it's a musical life

Excellent progress with my banjo today. Learned a new tune, "The House Carpenter." Aching story. Another modal song, similar sounding to "Shady Grove" and "The Cuckoo." For some reason songs in modal tuning sound ancient and pained. Full of unrequited love and far away sorrow. The hills of Appalachia seem to be filled with that sort of sorrow. My very favorite is "The Blackest Crow," also known as "My Dearest Dear" and "As Time Draws Near."

As time draws near my dearest dear when you an I must part

How little you know of the grief and woe of my poor aching heart

Tis but I'd suffer for your sake, believe me dear it's true

I wish that you were staying here or I was going with you

I wish my breast were made of glass wherein you might behold

Upon my heart your name lies wrote in letters made of gold

In letters made of gold my love, believe me when I say

You are the one I will adore until my dying day

The blackest crow that e'er that flew would surely turn to white

If ever I prove false to you, bright day would turn to night

Bright day will turn to night my love, the elements will mourn

If ever I prove false to you the seas will rage and burn