The Cruel Mother

There was a lady near the town – Low so low and so lonely
She walked all night and all around – Down in the greenwoods of ivy

She leaned her back against a thorn – Low so low and so lonely
Two little babies she had born – Down in the greenwoods of ivy

She took a rope so long and neat – Low so low and so lonely
She tied them down both hands & feet – Down in the greenwoods of ivy

She took a knife so keen and sharp – Low so low and so lonely
She pierced it through each tender heart – Down in the greenwoods of ivy

She buried them under the marble stone – Low so low and so lonely
Then she turned and went on home – Down in the greenwoods of ivy

As she walked out one moonlit night – Low so low and so lonely
She saw two babes all dressed in white – Down in the greenwoods of ivy

‘Oh babes oh babes if you were mine'- Low so low and so lonely
‘I’d dress you up in silk so fine' — Down in the greenwoods of ivy

‘Oh Mother, Oh Mother when we were yours' – Low so low and so lonely
‘You dressed us in our own hearts’ blood' – Down in the greenwoods of ivy

You wiped your penknife on your shoe – Low so low and so lonely
The more you wiped, the bloodier it grew – Down in the greenwoods of ivy

You buried us under the marble stone – Low so low and so lonely
You turned and went a maiden home – Down in the greenwoods of ivy

Oh babes oh babes come tell me true – Low so low and so lonely
What death must I die for you – Down in the greenwoods of ivy

For seven years you shall ring the bell – Low so low and so lonely
For seven years you'll wait in hell – Down in the greenwoods of ivy