This edition was prepared by Anne Dubrofsky — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Henry Martin
Staff Notation • Secular, Folk songs
Preview
0
0
Subscribed as
Want Sunday picks sent to another address too?
Free weekly email
Your choir should not be left out in what's trending
Sunday mass selections, psalms, and trending songs in your area — straight to your inbox.
Henry Martin — Lyrics
There were three brothers in merry Scotland
In Scotland there lived brothers three
And they did cast lots which of them should go,
For to turn robber all on the salt sea.
The lot it fell upon Henry Martin,
The youngest of all the three,
That he should turn robber all on the salt sea, etc.,
For to maintain his two brothers and he.
He had not been sailing but a long winter's night,
Part of a short winter's day,
Before he espied a stout lofty ship, etc.,
Come ariding down on him straightway.
"Hello, hello" cried Henry Martin,
"What makes you sail so nigh?"
"I'm a rich merchant ship bound for fair London town, etc.,
Will you please for to let me pass by?"
Read full lyrics
About Henry Martin
Henry Martin is a traditional English folk song, here presented for solo medium voice. The narrative tells the story of the youngest of three brothers who draws the short straw to become a pirate on the salt sea, in order to provide for his siblings. The song recounts his encounter with a merchant ship and his bold declaration as he prepares to board it. The text captures the adventurous and slightly defiant spirit often found in folk ballads, painting a vivid scene of maritime life and the choices individuals made in the face of hardship.
