This clip is from a Planxty reunion concert in vicker street Dublin. The entire performance from that night is pure magic . I also recommend listening to Christy sing a song titled ' Natives' an outstanding piece of songwriting . Peace from Ireland . Take care.
Was fortunate to get a ticket to this very gig. Myself and my brother in law. Time certainly stood still for that show and I was mesmerized throughout. I appreciated it then but after a number of years I can tell you I actually wasn't aware of the full magic I was witnessing. Little musgrave transfixed the whole audience.
Wow , unreal I remember the first time I heard this on utube mabey 10 years ago , I still come back for a listen once a week . What a gig you will never forget it!
The best typing error I've ever made. Planks turned to Planxty, and now the introduction to the most heartfelt music I've ever had the pleasure of hearing. Wishing I hadn't wasted so much time with Lil Wayne, Katy Perry, etc.. Christy Moore is amazing.
Andrew Farrell me and my family are sitting up listening to this song learning to play guitar it's 1am in the morning no tv on just music and good times , I read your comment out to my family , you are so right our culture is so deep ! Homeland 🍀
My lord, I'll never stop laughing at each of Christy's digs and goofy remarks in these old recordings. What a great sense of humor and what an otherworldly band.
you magagie22, are obviously a very wise human being indded, a perfect song, will always earn a perfect moment to appreciate it. This is the sort of stuff musical geniuses dream of performing with such perfection once in a lifetime.....
It is a warm night, the windows are wide open, the moon is full, it is warm and I have listened once more to what must be the saddest most haunting song I have ever known. The sadness and the beauty leave me with a strange warm feeling. Everything is going to be good.
When I discovered Planxty it was an epiphany day I’ll never forget. A dear friend from Motherwell made me a tape prior to my wedding. I was blown sideways.
Found this fabulous music many years ago....I made my best friend sing Arthur McBride ... until she knew every word!!! 40 years later we are still best friends!
I've had the great honour of attending many Christy Moore concerts, it must be at least 20 times. I also travelled to Dublin to see Planxty when they reunited about 15 years ago. It was wonderful to see them all together again... Stay safe everyone ❤ 🙏
Scott May I discovered this song the same night that Christie Moore came to Charlottesville, VA, just a couple of hours after he’d performed. So I missed it. Weird cosmic stuff.
@@TheThoughtfulwolf That's a shame. He is not the best of flyers so he might not get back to the USA.... If you get the opportunity to see him take it.... it will be a blessing. A lovely man and great storyteller and musician. 🙂
Scott May I have absolutely no doubt! I’ll keep my eyes open. Of course right now, not much is going on. I still feel blessed just knowing his music. Thank you very much for your reply. ❤️
God.I @m so lucky.Without gloating or been smug, have been lucky enough to see planxty in 1980, in 2004/5 and Christy about 25 times. Every concert a glorious experience. And it's not all down to Christy; Andy, Liam and Donal are equally, if not more, important.
This song must be my favourite song from my old country. Met all the lads, I met Liam over in Edinburgh in the 1980s, God Rest him. These men have stood on the shoulders of the late Sean O Riada, and indeed he smiles on them, still, over 50 years later :)
My dad grew up with Christy, Donal and Liam. He bought this DVD and cried his eyes out watching it. I only saw Christy play for the first time at home in Newbridge a month ago. I was blown away. I love this song.
A musical masterpiece:- it doesn't get better than this, this love song drives tears into my eyes every single I revisit it ... (just listen to the tin whistle at 8:14 - "the cold steel it did go" ...sends shivers down my spine every time) wonderful stuff, every second of the 10:14 thats in it. Time well spent in this day and age.....
The last set of concerts they did and they will never tour again due to Liam's death; all of us that ever saw them were the lucky ones. Thank you boys.
I went to Planxtys final concert in 1980/1. I have no memory of anything but this. I was totally lost in this song. It has stayed with me all these years. I was lost to everything except Christy's performance. I also love Arthur McBride by Paul Brady and Andy Irvine.
I heard this for the first time in 1988...an it never fails to make the tears run...i hope to take my wife to see Christy and let her hear that distinctive voice
It fell upon a holy day, As many in the year, Musgrave to the church did go, To see fine ladies there And some were dressed in velvet red And some in velvet pale Then came Lord Barnard's wife The fairest 'mongst them all She cast an eye on the Little Musgrave As bright as summer's sun Said Musgrave unto himself This lady's heart I've won I have loved you, fair lady, full long and many's the day. And I have loved you, Little Musgrave, and never a word did say. I've a bower in Bucklesfordbury, it's my heart's delight. I'll take you back there with me if you'll lie in me arms tonight. But standing by was a little footpage, from the lady's coach he ran, Although I am a lady's page, I am Lord Barnard's man. And milord Barnard will hear of this, oh whether I sink or swim. Everywhere the bridge was broke he'd enter the water and swim. Oh milord Barnard, milord Barnard, you are a man of life, But Musgrave, he's at Bucklesfordbury, asleep with your wedded wife. If this be true, me little footpage, this thing that you tell me, All the gold in Bucklesfordbury I gladly will give to thee. But if this be a lie, me little footpage, this thing that you tell me, From the highest tree in Bucklesfordbury hanged you will be. Go saddle me the black, " he said, "go saddle me the gray. And sound ye not your horns, " he said, "lest our coming be betrayed. But there was a man in Lord Barnard's thrain, who loved the Little Musgrave, He blew his horn both loud and shrill, Away, Musgrave, away. I think I hear the morning cock, I think I hear the jay, I think I hear Lord Barnard's men, I wish I was away. Lie still, lie still, me Little Musgrave, hug me from the cold, It's nothing but a shepherd lad, a-bringing his flock to fold. Is not your hawk upon it's perch, your steed eats oats and hay, And you a lady in your arms, and yet you'd go away. He's turned her around and he's kissed her twice, and then they fell asleep, When they awoke Lord Barnard's men were standing at their feet. How do ye like me bed, " he said, "and how do you like me sheets? How do you like me fair lady, that lies in your arms asleep? It's well I like your bed, he said, and great it gives me pain, I'd gladly give a hundred pound to be on yonder plain. Rise up, rise up, Little Musgrave, rise up and then put on. It'll not be said in this country I slayed a naked man. So slowly, so slowly he got up, so slowly he put on. Slowly down the stairs, thinking to be slain. There are two swords down by my side, and dear they cost me purse. You can have the best of them, and I will take the worst. And the first stroke that Little Musgrave stroke, it hurt Lord Barnard sore, But the next stroke Lord Barnard stroke, Little Musgrave ne'er stroke more. And then up spoke the lady fair, from the bed whereon she lay, Although you're dead, me Little Musgrave, still for you I'll pray. How do you like his cheeks, he said, How do you like his chin? How do you like his dead body, now there's no life within? It's more I like his cheeks, she cried, and more I want his chin, It's more I love that dead body, than all your kith and kin. He's taken out his long long sword, to strike the mortal blow, Through and through the lady's heart, the cold steel it did go. A grave, a grave, " Lord Barnard cried, to put these lovers in, With me lady on the upper hand. She came from better kin. For I've just killed the finest knight that ever rode a steed. And I've just killed the finest lady that ever did a woman's deed. It fell upon a holy day, as many's in the year, Musgrave to the church did go, to see fine ladies there.
Matty Groves", also known as "Little Musgrave and Lady Barnard" or "Little Musgrave", is a ballad probably originating in Northern England that describes an adulterous tryst between a young man and a noblewoman that is ended when the woman's husband discovers and kills them. It is listed as Child ballad number 81 and number 52 in the Roud Folk Song Index.[1][2] This song exists in many textual variants and has several variant names. The song dates to at least 1613, and under the title Little Musgrave and Lady Barnard is one of the Child ballads collected by 19th-century American scholar Francis James Child. Matty GrovesEnglish folk song "A lamentable ballad of the little Musgrove". A seventeenth-century broadside held in the Bodleian Library. CatalogueChild Ballad 81 Roud Folk Song Index 52GenreBalladLanguageEnglishPerformedFirst attested in writing in 1613PublishedEarliest surviving broadside dated to before 1675Also known by several other names  Wikisource has original text related to this article: Little Musgrave and Lady Barnard
The Irish must be proud...a truly GREAT band, they inspired me to one of my paintings (the Well Below the Valley)...can see it as a background on my homepage if at all interested...BUT the subject is the earthiness and wonder of the great Planxty! Thanks so much!
I come back to this every now and then it does the soul good Christy Donal Liam and Andy in truly the finest form would have loved to be there RIP Liam an amazing musician
There was a harpist at the Southern California Renaissance Faire in the 1970s and 80s, named Indus Arthur, who sang a version of this song with slightly different words and a different tune, but all the elements are there, except Lord Barnard blew his own horn. ( I think not wanting to find what he found.) She sadly passed away of brain cancer in the late 80s, but this was one of my whole family's favorite songs. This version does it Justice and more!
Drugs might be associated with 1960s U.S. etc/ da Tekno scene in Britain - the punks of the 70s - but by Jaysus we had some craic with Planxty and all the illegal sorts in the late 2 K's and by feck we had better craic than all generations put to gether. Thank ya Christy. Taking acid after 3 days up in the Looney Line in Tipp listening to this - no offence to Jimi Hendrix, but this is pure generational emotion making ya realise what it means to be Irish.
I have just bought Christy Moore's early years cd this song features on the disk one of two it's a cracking collection of Christie's music it's keeping me going with this never ending lockdown
So beautiful. I adore Nic Jones' tune, put to such fine use here by Christy Moore. A work colleague in 1970 in London was a pal of Nic Jones and had him come and perform in our basement bar. "Little Musgrave" is one of many gems on his LP of that moment, "Ballads and Songs".
One of the most enchanting songs ever performed. Every time we hear it, It reminds us of our wedding. Honeymooned in Clare. The greatest place on the planet and that's coming from 2 Dubs. God Bless you Christy
Thank you guys for this peace of music-history on TH-cam ! Now i will pick one of my three Planxty-CD`s and listen it to a glas of good wine! Really fine music!!! Bernhard,Germany
Chanson magique. Christy Moore ; un des meilleurs du folk irlandais , comme son ami Shane Mc Gowan. Planxty , Grand groupe au meme titre que les Dubliners. Slainte !
It reminds me of the old Ballad, Barbara Allen. Christy's deliverance of such a touching, wonderful and Beautiful story, complimented by the amazing sweet tune, is totally captivating ❤
PLANXTY LITTLE MUSGRAVE LYRICS It fell (D) upon a holy (Em) day, As many (D) in the year, Musgrave (D) to the church (Em) did go, To see (D) fine ladies (A) there (D) And some (D) were dressed in velvet (Em) red And some (D) in velvet pale Then (D) came Lord Barnard's (EM) wife The fairest (D) 'mongst (A) them all (D) She cast (D) an eye on the Little Musgrave As bright (D) as summer's sun Said (D) Musgrave unto himself This lady's (D) heart (G) I've won (D) "I have loved you, fair lady, full long and many's the day." "And I have loved you, Little Musgrave, and never a word did say." "I've a bower in Bucklesfordbury, it's my heart's delight. I'll take you back there with me if you'll lie in me arms tonight." But standing by was a little footpage, from the lady's coach he ran, "Although I am a lady's page, I am Lord Barnard's man." "And milord Barnard will hear of this, oh whether I sink or swim." Everywhere the bridge was broke he'd enter the water and swim. "Oh milord Barnard, milord Barnard, you are a man of life, But Musgrave, he's at Bucklesfordbury, asleep with your wedded wife." "If this be true, me little footpage, this thing that you tell me, All the gold in Bucklesfordbury I gladly will give to thee." "But if this be a lie, me little footpage, this thing that you tell me, From the highest tree in Bucklesfordbury hanged you will be." "Go saddle me the black," he said, "go saddle me the gray." "And sound ye not your horns," he said, "lest our coming be betrayed." But there was a man in Lord Barnard's thrain, who loved the Little Musgrave, He blew his horn both loud and shrill, "Away, Musgrave, away." "I think I hear the morning c***, I think I hear the jay, I think I hear Lord Barnard's men, I wish I was away." "Lie still, lie still, me Little Musgrave, hug me from the cold, It's nothing but a shepherd lad, a-bringing his flock to fold." "Is not your hawk upon it's perch, your steed eats oats and hay, And you a lady in your arms, and yet you'd go away." He's turned her around and he's kissed her twice, and then they fell asleep, When they awoke Lord Barnard's men were standing at their feet. "How do ye like me bed," he said, "and how do you like me sheets?" "How do you like me fair lady, that lies in your arms asleep?" "It's well I like your bed," he said, "and great it gives me pain, I'd gladly give a hundred pound to be on yonder plain." "Rise up, rise up, Little Musgrave, rise up and then put on. It'll not be said in this country I slayed a naked man." So slowly, so slowly he got up, so slowly he put on. Slowly down the stairs, thinking to be slain. "There are two swords down by my side, and dear they cost me purse. You can have the best of them, and I will take the worst." And the first stroke that Little Musgrave stroke, it hurt Lord Barnard sore, But the next stroke Lord Barnard stroke, Little Musgrave ne'er stroke more. And then up spoke the lady fair, from the bed whereon she lay, "Although you're dead, me Little Musgrave, still for you I'll pray." "How do you like his cheeks," he said, "How do you like his chin?" "How do you like his dead body, now there's no life within?" "It's more I like his cheeks," she cried, "and more I want his chin, It's more I love that dead body, than all your kith and kin." He's taken out his long long sword, to strike the mortal blow, Through and through the lady's heart, the cold steel it did go. "A grave, a grave," Lord Barnard cried, "to put these lovers in, with me lady on the upper hand. She came from better kin." "For I've just killed the finest knight that ever rode a steed." "And I've just killed the finest lady that ever did a woman's deed." It fell upon a holy day, as many's in the year, Musgrave to the church did go, to see fine ladies there. --www.gugalyrics.com/lyrics-1801312/planxty-little-musgrave.html--
I learned a slight variation of these words in the early 60's, but the story is basically the same. The broadside ballad goes back to at least the 17th Century under the name of "Little Musgrave and Lady Barnard". There are also variation of the words in the Child Ballads from the 19th Century. I first learned it as "Matty Groves" as performed by Jean Ritchie.
I absolutely love this tune, thank you so much for posting it! I found it by a mistake, and fell in love with it, the lyrics are so beautiful. And he has a really nice and strong voice.
this is an excellent rendering. i have never heard planxty before, and i am glad i found this. there is an alternate version found in the appalachian songs called little matty groves, which is very nearly the same.
This live version is better musically than the Planxty LP recording I have. To see Christy Moore and Planxty performing this so perfectly so many years later is amazing.
the illen pipe solo in this sends shivers down my spine every time i losten to it absolutely amasing group loved watching these in dublin one of the nicest gigs ive been to
If I may add....a recording like this should be saved as part of a national archive for those that come after us...
my god... that is possibly the most beautiful song i have ever heard in my 50 plus years on this planet
+shamamagreen When those pipes blow, it's enough to tear your soul apart.
great comment shanma:- pure genius & simple musical harmony in one ....
a truly haunting and beautiful story.
)
Just now thinking the same...
This clip is from a Planxty reunion concert in vicker street Dublin. The entire performance from that night is pure magic . I also recommend listening to Christy sing a song titled ' Natives' an outstanding piece of songwriting . Peace from Ireland . Take care.
Was fortunate to get a ticket to this very gig. Myself and my brother in law. Time certainly stood still for that show and I was mesmerized throughout. I appreciated it then but after a number of years I can tell you I actually wasn't aware of the full magic I was witnessing.
Little musgrave transfixed the whole audience.
Wow , unreal I remember the first time I heard this on utube mabey 10 years ago , I still come back for a listen once a week . What a gig you will never forget it!
Lucky bastard 😂
You lucky bastard. I would give dearly to see this group.
I think I was there
0pp
I always come back to this song. 10 minutes of sheer reflection & class. Music at its utter best. Christy is beyond brilliant.
Amen
Amazed how so much information is crammed into a song - an entire story.
I am always in awe as to how he remembers all the words, I can't remember to buy more than 5 items in the supermarket without a list.
You know, I am 50 this year, and the wisdom of this song never escapes me
The best typing error I've ever made. Planks turned to Planxty, and now the introduction to the most heartfelt music I've ever had the pleasure of hearing. Wishing I hadn't wasted so much time with Lil Wayne, Katy Perry, etc.. Christy Moore is amazing.
@Josh Hill hello Josh , have a listen to Christy sing a song called 'Natives,, '
Fair play to you.... Well said..
They call it divine intervention☘
Welcome home.
Thank you
I had the pleasure of editing this film. Planxty are masters, one and all.
nice job editing.
Timeless recording!!
Honestly? What studio?
Well played
john pluck it was a recording in front of an audience in Dublin’s Vicar Street venue.
This was my father's song. I grew up with planxty, moving hearts, and christy and I never strayed too far xx
I always loved Planxty. since 75. I'm 62 in August. And I still love jamming all along with this. magical wishes. Uarc Neachtainbo.
Up there with Luke Kelly {Raglan Road} Seen Christy in Wexford last night --- one of the
best concerts ever.
Give me a Planxty reunion any day over a Beatles reunion !!!!
absolutely wonderful !!!!!!--RIP Liam--the finest piper from Kildare and everywhere
As an Irish man in New Zealand a song like this makes me lonely, our culture is so deep
Ditto as someone who grew up in Ireland to Planxty, I'm in the US these days. Those Uilleann pipes are heart rending.
Andrew Farrell me and my family are sitting up listening to this song learning to play guitar it's 1am in the morning no tv on just music and good times , I read your comment out to my family , you are so right our culture is so deep ! Homeland 🍀
Rich and deep like the liffy
This is a very old English song.
Ireland is full of Africans and Muslims now, its fantastic, Were so enlightened. We were so dumb before???
My lord, I'll never stop laughing at each of Christy's digs and goofy remarks in these old recordings. What a great sense of humor and what an otherworldly band.
I turn the lights off. I grab a glass of wine. I look out at the night, and listen to this.
you magagie22, are obviously a very wise human being indded, a perfect song, will always earn a perfect moment to appreciate it.
This is the sort of stuff musical geniuses dream of performing with such perfection once in a lifetime.....
wath did you see
plan
It is a warm night, the windows are wide open, the moon is full, it is warm and I have listened once more to what must be the saddest most haunting song I have ever known. The sadness and the beauty leave me with a strange warm feeling. Everything is going to be good.
magagie22 👊
When I discovered Planxty it was an epiphany day I’ll never forget. A dear friend from Motherwell made me a tape prior to my wedding. I was blown sideways.
Found this fabulous music many years ago....I made my best friend sing Arthur McBride ... until she knew every word!!! 40 years later we are still best friends!
A great ballad, a great story and a great melody executed by great legends of the Irish folk scene. Superb! Jim
This is hands down the best piece of music ever written
I've had the great honour of attending many Christy Moore concerts, it must be at least 20 times. I also travelled to Dublin to see Planxty when they reunited about 15 years ago. It was wonderful to see them all together again... Stay safe everyone ❤ 🙏
Scott May I discovered this song the same night that Christie Moore came to Charlottesville, VA, just a couple of hours after he’d performed. So I missed it. Weird cosmic stuff.
@@TheThoughtfulwolf That's a shame. He is not the best of flyers so he might not get back to the USA.... If you get the opportunity to see him take it.... it will be a blessing. A lovely man and great storyteller and musician. 🙂
Scott May I have absolutely no doubt! I’ll keep my eyes open. Of course right now, not much is going on. I still feel blessed just knowing his music. Thank you very much for your reply. ❤️
La première fois que j'ai vu Planxty en concert c'était à Brest (Britanny)in 1974❗
God.I @m so lucky.Without gloating or been smug, have been lucky enough to see planxty in 1980, in 2004/5 and Christy about 25 times. Every concert a glorious experience. And it's not all down to Christy; Andy, Liam and Donal are equally, if not more, important.
This song must be my favourite song from my old country. Met all the lads, I met Liam over in Edinburgh in the 1980s, God Rest him. These men have stood on the shoulders of the late Sean O Riada, and indeed he smiles on them, still, over 50 years later :)
My dad grew up with Christy, Donal and Liam. He bought this DVD and cried his eyes out watching it. I only saw Christy play for the first time at home in Newbridge a month ago. I was blown away.
I love this song.
A musical masterpiece:- it doesn't get better than this, this love song drives tears into my eyes every single I revisit it ...
(just listen to the tin whistle at 8:14 - "the cold steel it did go" ...sends shivers down my spine every time) wonderful stuff, every second of the 10:14 thats in it.
Time well spent in this day and age.....
I've lost count how many times I've played this
The last set of concerts they did and they will never tour again due to Liam's death; all of us that ever saw them were the lucky ones. Thank you boys.
The greatest piper of them all 🙏
Beautiful and RIP Liam Og O' Flynn---That wonderful piper from Co. Kildare
the gentle subtle bouzouki interplaying caresses the heart....
You don't see many musicians pour their heart and soul in to their music as these fine men always do.
I went to Planxtys final concert in 1980/1. I have no memory of anything but this. I was totally lost in this song. It has stayed with me all these years. I was lost to everything except Christy's performance. I also love Arthur McBride by Paul Brady and Andy Irvine.
Absolutely one of the best songs ever written. ☘☘
agreed, the lyrics to this are fantastic
Yes. Was written many, many centuries ago, beautiful version here.
Been listening to Planxty and the Bothy Band since the 70s. Celtic music is in my blood.
Always loved ANYTHING Planxty did, just a wonderful mix of brilliance
Planxty and Christy have a huge library of songs to pull from, this is their best! My favorite of all ballads........ Classic.
Piprr
Planxty weaving pure magic
Saw them in Vicar Street at around the era of this recording. Still love the music and in particular that of Liam Og RIP. Hard to beat.
I loved this as Matty Groves by Fairport, but this version blew me away. Something else!
Doc Watson also did a beautiful version of Matty Groves.
Andy Irvine almost joined Steeleye Span and I presume would have known Fairport's Matty Groves.
Both sublime but I'm not sure about Christy's story.
I heard this for the first time in 1988...an it never fails to make the tears run...i hope to take my wife to see Christy and let her hear that distinctive voice
The most amazing bagpipes interlude I have personally ever heard in a song, haunting, truly haunting!
It fell upon a holy day,
As many in the year,
Musgrave to the church did go,
To see fine ladies there
And some were dressed in velvet red
And some in velvet pale
Then came Lord Barnard's wife
The fairest 'mongst them all
She cast an eye on the Little Musgrave
As bright as summer's sun
Said Musgrave unto himself
This lady's heart I've won
I have loved you, fair lady, full long and many's the day.
And I have loved you, Little Musgrave, and never a word did say.
I've a bower in Bucklesfordbury, it's my heart's delight.
I'll take you back there with me if you'll lie in me arms tonight.
But standing by was a little footpage, from the lady's coach he ran,
Although I am a lady's page, I am Lord Barnard's man.
And milord Barnard will hear of this, oh whether I sink or swim.
Everywhere the bridge was broke he'd enter the water and swim.
Oh milord Barnard, milord Barnard, you are a man of life,
But Musgrave, he's at Bucklesfordbury, asleep with your wedded wife.
If this be true, me little footpage, this thing that you tell me,
All the gold in Bucklesfordbury I gladly will give to thee.
But if this be a lie, me little footpage, this thing that you tell me,
From the highest tree in Bucklesfordbury hanged you will be.
Go saddle me the black, " he said, "go saddle me the gray.
And sound ye not your horns, " he said, "lest our coming be betrayed.
But there was a man in Lord Barnard's thrain, who loved the Little Musgrave,
He blew his horn both loud and shrill, Away, Musgrave, away.
I think I hear the morning cock, I think I hear the jay,
I think I hear Lord Barnard's men, I wish I was away.
Lie still, lie still, me Little Musgrave, hug me from the cold,
It's nothing but a shepherd lad, a-bringing his flock to fold.
Is not your hawk upon it's perch, your steed eats oats and hay,
And you a lady in your arms, and yet you'd go away.
He's turned her around and he's kissed her twice, and then they fell asleep,
When they awoke Lord Barnard's men were standing at their feet.
How do ye like me bed, " he said, "and how do you like me sheets?
How do you like me fair lady, that lies in your arms asleep?
It's well I like your bed, he said, and great it gives me pain,
I'd gladly give a hundred pound to be on yonder plain.
Rise up, rise up, Little Musgrave, rise up and then put on.
It'll not be said in this country I slayed a naked man.
So slowly, so slowly he got up, so slowly he put on.
Slowly down the stairs, thinking to be slain.
There are two swords down by my side, and dear they cost me purse.
You can have the best of them, and I will take the worst.
And the first stroke that Little Musgrave stroke, it hurt Lord Barnard sore,
But the next stroke Lord Barnard stroke, Little Musgrave ne'er stroke more.
And then up spoke the lady fair, from the bed whereon she lay,
Although you're dead, me Little Musgrave, still for you I'll pray.
How do you like his cheeks, he said, How do you like his chin?
How do you like his dead body, now there's no life within?
It's more I like his cheeks, she cried, and more I want his chin,
It's more I love that dead body, than all your kith and kin.
He's taken out his long long sword, to strike the mortal blow,
Through and through the lady's heart, the cold steel it did go.
A grave, a grave, " Lord Barnard cried, to put these lovers in,
With me lady on the upper hand. She came from better kin.
For I've just killed the finest knight that ever rode a steed.
And I've just killed the finest lady that ever did a woman's deed.
It fell upon a holy day, as many's in the year,
Musgrave to the church did go, to see fine ladies there.
Matty Groves", also known as "Little Musgrave and Lady Barnard" or "Little Musgrave", is a ballad probably originating in Northern England that describes an adulterous tryst between a young man and a noblewoman that is ended when the woman's husband discovers and kills them. It is listed as Child ballad number 81 and number 52 in the Roud Folk Song Index.[1][2] This song exists in many textual variants and has several variant names. The song dates to at least 1613, and under the title Little Musgrave and Lady Barnard is one of the Child ballads collected by 19th-century American scholar Francis James Child.
Matty GrovesEnglish folk song
"A lamentable ballad of the little Musgrove". A seventeenth-century broadside held in the Bodleian Library.
CatalogueChild Ballad 81
Roud Folk Song Index 52GenreBalladLanguageEnglishPerformedFirst attested in writing in 1613PublishedEarliest surviving broadside dated to before 1675Also known by several other names

Wikisource has original text related to this article:
Little Musgrave and Lady Barnard
at 4.03 Liam Og o Flynn comes in (he died last week ) .This song is all about the power of understatment
What a beautiful song. Never saw Planxty, but had the pleasure of seeing Liam live, in Leicester.
The Irish must be proud...a truly GREAT band, they inspired me to one of my paintings (the Well Below the Valley)...can see it as a background on my homepage if at all interested...BUT the subject is the earthiness and wonder of the great Planxty! Thanks so much!
Possibly the greatest love song ever written ......
I come back to this every now and then it does the soul good Christy Donal Liam and Andy in truly the finest form would have loved to be there RIP Liam an amazing musician
Thanks for picking up those sheets off the floor Christy...
Planxty....probably my favourite Irish group...their brilliant...
This is a beautiful and powerful song. Thank you. My dad used to sing this to us as kids
There was a harpist at the Southern California Renaissance Faire in the 1970s and 80s, named Indus Arthur, who sang a version of this song with slightly different words and a different tune, but all the elements are there, except Lord Barnard blew his own horn. ( I think not wanting to find what he found.) She sadly passed away of brain cancer in the late 80s, but this was one of my whole family's favorite songs. This version does it Justice and more!
Seen this played live back in 2004. Words can't describe how wonderful this song or the performance
I envy you
I am moved greatly every time I view this performance. Consummate professionals all these lads.
Drugs might be associated with 1960s U.S. etc/ da Tekno scene in Britain - the punks of the 70s - but by Jaysus we had some craic with Planxty and all the illegal sorts in the late 2 K's and by feck we had better craic than all generations put to gether. Thank ya Christy. Taking acid after 3 days up in the Looney Line in Tipp listening to this - no offence to Jimi Hendrix, but this is pure generational emotion making ya realise what it means to be Irish.
Hermosa canción...planxty es una gran banda
I have just bought Christy Moore's early years cd this song features on the disk one of two it's a cracking collection of Christie's music it's keeping me going with this never ending lockdown
So beautiful. I adore Nic Jones' tune, put to such fine use here by Christy Moore. A work colleague in 1970 in London was a pal of Nic Jones and had him come and perform in our basement bar. "Little Musgrave" is one of many gems on his LP of that moment, "Ballads and Songs".
One of the most enchanting songs ever performed. Every time we hear it, It reminds us of our wedding. Honeymooned in Clare. The greatest place on the planet and that's coming from 2 Dubs. God Bless you Christy
Thank you guys for this peace of music-history on TH-cam ! Now i will pick one of my three Planxty-CD`s and listen it to a glas of good wine! Really fine music!!! Bernhard,Germany
Chanson magique. Christy Moore ; un des meilleurs du folk irlandais , comme son ami Shane Mc Gowan. Planxty , Grand groupe au meme titre que les Dubliners. Slainte !
It reminds me of the old Ballad, Barbara Allen. Christy's deliverance of such a touching, wonderful and Beautiful story, complimented by the amazing sweet tune, is totally captivating ❤
Aaah Christy, pipes of gold!!
Beautiful, particularly the uilleann pipes solo x
A nice buzz. lights out, just kicking' back and listening... Its all this music needs
Timeless masterpiece
I've always loved this song, this is priceless, pure gold
thanks
It is one of the best. Stands the test of time. It is 2016
2017 now and counting...:-)
Well done all of YOU for the Perfectly Lovely Written Nature that I'm still enjoying to read as I listen to each word while he sings every song. >
never tire of listening to this tune- one of my all time favs from Planxty
100% one of the most together group of artists ive ever seen. Unbelievable. Christy is incredible.
This is the first song I was old enough to really listen to. I've always loved it. My ma and pa had this band in common when they first met, too.
PLANXTY LITTLE MUSGRAVE LYRICS
It fell (D) upon a holy (Em) day,
As many (D) in the year,
Musgrave (D) to the church (Em) did go,
To see (D) fine ladies (A) there (D)
And some (D) were dressed in velvet (Em) red
And some (D) in velvet pale
Then (D) came Lord Barnard's (EM) wife
The fairest (D) 'mongst (A) them all (D)
She cast (D) an eye on the Little Musgrave
As bright (D) as summer's sun
Said (D) Musgrave unto himself
This lady's (D) heart (G) I've won (D)
"I have loved you, fair lady, full long and many's the day."
"And I have loved you, Little Musgrave, and never a word did say."
"I've a bower in Bucklesfordbury, it's my heart's delight.
I'll take you back there with me if you'll lie in me arms tonight."
But standing by was a little footpage, from the lady's coach he ran,
"Although I am a lady's page, I am Lord Barnard's man."
"And milord Barnard will hear of this, oh whether I sink or swim."
Everywhere the bridge was broke he'd enter the water and swim.
"Oh milord Barnard, milord Barnard, you are a man of life,
But Musgrave, he's at Bucklesfordbury, asleep with your wedded wife."
"If this be true, me little footpage, this thing that you tell me,
All the gold in Bucklesfordbury I gladly will give to thee."
"But if this be a lie, me little footpage, this thing that you tell me,
From the highest tree in Bucklesfordbury hanged you will be."
"Go saddle me the black," he said, "go saddle me the gray."
"And sound ye not your horns," he said, "lest our coming be betrayed."
But there was a man in Lord Barnard's thrain, who loved the Little Musgrave,
He blew his horn both loud and shrill, "Away, Musgrave, away."
"I think I hear the morning c***, I think I hear the jay,
I think I hear Lord Barnard's men, I wish I was away."
"Lie still, lie still, me Little Musgrave, hug me from the cold,
It's nothing but a shepherd lad, a-bringing his flock to fold."
"Is not your hawk upon it's perch, your steed eats oats and hay,
And you a lady in your arms, and yet you'd go away."
He's turned her around and he's kissed her twice, and then they fell asleep,
When they awoke Lord Barnard's men were standing at their feet.
"How do ye like me bed," he said, "and how do you like me sheets?"
"How do you like me fair lady, that lies in your arms asleep?"
"It's well I like your bed," he said, "and great it gives me pain,
I'd gladly give a hundred pound to be on yonder plain."
"Rise up, rise up, Little Musgrave, rise up and then put on.
It'll not be said in this country I slayed a naked man."
So slowly, so slowly he got up, so slowly he put on.
Slowly down the stairs, thinking to be slain.
"There are two swords down by my side, and dear they cost me purse.
You can have the best of them, and I will take the worst."
And the first stroke that Little Musgrave stroke, it hurt Lord Barnard sore,
But the next stroke Lord Barnard stroke, Little Musgrave ne'er stroke more.
And then up spoke the lady fair, from the bed whereon she lay,
"Although you're dead, me Little Musgrave, still for you I'll pray."
"How do you like his cheeks," he said, "How do you like his chin?"
"How do you like his dead body, now there's no life within?"
"It's more I like his cheeks," she cried, "and more I want his chin,
It's more I love that dead body, than all your kith and kin."
He's taken out his long long sword, to strike the mortal blow,
Through and through the lady's heart, the cold steel it did go.
"A grave, a grave," Lord Barnard cried, "to put these lovers in,
with me lady on the upper hand. She came from better kin."
"For I've just killed the finest knight that ever rode a steed."
"And I've just killed the finest lady that ever did a woman's deed."
It fell upon a holy day, as many's in the year,
Musgrave to the church did go, to see fine ladies there.
--www.gugalyrics.com/lyrics-1801312/planxty-little-musgrave.html--
There's no need to use asterisks in "morning cock". It refers to a cockerel. It's not rude in the least.
bahflip 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻Thank You 🍀
Matthew Smith indeed...!! 🐓
@@IndigoJo TH-cam algorithms.
Thank you for the lyrics to this very fine song.
One of the most beautiful songs i've ever heard !!
God bless all those that dedicate their careers to keeping this beauty alive. "God"bless Planxty
My all-time favorite ballad - in its best rendition. I listen to it since the late 70´s - never fails to grab my heart.
I learned a slight variation of these words in the early 60's, but the story is basically the same. The broadside ballad goes back to at least the 17th Century under the name of "Little Musgrave and Lady Barnard". There are also variation of the words in the Child Ballads from the 19th Century. I first learned it as "Matty Groves" as performed by Jean Ritchie.
Love this song,so many
values throughout.class song
You can see the love and respect they have for each other
Utterly beautiful - and fantastic recording. Every note counts.
The song can be traced back to the early 1600s , and after 400 years , Christy you've done it proud ☺️👍
I absolutely love this tune, thank you so much for posting it! I found it by a mistake, and fell in love with it, the lyrics are so beautiful. And he has a really nice and strong voice.
these bring many great memories when I toured Ireland in the early 70s
Oh so wonderful, loved this since I first bought it on my 32nd birthday back in November 1988
Other genres come and go from my ipod, but celtic music always moves my soul and will always be there.
I enjoyed your hand movement as I could see them, thanks for sharing this video.🌈🎶😎
One of the greatest groups ever. Magisterial!
this is an excellent rendering. i have never heard planxty before, and i am glad i found this. there is an alternate version found in the appalachian songs called little matty groves, which is very nearly the same.
what a lovely song sang by an Irish legend
What a wonderful, perfect performance by this legendary band. Superb instrumental, and could ANYONE sing this better than Christie.
One of the best songs i have ever heard.
I was lucky enough to be at that gig,,pure genius!!
Probably the most together band of musicians in one group,Love it Fantastic stuff.
I couldn't agree more ,
A gripping tale of love, revenge, and ultimately tragedy
massive song ..with chord change and part 2 of the story ..don't know another song that grips u so much ..masterpiece
Our loss is heaven's gain with liam o flynn.
Such a treat to see and hear them perform this song I have loved for so many years!
This live version is better musically than the Planxty LP recording I have. To see Christy Moore and Planxty performing this so perfectly so many years later is amazing.
Been a massive fan since the early '70s ..without a doubt one of the all time great ..and this song says it all ..
Absolute magic.
Lovely song, beautifully performed. Essentially the same song, called 'Matty Groves', was sung by Fairport Convention on the album 'Liege and Lief'.
the illen pipe solo in this sends shivers down my spine every time i losten to it absolutely amasing group loved watching these in dublin one of the nicest gigs ive been to