A Different Thread - "The Blackest Crow"

Details

Description

This parting song tells the tale of two lovers, faced with the heartrending burden of saying goodbye, and promising to love each other 'til death.
The song is likely to have come from Scotland or England, with records dated as far back as 1906*. Many different versions now exist on both sides of the Atlantic and it has become a firm favourite in the Appalachian folk scene. Like many European songs, The Blackest Crow has been enriched by the crossing of cultures in America and it's lyrics remain deeply relatable, poignant, and emotional.

We filmed this video in Long Island City, New York, before embarking on a long voyage of our own.

'The Blackest Crow' features on the new Ep 'Some Distant Shore'. https://adifferentthread.bandcamp.com...

Camera work by Laura Barker and editing by Lalo Dominguez.

Audio recorded at Alma Vale Studio, Bristol, England
Produced by A Different Thread and Luke Cawthra
Engineered and mixed by Luke Cawthra
Mastered by Pete Maher at Topfloor Mastering
Robert Jackson: vocals, guitar, harmonica

Alicia Best: vocals, fiddle

*Source: https://www.fresnostate.edu/folklore/ballads/SKE40.html

Lyrics:

The time draws near

My dearest dear

For you and I to part



What little you know

Of the pain and woe

In my poor aching heart



In my poor aching heart, my love

Believe me when I say

I wish that I could go with you

Or wish that you could stay



The blackest crow that ever few

Would surely turn to white

If ever I prove false to you

Bright day would turn to night



Bright day would turn to night, my love

The elements would mourn

If ever I prove false to you

The seas would rage and burn



I wish my heart was made of glass

Wherein it you’d behold

Upon a note

Your name it wrote

In letters made of gold



In letters made of gold, my love

Believe me when I say

You are the one

That I’ll adore

‘Till my own dying day



When you’re bound for

Some distant shore

Think of your absent friend



And when the wind

Blows high and clear

A line to me pray send



A line to me pray send, my love If it be just a word

From you to me

Across the sea

By bottle or by bird



The blackest crow that ever flew

Would surely turn to white