The Rolling of The Stones
Ian - English Concertina
James - Cittern
A version of the ballad "The Two Brothers" (Child No.49),
with a tune learned via The Young Tradition, who sang a
three verse version. My words were obtained only relatively recently from Maine, U.S.A., via the Internet! I had heard
about and been looking for a full version of this song for
many years - thank the Lord for technology.
The Song
Will you go to the rolling of the stones
Or the dancing of the ball?
Or will you go and see pretty Susie
And dance among them all.
I will not go to the rolling of the stones
Or the tossing of the ball
But I will go and see pretty Susie
And dance among them all
Will you drink of the blood
The white wine & the red
Or will you go and see pretty Susie
When that I am dead.
They hadn't danced but a single dance
More than twice around
Before the sword at her true love's side
Gave him his fatal wound
They picked him up and carried him away
For he was sore distressed
They buried him all in the greenwoods
Where he was wont to rest
Pretty Susie she came a wandering by
With a tablet under her arm
Until she came to her true love's grave
And she began to charm
She charmed the fish out of the sea
And the birds out of their nests
She charmed her true love out of his grave
So he could no longer rest
Will you go to the rolling of the stones
Or the dancing of the ball?
Or will you go and see pretty Susie
And dance among them all
I will not go to the rolling of the stones
Or the tossing of the ball
But I will go and see pretty Susie
And dance among them all.