Lament of a Dry-Town Bride
Words and music © 1980 Cynthia McQuillin
Albums and videos of this song:
- Storyteller released 1983 by Off-Centaur Publications, Limited CD released 2010 Star Rose Arts
Once long ago, I lived in the mountains
Far from the flatlands I now know so well
Once I had bright hair
As red as the sunshine
Once I had honor, now I have none.
I am forsaken, my freedom is gone.
Now I wear chains on my hands.
Dressed in such finery
As my master should fancy,
My heart sore with bondage,
I bow to command.
Had I grown old
In the mountains of my youth,
I'd have been wedded to a Lord of that land
I'd have borne children
With coppery red hair
Been given a bracelet
To wear on my hand.
I am forsaken, my pride is all gone,
No family have I to call kin.
Lost among strangers,
I know only shame now.
Freedom and love
Live only in dreams.