"...breathtakingly beautiful... ambitious, expansive, evocative..."
The Stage
Lyrics
Prologue
BETTY
My name’s Betty Carson. Ballad singin’s in my blood. I come from a long line of singers, whose songs have been runnin down my family for generations.
STRONG ARE THE ROOTS AND THE BRANCH OF THE TREE.
FIERCE IS THE FLOWER THAT BLOOMS.
HIDDEN AWAY IS THE ONE SILVER KEY,
LEADIN’ TO UNOPENED ROOMS.
O, WOMEN OF EARTH, WIND AND FLAME,
BORN UNDER CHANGIN’ SKIES.
O, COMMON IN BLOOD AND IN NAME,
WITH STORIES AND SONGS IN THEIR EYES.
My ancestors came outta Scotland, through Ireland, carryin home in their hearts. They crossed that wild Atlantic, stepped off their boats and made their way here, into the Appalachian mountains.
​
ANCESTORS
DARK IS THE INK ON THE PAGES OF WHITE,
DARK AS THE SKY AT THE TIME.
DEEP IS THE GRAVE WHERE THE ANCESTORS LIE,
DEEP AS THE WELL IN YOUR MIND.
O, WOMEN OF WATER AND AIR,
BORN UNDER CHANGIN’ SKIES.
O, IN SONG AND IN STORY THEY SHARE,
BETTY
THE FUTURE AND PAST IN THEIR EYES.
​
The songs, tunes and stories them Scots-Irish brought with ‘em have been kept alive here in these hills, passed down through the years, one person to the next.
​
ANCESTORS
DOWN THE LINE THE BLOOD RUNS RED,
BETTY
FEAR THE THORN, THE BIRD AND THE BERRY.
ANCESTORS DOWN THE LINE THE BLOOD RUNS RED,
OH!
BETTY
DOWN THE LINE THE BLOOD RUNS HOT.
ANCESTORS FUEL THE FIRE, A HEART IS A VESSEL.
BETTY DOWN THE LINE THE BLOOD RUNS HOT,
ANCESTORS
OH!
O, TO WEATHER THE STORMS EVERY DAY
WHEN YOU KNOW THEY’LL RETURN AGAIN...
O, TO GO WHEN YOUR GOD SAYS TO STAY...
​
O, WOMEN OF EARTH, WIND AND FLAME,
BORN UNDER CHANGIN’ SKIES.
O, COMMON IN BLOOD AND IN NAME,
BETTY
WITH STORIES AND SONGS IN THEIR EYES.
​
STRONG ARE THE ROOTS AND THE BRANCH OF THE TREE.
FIERCE IS THE FLOWER THAT BLOOMS.
HIDDEN AWAY IS THE ONE SILVER KEY,
LEADIN’ TO UNOPENED ROOMS.
​
​
Secondhand Shame
SARAH
CAN’T I HAVE ONE DAY?
WITHOUT YOU BREATHIN’ IN MY EAR,
WITHOUT YOUR VOICE INSIDE MY HEAD
WITH WORDS OF CAUTION, GUILT & FEAR.
JUST ONE DAY,
WITHOUT FEELIN’ LIKE YOU'RE ON MY BACK.
EVERY TIME MY HEART SOARS
YOU’RE RIGHT THERE WITH A HEART ATTACK.
IS THIS ALL YOU LEFT ME?
A BODY FULL OF SECOND-HAND SHAME
AND A BOX WITH MY NAME ON IT.
COULDN’T YOU HAVE LEFT ME
TO MY OWN DEVICES?
I’VE MOVED ON.
THIS IS THE HAPPIEST DAY
OF ALL THE DAYS I CAN REMEMBER.
AND YOU’VE BEEN GONE
UNDER THE SOIL
A YEAR COME SEPTEMBER.
SO WHY DO I STILL FEEL THE BURN
OF YOUR SHARP TONGUE AT EVERY TURN?
I’M THIRTY FOUR NOW, YOU DON’T GET A SAY.
CAN’T I JUST HAVE BOTH FEET IN THE FUTURE,
JUST FOR ONE DAY?
WHY CARRY DEAD WEIGHT?
FEDEXED FROM A BROTHER,
DRAGGED FROM ONE HOME TO ANOTHER.
IT’S JUST DEAD WEIGHT
BUT IT’S HEAVY ON MY BONES
AND NOW IT’S HANGIN’ IN MY HOME.
IS THIS WHAT YOU WANTED?
FOR ME TO BE FOREVER SECOND-GUESSIN’
ALWAYS DOUBTIN’ EVERY BLESSIN’
ALWAYS FEELIN’ LIKE I’M HUNTED
BY A LIFE I LEFT BEHIND.
I’VE MOVED ON.
THIS IS THE HAPPIEST HOME
OF ALL THE HOMES I CAN REMEMBER.
I’M LONG GONE,
LEFT AS SOON AS I COULD,
FOURTEEN YEARS COME NOVEMBER.
SO DON’T YOU THINK IT’S WAY PAST TIME
I MADE MY OWN BED?
WAY PAST TIME I BECAME
THE VOICE IN MY OWN HEAD?
AND YOU CAN’T SAY I’M RUNNIN’ AWAY FROM MYSELF,
CAUSE I WAS NEVER MYSELF IN THE FIRST PLACE.
IT’S JUST ONE BOX.
PROBABLY SOMETHIN’ SENTIMENTAL.
IT’S A COBWEB IN A CORNER.
THE DEAD CANNOT BE REBORN.
HER LEGACY — ONE BOX!
SO JUST PERFORM THE EXORCISM,
MAKIN SARAH GUILTY,
THAT WAS ALWAYS BETTY’S SPECIALISM.
CLEAR THE PAST AWAY,
THEN THE FUTURE CAN BEGIN TODAY.
TODAY. TODAY.​​
The Four Marys
CAIT
LAST NICHT THERE WAS FOUR MARYS,
BUT NOO THERE'S ONLY THREE.
THERE WIS MARY SEATON AND MARY BEATON,
MARY CARMICHAEL AND ME.
FOR OFTEN I HAE DRESSED MA QUEEN
AND PUT GOWD IN HER HAIR,
BUT AW I'VE GOT FOR MA REWARD
THE GALLOWS TAE BE MA SHARE
Unexpected Visitor
CAIT
OH, HAPPY, HAPPY IS THE MAID
WHO’S BORN OF BEAUTY FREE.
FOR IT IS MA ROSY DIMPLED CHEEKS
THAT’S BEEN THE DEVIL TO ME.​
BETTY
Cait sang this ballad to console herself, as she held on tight to a secret.​
CAIT
HERE IN MA BODY,
I FEEL IN MA BODY,
AN UNWELCOME CHANGE,
AN UNWELCOME VISITOR.
FEAR IN MA BODY.
I DINNA WANT IT HERE IN MA BODY,
THIS UNWELCOME CHANGE,
THIS UNWELCOME VISITOR.
HOW DO YE CAST AWAY
WHAT IS A GIFT FAE GOD?
WITH EVERY NEW MOON YE PRAY
TAE THE HEAVENS “NO”.
OH, BUT THE WALLS HAE EYES.
OH, AN THE WALLS HAE EARS.
SO WHERE ARE YER DARKEST FEARS
TAE GO?
OH, NO PLACE I CAN TURN,
TAK THIS FROM ME.
OH, FIRES IN ME BURN,
AN I CANNA SLEEP AT NIGHT.​
​
AND AS MARY RODE INTO EDINBURGH TOWN,
THE CITY FOR TO SEE,
THE BAILIFF'S WIFE AN THE PROVOST'S WIFE
SAID, "ACH, AN ALAS FOR THEE."
"YE NEED NOT WEEP FOR ME," SHE CRIED
"YE NEED NOT WEEP FOR ME;
FOR HAD I NOT SLAIN MA AIN WEE BABE
THIS DEATH I WOULD NOT DEE."​
BETTY
Where Cait learned this song ‘The Four Marys’ I couldn’t tell ya. But what I do know is that three generations later, that same song had travelled to the Irish province of Ulster. And it was there that Cait’s great granddaughter Jean sang it to a passin sailor boy.
JEAN
LAST NICHT THERE WERE FOUR MARYS,
THIS NICHT THERE’LL BE BUT THREE.
THERE WIS MARY SEATON AND MARY BEATON,
MARY CARMICHAEL AND ME.
SHONA
Canna believe ye sung him The Four Marys. It’s no exactly love sang o the year Jean.
JEAN
He liked the sang.
SHONA
Goin wi a man who’s in and oot like the tide. If yer no careful ye’ll wind up wi a bairn in yer belly and naeb’dy on land to pay for it. And whit then, eh?
Jean?
JEAN
HERE IN MA BODY,
I FEEL IN MA BODY,
AN UNEXPECTED CHANGE,
AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR.
SHONA
Jean, don’t kid me on.
JEAN
HERE IN MA BODY.
LIK THE WATTER, CLEAR IN MA BODY,
THIS UNEXPECTED CHANGE
THIS UNEXPECTED VISITOR.
SHONA
So when’s he back?
JEAN
He’s no comin back. It was a guid night aye, but he’s no fit tae be a faither.
SHONA
We have tae tell ma.
JEAN
No.
SHONA
She’ll talk to Murray’s maw, he’s aye fancied ye.
JEAN
I’m no marryin Murray McQueelan.
SHONA
Then she’ll haund it oer tae somebody who can keep it.
JEAN
HOW COULD I CAST AWAY
A GIFT O THE GREATEST KIND?
SENT WI A SANG ON THE TIDE,
IT’S MEANT TAE BE.
UNDER DIVIDED SKIES
WHERE HUNGER AND HATRED THRIVES,
SOMETHIN PURE IS GROWIN
IN ME.
OH, IN THIS WORLD O RAGE,
I NEED ONE THING TO CLING TO.
OH, ONE THING I CAN CHANGE,
ONE THING TO GIVE ME HOPE AT NIGHT.
SHONA
Ma an Da willna keep it in the hoose.
JEAN
Then I’ll leave.
SHONA
An stay in a haystack? Nae work, nae sheep, nae silver. And naebody'll take ye in
wi’oot a man, Jean. The hale toon’ll shun ye. Shame on the hale femly.
JEAN
See if I care!
SHONA
Ye’re on yer ain then.
JEAN
HULLO.
HULLO THERE.
HULLO.
HULLO YE WEE RASCAL.
CAIT
HERE IN MA BODY,
JEAN
HERE IN MA BODY,
CAIT
UNDER MA SKIN
JEAN
I FEEL YOU.
CAIT
I FEEL IN MA BODY.
JEAN
HELLO.
CAIT
AN UNWELCOME CHANGE.
JEAN
WHO ARE YOU?
CAIT
AN UNWELCOME VISITOR.
JEAN
I’LL BE HERE TO WELCOME YOU WI OPEN ARMS.
CAIT
FEAR IN MA BODY.
JEAN
HERE IN MA BODY,
C & J
IT IS HERE SO
CLEAR IN MA BODY.
CAIT
THIS UNWELCOME CHANGE.
JEAN
SOFT AN SWEET AN STRANGE
CAIT
THIS UNWELCOME
C & J
VISITOR.
C & J
OH
CAIT
NO PLACE I CAN TURN,
JEAN
THE OCEAN, SHE SENT YOU TO ME.
C & J
OH
CAIT
FIRES IN ME BURN,
JEAN
OCEAN CAN YOU
C & J
HEAR ME.
JEAN
OH, LET US BOTH BE FREE.
NO ONE WILL
C & J
TAK THIS GOD-SEND
C & J
OH
CAIT
KILL THIS FLAME IN ME,
C & J
OR I WILL NEVER SLEEP AT NIGHT.
BETTY
Two young women. Over a hundred years apart, in different countries but linked by bloodline. And linked by the words of this old ballad ‘The Four Marys’.
C & J
OH HAPPY HAPPY IS THE LASS
WHO’S BORN OF BEAUTY FREE.
OH, IT IS MA ROSY DIMPLED CHEEKS
THAT’S BEEN THE RUIN OF ME.
Words Are Not Enough
Handsome Molly
(with special guest KIM CARNIE as JEAN)
JEAN
I WISH I WAS IN LONDON
OR SOME OTHER SEAPORT TOWN,
ONE FOOT ON A SAILBOAT,
I’D SAIL THE OCEAN ROUND.
SAIL AROUND THE OCEAN,
I'D SAIL AROUND THE SEA,
THINK OF HANDSOME MOLLY
WHEREVER SHE MAY BE.
BETTY
My Granny Ivy used to say she had three hundred songs stored up there in her head. She’d say “Betty, when you sing that old Handsome Molly you’re singin’ with the voices of all them folks who sang before ya”. Kinda somethin’, aint it?
ANCESTORS
HAIR AS DARK AS RAVEN’S.
HER EYES AS BLACK AS COAL.
CHEEKS SHONE LIKE THE LILIES
OUT IN THE MORNIN’ GROVE.
IN THE MORNIN’ GROVE,
OUT IN THE MORNIN’ GROVE.
CHEEKS SHONE LIKE THE LILIES
OUT IN THE MORNIN’ GROVE.
ALL
RODE TO CHURCH LAST SUNDAY.
AS MOLLY PASSED ME BY
I KNEW HER MIND WAS CHANGIN’
BY THE ROVIN' OF HER EYE.
ROVIN’ OF HER EYE,
THE ROVIN’ OF HER EYE.
KNEW HER MIND WAS CHANGIN’
BY THE ROVIN’ OF HER EYE.
​
​
​
Back In The Box
SARAH
GO.
BACK INTO YOUR BOX.
STAY THERE WITH YOUR
DISAPPROVE,
TONGUE-AND-GROOVE,
PIERCIN’ STARE...
ROCKIN’ CHAIR,
GO.
BACK INTO YOUR GRAVE.
DOWN THERE IN THE
DISTANT SOUTH,
WHISKY MOUTH,
OPEN DOOR,
HARDWOOD FLOOR...
NO.
THIS IS THE ROAD I CHOSE,
THIS IS THE WAY MY WEATHER BLOWS.
CLOSE MY EYES AND SEE
THE PERSON I DECIDE TO BE.
THIS IS THE HONEST ME,
FEATHER-LIGHT AND FLYIN’ FREE.
MOVE ON AND DON’T LOOK BACK,
PAPER OVER EVERY CRACK.
JEAN
Told ye I’d find a way oot.
SHONA
Ye’re hae’in a laugh.
JEAN
Reverend MacGregor's got four ships. Says no king in London will tell him how to pray, so he’s leavin for America, and takin his congregation with him.
SHONA
But you’re no in MacGregor’s congregation.
JEAN
No yet, I’m no.
ANCESTORS
WISH I WAS IN LONDON
OR SOME OTHER SEAPORT TOWN,
ONE FOOT ON A SAILBOAT
I’D SAIL THE OCEAN —
SARAH
NO.
TODAY I MAKE A HOME
A HOME WITHOUT A
HELL BENEATH
GRITTED TEETH,
HOLY BOOKS,
JUDGING LOOKS...
NO.
I AM IN THE NOW.
I AM IN THE
HAPPY PLACE
OPEN SPACE,
INNER SMILE
FENG SHUI STYLE.
ANCESTORS
THIS IS THE TRUTH YOU FACE,
THIS IS A LINE YOU CAN’T ERASE.
SARAH
GET BACK WHERE YOU BELONG
AND DON’T ASK ME TO SING YOUR SONG.
ANCESTORS
THIS IS THE BLOOD YOU BLEED,
YOU ARE THE FRUIT BORN OF THE SEED.
​
YOURS IS A THORNY TREE
AND NO FRUIT EVER GREW FOR ME.
BETTY
As Cait's belly started to swell, she wrote in her journal —
CAIT
There’s no mistakin it noo. Dizzy spells, backache, an ma mood’s like four
seasons each day. I’ve telt Jamie I’m no weel. I’m wrapped up aw day and he’s none the wiser.
SARAH
NO.
GET YOU OUT THE DOOR.
CAUSE I DON’T NEED A PORTAL TO
ANOTHER TIME,
I’M FINE WITH MINE,
I’M DOIN’ FINE.
GIRL,
YOU DO NOT NEED TO SING
THE STALE AND SOUR TUNE
OF SOME OLD SONG YOU KNEW,
WITH WORDS THAT DON’T BELONG TO YOU.
THEY NEVER DID.
THEY NEVER WILL.
THEY NEVER DID.
THEY NEVER WILL.
WHAT HARM CAN IT DO JUST TO HEAR
A BEDTIME TALE OR TWO,
JUST TO LEND AN EAR,
TO PEER AT THE PAGE OF THE PAST.
WHAT HARM CAN IT DO TO ME NOW?
I AM FAR AWAY.
IT'S NOT AS IF THE WIND WILL CHANGE
AND LEAVE ME STUCK THERE.
CAIT
MAMMY TELT ME, CAIT MA DEAR
“THERE’S AYE A SANG FOR EVERY FEAR”
BUT MAMMY I CAN HARDLY HEAR
MA VOICE ANEATH THE THUNDER IN MA HEAD.
A BODY FEEDS AFF MINE,
GROWIN IN ME LIKE A VINE,
SPIRALLIN AROON MA SPINE,
STEALIN AW THE SAFTNESS FAE MA BED.
SHONA
Jean, we both ken you only go to kirk for the singin, and noo ye want tae join a holy voyage across the sea? Whit aboot yer femly? I canna dig the fields on ma ain.
JEAN
Then come wi me.
SHONA
You are some article.
JEAN
The rents are triplin, the land’s dryin up. Soon there’ll be nae fields to dig. So stay and starve if ye want tae, but I’m takin ma bairn where it can hae the future it deserves.
SHONA
NAW!
YER THINKIN OF YERSELF.
JEAN
I’M NO!
SHONA
CAUSE IF YE REALLY CARED ABOOT
THE BAIRN THE WAY YE SAY YE DAE
YE’D FIND A GROOM TO WED.
BUT NAW.
SHE JUST THINKS OF HERSELF.
​
SHONA
SHE’LL LET HER SISTER TAK THE BLAME,
BRAK THE CHAIN,
LEAVE US AT HAME
TO CLEAN UP AW THE MESS.
JEAN
THIS IS THE CHOICE I MAK
THIS IS THE ROAD I CHOOSE TO TAK.
SHONA
IT IS A ROCKY ROAD.
AND YOU’RE TOO YOUNG TO LUG THAT LOAD.
ALL BRAZEN THE BLOOD YOU BLEED.
FERAL THE FRUIT BORN OF THE SEED.
C, J & SA
I KNOW WHERE I BELONG
SO DON'T ASK ME TO SING YOUR SONG.
​
HEAVY THE WEIGHT YOU BEAR
ROUGH IS THE CLOTH YOU CHOOSE TO WEAR
JEAN
LEAVE ME THE HELL ALANE
WE'VE ENOUGH TO MAK A HAME
WITHOOT YER SCREECHIN
AND YER SHAME
SHONA
Fine. Go then. But when ye’re halfway roon the world wi a stone-cold bairn in yer arms and naeb’dy to help ye up, dinna come cryin to me.​
C, J & SA
THE WEATHER MOVES THROUGH ME NOW.
THE WATER RISIN’ IN ME NOW.
THE WIND IT BLOWS THROUGH ME NOW.
THE WIND IT HOWLS!
CAIT
NEAR EVERY NIGHT THIS WEEK,
THE SAME VIVID DREAM.
I’M STOOD HERE STARIN.
BOUNCIN AFF EVERY WA',
A HERT-STOPPIN SCREAM.
I’M JUST STOOD STARIN.
IT’S FELL AN HURT ITSELF,
LYIN HELPLESS.
IT’S FELL AN HURT ITSELF,
I JUST TURN AWA.
I DINNA FEEL SORRY,
I DINNA FEEL SYMPATHY,
I DINNA FEEL ONYTHIN.
Ye think I’m wicked.
JAMIE
It’s just bad dreams. Too mony o thae sinister sangs.
CAIT
I dinna feel like a mither, Jamie.
JAMIE
I doubt ony wumman does until —
CAIT
I mean I dinna think I’m meant to be a mither —
JAMIE
Stop. Ye’ll be perfect. And we’ve got God on oor side.
YOURS ARE THE EYES I SEE
WHEN MA AIN EYELIDS CLOSE,
CAIT
I HEAR IT
C & J
AS I HIT THE PILLOW.
JAMIE
YOURS IS THE FACE I WANT
CAIT
MY SKIN CRAWLS.
JAMIE
TO FACE DAY AFTER DAY,
CAIT
DAY AFTER DAY.
JAMIE
AS WE STRIP THE WILLOW.
CAIT, I’M RIGHT HERE WITH YOU.
I'M READY TO CONQUER THIS FEAR WITH YOU.
CAIT
IT’S AYE BEEN YOU, BUT THIS —
JAMIE
IS JUST A BAD DREAM.
CAIT
IT FEELS REAL IN ME.
JAMIE
JUST KEEP YER HEID.
CAIT
I’M TRYIN TO.
JAMIE
AND BREATHE —
CAIT
I —
JAMIE
CAIT —
CAIT
CANNA, I —
JAMIE
TRY —
CAIT
WORDS ARE NOT ENOUGH.
WORDS ARE NOT ENOUGH.
WORDS ARE NOT ENOUGH.
WORDS ARE NOT ENOUGH.
WORDS ARE NOT ENOUGH.
WORDS ARE NOT ENOUGH.
WORDS ARE NOT ENOUGH.
WORDS ARE NOT ENOUGH.
JAMIE
AW THAT I HAE TO GIE
I HAE GIED IT TO YOU.
CAIT
EVERY DAY.
JAMIE
HAS IT NO BEEN ENOUGH FOR YE?
CAIT
THE FUTURE I WANT TO SEE,
IT IS HERE, IT IS TRUE.
JAMIE
SO YOU SAY
BUT IT SEEMS MA LOVE FOR YE
JUST LEAVES YE COLD INSIDE.
CAIT
NO, YOU’RE MA FLAME, JAMIE.
JAMIE
THIS TERROR YE HOLD INSIDE,
AM I TO BLAME?
CAIT
JAMIE, LISTEN.
JAMIE
YER WORDS ARE LIKE PUZZLES TO ME
AND I SEE YE RECOIL AS I REACH OUT TO TOUCH YE.
C & J
WORDS ARE NOT ENOUGH.
WORDS ARE NOT ENOUGH.
WORDS ARE NOT ENOUGH.
WORDS ARE NOT ENOUGH.
WORDS ARE NOT ENOUGH.
WORDS ARE NOT ENOUGH.
WORDS ARE NOT ENOUGH.
WORDS ARE NOT ENOUGH.
CAIT
HOW DAE YE TELL A MAN
WI THE GOLD LIGHT O GOD ON HIS SHOUDERS
YOU’RE HOLDIN A BIT O HIS GOLD INSIDE YE,
A BIT THAT YE LONG TO RIP OOT.
CAN YE AYE LOVE THAT MAN
WHEN WHIT GROWS FAE HIS LOVE MAKS YE
SHUDDER AN SCUNNER AN SCARED.
I WANT A LIFE WI YOU,
JUST NO THE LIFE YE'VE SET YER HERT ON.
ANCESTORS
OH, WOMEN OF EARTH, WIND AND FLAME,
BORN UNDER CHANGIN’ SKIES.
OH, COMMON IN BLOOD AND IN NAME,
THE FUTURE AND PAST IN THEIR EYES.
The Water Deep (Part 2)
JEAN
Where’s yer wife, Thomas? It’s been five weeks. Ye’ve no been honest wi me, have ye?
THOMAS
I GAVE HER SAGE AND CAMOMILE,
EVEN HER EYES WOULD SMILE.
BATHED HER IN ROSE AND LAVENDER,
I CUT IT FRESH FOR HER.
SKIN IN THE MOONLIGHT, MILK WHITE,
SHE DIDN’T LAST THE NIGHT.
BLOOD ON THE BLANKET, HAW-RED,
SHE NEVER LEFT THE BED.
DOWN IN THE WATER DEEP,
THAT’S WHERE THE FUTURE LIES,
DOWN IN THE WATER DEEP.
A baby girl born with her eyes shut. And my Fiona gone too.
JEAN
Thomas, I’m sae sorry.
THOMAS
Ye could stay Jean. If ye wanted.
JEAN
Stay?
THOMAS
And marry me.
JEAN
I'm takin that crossing, I have tae.
THOMAS
Here, your papers signed and your fare for the boat with a little extra just in case. If you choose to leave then I won't stop ye. All I ask is that you think about what is truly best for yourself and that child.
SA & BE
DOWN IN THE OPEN BOX.
CAIT
DOWN AT THE WITCH’S DOOR.
JE & THOM
DOWN AT THE WATER’S EDGE
ALIX
DOWN ON THE OCEAN FLOOR.
J, BE & SA
THAT’S WHERE THE RIVER BENDS
THOM & AL
THAT’S WHERE THE DANGER LIES.
J, BE & SA
THAT’S WHERE THE OLD WORLD ENDS,
CAIT
THAT’S WHERE THE SUN WILL RISE.
THOM & AL
DOWN TO THE WATER’S EDGE,
SA & BE
THAT’S WHERE THE RIVER WINDS.
JEAN
UP WITH THE OPEN SAIL,
CA, BE & SA
THAT’S WHERE THE WORLD ALIGNS.
ALL IN THE WATER,
DEEP IN THE WATER,
THAT’S WHERE THE RIVER FINDS ITS’ HOME.
HOME. HOME. HOME.
​
​
Queen Among The Heather
BETH MALCOLM
As I roved oot one summer’s morn
Amang lofty hills, moorland an mountain,
It wis there I spied a lovely lass,
While I wi others was oot a-huntin.
SIOBHAN MILLER
Nae shoes nor stockins did she wear;
Neither had she hat nor had she feathers,
But her golden locks, aye, in ringlets rare
in the gentle breeze played roon her shoulders.
KIM CARNIE
So, I said, “braw lassie, why roam ye ‘lane?
Why roam ye ‘lane amang the heather?”
for she said, “My faither's awa fae hame
And I'm herdin aw his yowes thigither.”
​
BETH MALCOLM
so I said , “fair lassie (fair lassie), if you'll be mine (you’ll be mine)
and care to lie (care to lie) on a bed o’ feathers, (feathers)
in silks and satin (satin) it’s you will shine, (shine, shine)
and you’ll be my Queen among the heather.”
She will be my Queen among the heather.
The Water Deep (Part 1)
ANCESTORS
DOWN AT THE WATER’S EDGE,
THAT’S WHERE THE FUTURE LIES.
DOWN WHERE THE OLD WORLD ENDS,
THAT’S WHERE THE SUN WILL RISE.
DOWN IN THE WATER DEEP,
THAT’S WHERE THE RIVER FINDS ITS’ HOME.
​
THERE IN THE OPEN BOX,
THAT’S WHERE THE QUESTIONS CALL.
THERE ON THE WEATHERED PAGE,
THAT’S WHERE THE ANSWERS FALL.
DOWN IN THE WATER DEEP,
THAT’S WHERE THE RIVER FINDS ITS’ HOME.
BETTY
In Scotland, with that baby growin’ steady inside her, Cait kept lettin’ on like she was poorly, shyin’ away from the outside world and Jamie’s touch at all costs.
JAMIE
They’re aw askin eftir ye Cait. It wis a guid service, though we had some ugsome business to attend. It’s near lik somethin oot o yin o yer ballads. A local wumman. Murderin bairns, in their mither’s wombs.
CAIT
A local wumman?
JAMIE
The devil’s work.
CAIT
Who?
SHADOWS
DOWN AT THE DEVIL’S DOOR,
THAT’S WHERE THE FIRES BURN.
DOWN AT THE WITCH’S HOUSE,
THAT’S WHERE THE TIDE WILL TURN.
DOWN IN THE WATER DEEP,
THAT’S WHERE THE RIVER FINDS ITS’ HOME.
MORNA
COME, ALL YE FAIR AND TENDER GIRLS
THAT FLOURISH IN YOUR PRIME,
BEWARE, BEWARE, KEEP YOUR GARDEN FAIR,
LET NO MAN STEAL YOUR THYME,​
MO & CA
LET NO MAN STEAL YOUR THYME.
CAIT
Someone else who likes the ballads. You must be Morna.
MORNA
You’re the minister’s wife.
CAIT
I’m no here on God’s business. I need yer help.
Av nowhere else to go. Please.
BETTY
Morna Stevenson lived in a humble cottage down a skinny lane, just off the high street. Her wisdom and talents made her a target, with church folks keepin’ a close eye, waitin’ for a reason to have her hauled up and hanged for witchcraft.
THOMAS
WHEAT, SPICE AND WINE, DRINK TWICE A DAY.
TO GIVE YE STRENGTH, KEEP ILLS AT BAY.
ALL COME ALL YE TENDER LASSIES
THAT FLOURISH IN YOUR PRIME.
MORNA
BLUE BERRY OF THE SAVIN TREE
ITS POISON SAVES AND SETS YE FREE.
ALL COME KEEP YOUR GARDEN FAIR
AND LET NO MAN STEAL YOUR THYME.
BETTY
The berries of the savin juniper tree contain chemicals known to induce
miscarriage. So for women carryin’ babies they never asked for, that tree came to be known as the saving tree.
MORNA
Your secret is safe with me. Though it’ll cost ye twenty shillin.
CAIT
I’ll be back within the week.
ANCESTORS
DOWN AT THE WITCH’S HOUSE,
THAT’S WHERE THE POISON GROWS
THAT’S WHERE THE FLOWERS BLOOM,
CHERRY, JUNIPER AND ROSE.
DOWN IN THE WATER DEEP
THAT’S WHERE THE RIVER FINDS ITS’ HOME.
​
*
BETTY
By day, Thomas taught Jean how to be a fine medical assistant, givin’ her the best care a pregnant woman could hope for back then. By night, she’d sing him a Scots ballad or two, and he’d answer with his favourite Irish songs. That lucky baby spent those weeks in the womb listenin’ to the sweetest music there ever was. But time started closin’ in as it always does, and Jean set her mind on the journey ahead.
​
ANCESTORS
WAKE TO THE SHRIEK OF DAY,
RUN TO THE FAIRY THORN.
HEART IN TIGHTENIN FIST,
HEAD LIKE A THUNDER STORM.
DOWN IN THE WATER DEEP
THAT’S WHERE THE RIVER FINDS ITS’ HOME.
WHERE DO THE VOICES LEAD?
WHERE DO THE FAULT LINES LIE?
WHERE DO THE ANSWERS HIDE?
WHERE DOES THE RAVEN FLY?
WHEN WILL THE WATER DEEP
WELCOME THE RUNNING RIVER HOME?
HOME.
​
Change Of Plan
Sarah
SO WHAT, IT WASN’T PART OF THE PLAN, SO WHAT?
AREN’T PLANS MADE FOR BREAKIN’?
SO WHAT, IT WASN’T PART OF THE MAP WE DREW, SO WHAT?
AREN’T MAPS EVER-CHANGIN’?
HOW WAS I EVER TO KNOW
ALL THIS WOULD SHOW
JUST BY HOLDIN’ MYSELF UP TO THE LIGHT?
SPACE TO BREATHE, SPACE TO THINK,
SPACE TO BE, AND SEE
FOR ME THIS JUST FEELS
SUDDENLY RIGHT.
SO WHAT, IT WASN’T PART OF THE PLAN. SO WHAT?
AREN’T PLANS MADE TO SHATTER?
SO WHAT, IT ISN'T PART OF THE WORLD I'VE BUILT, SO WHAT?
MAYBE THAT WORLD DOESN'T MATTER.
PEOPLE CHANGE, DAY TO DAY.
PEOPLE GO WHERE THEY ARE BLOWN
UNTIL THEY FIND THE RIGHT PLACE.
BODIES CHANGE ALL THE TIME,
MAYBE MINE HAS JUST DECIDED
THAT IT’S READY TO EMBRACE THE NEW.
AS I BREATHE A LITTLE DEEPER,
ALL THESE IMAGES GROW STRONGER IN MY MIND.
AS I FILL THEM ALL WITH COLOUR,
IT FEELS EASIER TO LEAVE THE REST BEHIND.
AS I LEAN A LITTLE CLOSER,
ALL MY DOUBTS AND QUESTIONS SOMEHOW TURN TO DUST.
AND I SEE A LITTLE CLEARER
AS THIS SURGE GROWS,
THIS URGE GROWS.
I CAN SEE THAT TINY FACE,
THOSE TINY HANDS AND ALL THE CRAZY
THINGS THEY CAN DO.
I CAN SEE YOU SO AMAZED,
YET AT THE SAME TIME SO UNFAZED
BY ALL THAT THIS LIFE WILL BRING TO YOU.
C, J & S
SOMEWHERE IN THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART,
SOMEWHERE THERE’S A FIRE BURNIN’.
SOMEWHERE IN THE CELLAR OF MY SOUL,
SOMEWHERE THERE’S A TIDE, IT’S TURNIN’.
SOMEWHERE IN THE ATTIC OF MY MIND,
SOMEONE LEFT A WINDOW AJAR,
FEEDING OXYGEN TO THE BURNIN’ FIRE IN MY HEART.
AS I BREATHE A LITTLE DEEPER,
I FEEL EVERY DAY I’M CLOSER TO THE LIGHT.
AS I LOOK A LITTLE HARDER,
I FEEL SOMETHIN’ IN ME PUTTING UP A FIGHT.
AS I GO A LITTLE FURTHER,
I GET JUST A LITTLE CLOSER TO THE TRUTH.
AND I SEE A LITTLE CLEARER
AS THIS SURGE GROWS,
THIS URGE GROWS IN ME.
S, A, C & J
SO WHAT, IT WASN’T PART OF THE PLAN, SO WHAT?
AREN’T PLANS MADE FOR BREAKIN’.
Red Red River
ALIX
PING! A LIGHT GOES OFF IN HER HEAD
AND THE WHOLE WORLD STOPS FOR SARAH.
A LITTLE WHISPER FROM THE DEAD
AND SHE IS OUTTA SIGHT.
RUSH! A BREEZE BLOWS IN THE DOOR.
THAT’S ALL IT TAKES FOR SARAH,
CAUSE HER FEET NEVER TOUCH THE FLOOR
SO SHE’S OFF LIKE A KITE.
INTO THE SKY, INTO THE MIST,
SHE IS FOLLOWIN SOME CALL.
SO I TRY, TRY TO FLY WITH HER,
BUT THEN I BEGIN TO FALL.
I CAN’T KEEP UP
WITH SARAH’S FLIGHT.
THERE’S A KNOT INSIDE MY CHEST,
MY BODY PUTTING UP A FIGHT.
YOU KNOW
WE HAD A MAP OF THE FUTURE,
YOU AND ME ON SOLID GROUND.
BUT OH NO,
NOW YOU’RE OFF ON A DETOUR
ON A ROAD I CAN’T GO DOWN.
A HOME FOR TWO, A BRAND NEW BED
THAT’S ALL THAT SARAH WANTED.
BUT NOW SHE’S SAT HERE BREAKIN BREAD
WITH LONG LOST FLESH AND BLOOD.
SHE DIGS UP HER FAMILY TREE
AND NOW LOOK, SARAH’S HAUNTED.
SHE HEARS A LONG LOST MELODY
AND NOW SHE’S ALL IN BUD.
SARAH
I WON’T LIE.
ALIX
I WON’T LIE.
SARAH & ALIX
WON’T DENY.
WON’T TURN AWAY FROM WHAT I FEEL.
SARAH
WANNA FLY.
ALIX
WANT TO FLY.
SARAH & ALIX
YOU AND I.
BOTH OF OUR HANDS AT THE WHEEL,
ALIX
A ONE-WAY RIDE
SARAH
A ONE-WAY RIDE
ALIX
TO SOMETHING REAL.
SARAH
TO SOMETHING REAL.
SARAH & ALIX
YOU KNOW
WE HAD AN EYE ON THE FUTURE.
YOU AND ME ON BRAND NEW GROUND.
BUT OH NO,
NOW YOU’RE TAKIN’ A DETOUR
ON A ROAD I CAN’T GO DOWN.
I GO
SINGIN’ A SONG WE BOTH KNOW,
SINGIN’ THE WORDS YOU SAID WERE TRUE.
BUT OH NO,
NOW YOU’RE TAKIN A SOLO,
SINGIN’ A SONG THAT’S JUST FOR YOU.
WE MADE THIS BED TOGETHER,
SOMEWHERE TO LIE FOREVER.
BUT NOW THIS RED, RED RIVER
HAS US STRANDED EITHER SIDE.
WE KNEW WHERE WE WERE GOIN’
BUT NOW THE CRACKS ARE SHOWIN’.
RIVER RISIN’ NOW.
NOWHERE LEFT TO HIDE.
SIOBHAN MILLER
O', LOVE IS TEASIN, O' LOVE IS PLEASIN
AND LOVE’S A TREASURE WHEN FIRST IT’S NEW.
BUT AS LOVE GROWS OLDER, IT STILL GROWS COLDER
AND FADES AWAY LIKE THE MORNIN DEW.
IF I HAD KNOWN THEN BEFORE I COURTED
THAT LOVE HAD BEEN SO HARD TO HOLD,
I’D HAVE WRAPPED MY HEART IN A CASE OF SILVER
AND BOUND IT FAST WITH A KEY OF GOLD.
COME ALL YOU FAIR MAIDS, NOW TAKE A WARNIN,
AND NEVER HEED WHAT YOUR LOVER SAY.
THEY’RE LIKE A STAR ON SOME FOGGY MORNIN
YOU THINK THEY’RE NEAR, BUT THEY ARE FAR AWAY.
Early Early In The Spring
BETTY
WAS EARLY, EARLY IN THE SPRING,
WENT OUT ON BOARD TO SERVE MY KING.
WITH MUSIC SWEETER THAN TRUMPET SOUND,
MY SHIP TO AMERICA, IT WERE BOUND.
​
As Jean and Shona stepped onto that ship, they clung tight to the songs and tunes that reminded them of home. But the Scots-Irish were not the first or last to arrive in Appalachia. For centuries, folks from all over had called this place home, each carryin’ their own kind of music. And when those folks crossed paths, their songs started mixin’ and shiftin’, givin’ rise to somethin’ new — old-time, bluegrass, country, Americana. Little did Jean and Shona know that the music onboard their ship was about to take on a life of its own.
ANCESTORS
SO EARLY, EARLY IN THE SPRING
I SHIPPED ON BOARD TO SERVE MY KING.
MY LOVE DID PROMISE WITH KISSES SWEET
THAT WE'D BE MARRIED NEXT TIME WE MEET.
AND ALL THE TIME I SAILED THE SEAS
I COULD NOT FIND ONE MOMENT'S EASE
FOR THINKIN’ OF HER, MY DEAREST DEAR
BUT NEVER A WORD OF HER DID I HEAR.
SHONA
Castlerock looks smaller fae here, eh Jean? And to think I wis gonna let ye go sailin aff into the sunset wi’oot me? I brought ye somethin. It wis in gran’s old dresser. A prayer journal, oor Great Grannys’s fae Scotland. I thought you should have it.
​JEAN
Oh, she likes it. Feel. She’s kicking.
Say hullo tae yer Auntie Shona.
​SHONA
Och, dinna, that maks me soond a hunner year old.
JEAN
When ye come ootta here ye wee rascal, ye’ll marry whoever ye please, ye hear? An if ye want tae marry naeb’dy at all then that’s fine too. She’ll hae freedoms like we never had. We’ll aw hae oor freedoms once we reach that shore. Hell wi that, we’re awready free. Free as the gulls!
ANCESTORS
OH, CURSE YOUR GOLD AND YOUR SILVER, TOO
AND CURSE THE GIRL THAT WON'T PROVE TRUE.
WHO ALL HER FORMER VOWS DID BREAK
AND WENT WITH ANOTHER FOR RICHES SAKE.
IF THE GIRL IS WED THAT I ADORE,
THEN ON DRY LAND I’LL STAY NO MORE.
I’LL SAIL THE OCEAN ’TIL THE DAY I DIE,
AND BREAK THROUGH WAVES ROLLIN’ MOUNTAIN HIGH.
HEY!​
I Wish My Baby Was Born
BETTY
I WISH, I WISH MY BABY WAS BORN,
AND SITTIN ON ITS’ PAPA'S KNEE.
AND ME, POOR GIRL, WERE DEAD AND GONE,
AND THE GREEN GRASS GROWIN O'ER MY FEET.
I AIN'T AHEAD NOR NEVER WILL BE,
TIL THE SWEET APPLE GROWS ON THE SOUR APPLE TREE.
BUT STILL I HOPE THE TIME WILL COME
WHEN YOU AND I SHALL BE AS ONE.
ANCESTORS
(hum) MM. MM.
CAIT
I WISH I WISH YOUR GRAVE BE DEEP
A BLOOD-RED ROSE LAID AT YOUR FEET,
AND ON YOUR CHEST A SNOW-WHITE DOVE,
SO ALL WILL KNOW YOU DIED FOR LOVE.
INSTRUMENTAL
BETTY
I GIVE MY HEART
C, J & S
AAH.
BETTY
TO THE WILLOW TREE,
C, J & S
AAH.
BETTY
I SINK MY SOUL
C, J & S
OH.
BETTY
DEEP IN THE RIVER,
C, J & S
OH.
BETTY
SO FROM THIS PAIN
C, J & S
AAH.
BETTY
I WILL BE FREE,
C, J & S
AAH.
BETTY
AS IN MY BED I LAY FOREVER.
Out Of The Dark
SARAH
THE WORLDS WE BUILD INSIDE OUR MINDS,
SO FULL OF HOPE, AND GRAND DESIGNS.
THEN JUST LIKE THAT, OUR WORLD UNWINDS
AND WE’RE ALONE.
OUT OF THE DARK, YOU HEAR A VOICE.
AS OTHERS JOIN, THEY LEAD YOU TO A CHOICE.
THEN ALL AT ONCE, THEY STOP THEIR NOISE
AND YOU’RE ALONE.
STRONG ARE THE ROOTS AND THE BRANCHES OF THE TREE.
THE VOICES CALLED, THEY CALLED TO ME.
BUT ONLY ONE VOICE CAN SET ME FREE,
AND IT IS MY OWN.
Sarah's Song
SARAH
I WAS NEVER GONNA FIND MYSELF
ON THE BLANK WHITE PAGE.
IT’S A PATCHWORK
OF LOOSE THREADS,
BEST LAID PLANS,
UNMADE BEDS.
I WAS NEVER GONNA LOSE MY WAY
IN THE MIDDLE LANE
DRIVIN’ UPSTATE,
BRAKE LIGHTS,
MISSED CALLS,
SLEEPLESS NIGHTS.
I WAS JUST TRYIN’ TO SPREAD MY WINGS,
FREE AS THE SONG THE BLUEBIRD SINGS.
THOUGHT I WAS FLYIN’ AWAY.
TURNS OUT I WAS ONLY CIRCLIN’
THAT LITTLE BROWN HOUSE YOU RAISED ME IN.
I COULD NEVER HAVE STAYED,
BUT IT’S A PIECE OF ME I WOULDN’T TRADE.
I HAVE NEVER HAD TO GIVE MYSELF
TO THE WRONG GODS,
FACIN’ HIGH SEAS
FAULT LINES,
FIRE SMOKE,
DANGER SIGNS.
I AM ALIVE AND I’LL TAKE MY SHARE
OF THE WILD FRUIT,
CAUSE IT’S RIPE NOW
FOR PICKIN’,
WITH NEW ROOTS
ALIVE AND KICKIN’.
I’M A FLOWER BLOOMIN’ VIVID RED.
THE SALT OF THEIR TEARS, THE BLOOD THEY BLED
IS RUNNIN’ IN ME.
I AM THE STORY I CHOOSE TO TELL
AND HOWEVER IT ENDS I’M GONNA TELL IT WELL,
CAUSE THE BUDS ON THE TREE
BURST BRIGHT WITHOUT APOLOGY.
THEIR CHOICES COURSIN’ IN MY VEINS NOW.
THOSE CHOICES I CHOOSE TO CLAIM NOW.
WITH THEIR FURY FUELLIN’ MY FLAME NOW,
I TURN MY FACE TO THE LIGHT.
I MAKE MY HEAT FROM THEIR EMBERS
I PLANT MY FEET AND REMEMBER
WE ALL LIVED BENEATH THIS SKY
BUT I AM FREE TO DECIDE.
SHO & JEAN
SAIL AROUND THE OCEAN.
BETTY
HUSH LITTLE DARLIN’ DON’T SAY A WORD.
CAIT
YE NEED NOT WEEP FOR ME SHE CRIED
SHO & JEAN
SAIL AROUND THE SEA.
BETTY
MAMMA’S GONNA BUY YOU A MOCKIN’BIRD.
CAIT
YE NEED NOT WEEP FOR ME
SHO & JEAN
THINK OF HANDSOME MOLLY
CAIT
FIR HAD I NO SLAIN MA AIN WEE BABE
SHO & JEAN
WHEREVER SHE MAY BE
CAIT
THIS DAY I WOULD NOT SEE.
SARAH
I AM A FLOWER BLOOMIN’ VIVID RED.
ALL
THE SALT OF THEIR TEARS, THE BLOOD THEY BLED
IS RUNNIN’
SARAH
IN’ ME.
I AM THE STORY I CHOOSE TO TELL
AND HOWEVER IT ENDS I’M GONNA TELL IT WELL,
ALL
LET THE BUD ON THE TREE
SARAH
BURST BRIGHT FOR ALL THE WORLD TO SEE.
​
WHO KNEW I WOULD FIND MYSELF IN THE FUTURE.
ARMS WIDE
OPEN.
EMPTY HANDS
TO HOLD MY HOPE IN.
BARE FOOT, I WILL WALK MYSELF TO THE WATER.
CLEAR HEAD.
AWAKE NOW.
THIS CHOICE
MINE TO MAKE NOW.
Epilogue
SARAH
My name’s Sarah Carson and the ballads are in my blood. I come from a long line of singers, whose songs have been runnin’ down my family for generations.
ANCESTORS
STRONG ARE THE ROOTS AND THE BRANCH OF THE TREE.
FIERCE IS THE FLOWER THAT BLOOMS.
HIDDEN AWAY IS THE ONE SILVER KEY,
LEADIN’ TO UNOPENED ROOMS.
SARAH
My ancestors Cait and Jamie crossed from Scotland to Ulster, where their first and only baby was born. A boy. As our family tree grew, the ballads spread down its branches. Until three generations later in Ulster, two sisters were born — Shona and Jean. Those sisters carried these songs onboard that ship to Boston, and sang all the way to American shores.
ANCESTORS
DARK IS THE INK ON THE PAGES OF WHITE,
DARK AS THE SKY AT THE TIME.
DEEP IS THE GRAVE WHERE THE ANCESTORS LIE,
DEEP AS THE WELL IN YOUR MIND.
O, WOMEN OF WATER AND AIR,
BORN UNDER CHANGIN’ SKIES.
O, IN SONG AND IN STORY THEY SHARE,
THE FUTURE AND PAST IN THEIR EYES.
SARAH
Four hundred years later, those old ballads were still alive and well in West
Virginia, Appalachia. My Aunt Betty was far from perfect, but the songs she
raised us on — they were solid gold.
ANCESTORS
DOWN THE LINE THE BLOOD RUNS RED.
FEAR THE THORN, THE BIRD AND THE BERRY.
(SARAH & BETTY)
DOWN THE LINE THE BLOOD RUNS RED, O.
DOWN THE LINE THE BLOOD RUNS HOT.
FUEL THE FIRE, A HEART IS A VESSEL.
DOWN THE LINE THE BLOOD RUNS HOT, O.
O, TO WEATHER THE STORMS EVERY DAY,
WHEN YOU KNOW THEY’LL RETURN AGAIN.
O, TO GO WHEN YOUR GOD SAYS TO STAY.
O, WOMEN OF EARTH, WIND AND FLAME,
BORN UNDER CHANGIN’ SKIES.
O, COMMON IN BLOOD AND IN NAME.
SARAH
WITH STORIES AND SONGS IN THEIR EYES.
​
I have never crossed an ocean, but I’ve had a journey of my own, with my own sacrifices along the way. My Aunt Betty used to say “a song ain’t worth singin’ if it ain’t true to real life”. I needed to live a little before I understood what she meant by that. These ballads have stayed with me through my darkest moments. And here I am, still singin’. Cause where one story ends, another begins.
STRONG ARE THE ROOTS AND THE BRANCH OF THE TREE.
FIERCE IS THE FLOWER THAT BLOOMS.
HIDDEN AWAY IS THE ONE SILVER KEY,
LEADIN’ TO UNOPENED ROOMS.