Digital Tradition Mirror

Shepherd's Song

(This score available as ABC, SongWright, PostScript, PNG, or PMW, or a MIDI file)
Pennywhistle notation and Dulcimer tab for this song is also available

Shepherd's Song

We shepherds are the best of men that e'er trod English ground
When we come to an alehouse we value not a crown
We spend our money freely; we pays before we go
There's no ale on the wold when the stormy winds do blow.

   We spend our money freely; we pays before we go
   There's no ale on the wold when the stormy winds do blow

A man that is a shepherd does need a valiant heart
He must not be faint-hearted but boldly do his part
He must not be faint-hearted be it rain or frost or snow
With no ale on the wolds where the stormy winds do blow

When I kept sheep on Blockley hill it made my heart to beat
To see the ewes hang out their tongues and hear the lambs to bleat
Then I plucked up my courage and o'er the hills did go
And pend them in, in the fold while the stormy winds did blow

As soon as I had folded them I turned me back in hasted
Unto a jovial company, good liquor for to taste
For drink and jovial company, they are my heart's delight
Whilst my sheep lie asleep all the fore-part of the night.

JN
oct96

Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!