Blood of Thy Brother

from Liminal Paths by JoAnna Farrer

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about

Versions of this song have been sung in England, Ireland, Scotland, America, and Scandinavia for at least 130 years, and the earliest English-language version in print dates to 1891. (The song is sometimes titled "Edward" or "What is that blood on thy shirtsleeve?")
Ever since I first heard this ballad I've loved the strange sadness of the story, so I recomposed the melody for my own version of the song. (Many thanks to the Yorkshire Garland Group for their work in preserving Yorkshire traditional folk music and lyrics.)

The tune performed in the middle and at the end of the song is a traditional Yorkshire country dance titled "Prince of Wales' Delight," which was first published in 1788.

lyrics

Blood of Thy Brother
Yorkshire traditional (adapted by JoAnna Farrer)

What is that blood on thy shirt-sleeve?
My son come tell it unto me
It is the blood of my dear brother who
I killed under yonder tree
I killed under yonder tree.

What did thou kill thy dear brother for?
My son come tell it unto me
Because he shot three pretty fair birds
that flew from tree to tree
that flew from tree to tree.

What will thou do when thy father’s home?
My son come tell it unto me
I’ll plant my foot on board a ship
and sail across the sea
and sail across the sea.

What will thou do with thy dearest wife?
My son come tell it unto me
She will plant her foot on board a ship
and sail along with me
and sail along with me.

When shall I see thy good face again?
My son come tell it unto me
When the Apple blooms on the Cherry tree
and that will never be
and that will never be.

credits

from Liminal Paths, released November 5, 2021
JoAnna Farrer, violin and vocals
Natalie Haas, cello
Yann Falquet, guitar
Erika Lieberman, harp
Shannon Heaton, flute and harmony vocals

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about

JoAnna Farrer Vermont

JoAnna’s eclectic musical style encompasses traditional Scottish and Irish music, as well as the Classical music she has performed professionally since age 7. JoAnna’s debut album, 'Liminal Paths' (Nov 2021) features cellist Natalie Haas and guitarist Yann Falquet.

A Juilliard graduate and current member of the NJ Symphony Orchestra, JoAnna has performed and recorded around the world. ... more

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