John Peekstok

Lyrics

Jack Tanner went to New York town
His merchants for to call
Nancy Tanner to the church came down
To see her neighbors all, them all
To see her neighbors all.

Her hair was like a raven’s wing
Her feet so tiny and small
And when she sat down young Matthew Green
Was between her and the wall, the wall
Between her and the wall.

Will you come with me, young Matthew Green
To my bed and bower?
And I will lie your arms between
Within this very hour, this hour
Within this very hour.

She asked him once, young Matthew Green
Bent his head to pray
She asked him twice, young Matthew Green
Said it’s time we were away, away
Oh it’s time we were away.

Oh sorry was the cold north wind
Sorry the rocks below
And sorry was the horse gone lame
That brought Jack Tanner home, early home
That brought Jack Tanner home.

How lovely shines the morning sun
In Nancy Tanner’s eyes
And lovely on her snowy white breast
That never more will rise, will rise
That never more will rise.

Jack Tanner’s hat lies on the floor
His gun lies in the hall
And Matthew Green lies still between
Nancy Tanner and the wall, the wall
Between her and the wall.