To Catch A Magpie

A celtic ballad (with a rhythmic twist).
Magpies, being of the crafty crow family, are featured in folklore in many cultures representing everything from good luck to disaster. I grew up learning they are accomplished thieves with an eye for bright and pretty things left unattended.
The repeating nursery rhyme is well known in the UK.

Style is _BUGGANE.STY (Buggane Celtic Cello Slow Waltz)

RealTracks in style: 777:Bass, Acoustic, PopWaltz Ev 085 (A:simple)
RealTracks in style: 2865:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm CelticSlowWaltzDave Ev 100
RealTracks in style: 2936:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking FolkWaltzFintan Ev 100
RealTracks in song: 3263:Cello, Rhythm CelticReelChoppingSyncNatalie Ev16 110
RealTracks in song: 3268:Cello, Background CelticWaltzNatalie Ev 100
RealDrums [in style:PopWaltzEven8^7-a,b:Brushes, Sidestick
loops: ankle bells/bodhran



To Catch A Magpie

Willow oh Willow
what`s this I see
you kilt your gown skipping
my nemesis to meet
he preens like a vicar
in plumage of black and white
o`ermasters our love
with a mesmerist`s eye

one for sorrow
two for joy
three for a girl
four for a boy

Clem my Clem
remember the day
lilt in her voice
the Weavers Stone where you lay
be furtive not bold
let your tongue be your sword
your rival plays this game
like devil like a lord

five for silver
six for gold
seven for a secret
never to be told

take care take
when you set your snare
to catch a magpie

the Magpie the Magpie
many words little truth
has her soul on tiptoes
on her promise she broods
Clem rushes in
with hailstone of blows
to the gallows not Willow
he`ll soon pledge his oath

one for sorrow
two for joy
three for a girl
four for a boy

the sky shall fall
before that pitiless eye
when love lies bleeding
away flies the magpie

five for silver
six for gold
seven for a secret
never to be told

take care take
when you set your snare
to catch a magpie



Last edited by Robertkc; 06/06/19 12:36 PM.