Three Ravens

from Song Diary by Rosie Hodgson & Rowan Piggott

supported by

	/

Streaming + Download

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

Purchasable with gift card

£1 GBP or more
Buy the Full Digital Album

about

One of the oldest songs we sing, Three Ravens was first published in 1611, but is perhaps even older than that. Newer versions (with different music) were recorded right up through the 19th century. A Scottish ballad called "Twa Corbies" is a similar story, but with an even darker twist!

(Child 26, Roud 5)

lyrics

There were three ravens sat on a tree,
Downe a downe, hay downe, hay downe,
They were as blacke, as black could be,
With a downe,
The one of them said to his mate,
Where shall we our breakfast take?
With a downe, derrie, derrie, derrie, downe, downe.

Downe in yonder greene field,
There lies a Knight slain under his shield,
His hounds they lie downe at his feete,
So well do they their Master keepe.

His Hawkes they flie so eagerly,
There's no fowle that dare come near he
Yonder comes a fallow Doe,
As great with yong as she might goe.

She's lifted up his bloudy head,
And kist his wounds that were so red,
She got him up upon her backe,
And carried him to earthen lake.

She buried him before the prime,
She was dead herself ere evensong time.
God send every gentleman,
Such hawkes, such hounds, and such a Leman.

credits

from Song Diary, released May 23, 2018
Rosie Hodgson – voice
Rowan Piggott – fiddle / harmony

license

about

Rosie Hodgson England, UK

Rosie is a folk singer/songwriter from Midhurst, West Sussex. Having grown up surrounded by traditional music, her voice possesses a naturalness and maturity, bringing "a ruby-richness to lyrics new and old". (Folk Radio UK)

Rosie is currently touring with her trio, The Wilderness Yet. ... more

rosiehodgson.com

Recommendations

contact / help

Contact Rosie Hodgson

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this track or account

Rosie Hodgson recommends:

Mountscribe
by Rowan Piggott

Rowan's debut album... I threw a few BV's and clog-stepping on this :-) Rosie Hodgson
go to album
SONGHIVE (Online Edition)
by Various Artists

Our Songhive compilation album to save the bees! Rosie Hodgson
go to album

If you like Rosie Hodgson, you may also like:

John O' Dreams
by The Wilderness Yet

supported by 24 fans who also own “Three Ravens”
go to album
What Holds The World Together
by The Wilderness Yet

supported by 18 fans who also own “Three Ravens”

Rosie's voice is so pure and sweet, yet so rich and full of character. And when the three of them sing together (as on "Old Brock"), it's really magical. Their special music is certainly What Holds The World Together for me. John Fisher
go to album
Endurance Soundly Caged
by Stick In The Wheel

Adapting their calculated standards into a raw, live setting, the radical UK folk duo rework six highlights from their spellbindincatalogue. Bandcamp New & Notable Dec 7, 2022
go to album
Mild Terror / Ice Cave Single
by Jack Sharp

A freaky folk holiday single from the lead guitarist of British psych rockers Wolf People celebrates winter chill. Bandcamp New & Notable Dec 5, 2019
go to album