The Three Ravens is one of the oldest folk songs in the AO rotation (oldest in age, not just something we have recommended since the beginning, though that is also true—it was one of the first we ever scheduled). It may seem like a bit of a dark choice to start the school year; and its minor-key tune can be a challenge. On the positive side, even young children can quickly join in with the chorus. We hope that you will give it a try.
As this one does truly qualify as a “folk song”(it is one of the Child Ballads), there are, naturally, variations in the lyrics. There is also a Scottish version, “The Twa Corbies,” which is more gruesome than the English one. (For those with other languages in their backgrounds, you may want to check out the list of translations given on the Wikipedia page.)
We recommend the following set of traditional lyrics. Some
notes: The word “lake” is often pronounced “lak.” In the last verse, the
unfamiliar word “leman” (sweetheart, lover) can be changed to “loved one” (as
in Peter, Paul and Mary’s version, and also the Mary Hopkins video linked below). In the hours
of the church, “Prime” means prayers said in the early morning, and “Evensong” is
the evening service.
“A fallow doe” could be taken as simply what it sounds like,
a female deer about to have a fawn; and, considering the other animals already
in the song, that may be enough for many young listeners. (I remember singing this with our young
children many years ago, and the question of the doe’s identity never came up--A.W.)
However, this seems to be meant as a euphemism for a pregnant woman, probably
the knight’s sweetheart, who would (admittedly) be more able to bury him than a
doe.
Lyrics
There were three ravens sat on a tree,
Down a down hey down hey down. [or “Down a down hey down a down”]
They were as black as they might be,
With a down.
Then one of them said to his mate:
"Where shall we our breakfast take?" [or “What shall we for our
breakfast take?”]
With a down derry derry derry down down.
Down in yonder greenfield,
Down a down hey down hey down.
There lies a knight slain under his shield;
With a down.
His hounds they lie down at his feet,
So well they their master keep.
With a down derry derry derry down down.
His hawks they fly so eagerly,
Down a down hey down hey down.
There is no fowl dare him come nigh
With a down.
But down there comes a fallow doe,
As great with young as she might go.
With a down derry derry derry down down.
She lifted up his bloody head,
Down a down hey down hey down.
And kissed his wounds that were so red.
With a down.
She got him up upon her back
And carried him to an earthen lake.
With a down derry derry derry down down.
She buried him before the Prime,
Down a down hey down hey down.
She was dead herself ere Evensong time.
With a down.
Now God send every gentleman
Such hounds, such hawks and such a leman.
With a down derry derry derry down down.
Video Links
There Were Three Ravens, from the CD “Watkins Ale: Music of
the English Renaissance,” by the Baltimore Consort. Slow, lightly accompanied,
and easy to follow. Note, however, that this version has many verses and is
over seven minutes long.
The Three Ravens, sung by Libby Thomas with guitar
accompaniment.
The Three Ravens, sung by Mary Hopkins, taken from her T.V. series “In the Land of Books.” This video contains slides of ravens, dead knights and so on; use with discretion.
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