, his quests were won Fa la etc So through the Empire spread his fame That all shall know our hero's name Fa la etc