The Blacksmith

This is a tune for beginners, but proficient musicians will also enjoy it.

The tune comes from the playing of Galway banjo player Enda Scahill. According to the liner notes of the recording, it was originally a slow air, but Dublin flute player Eamonn DeBarra changed it into a jig.

What a happy jig! I cannot help smiling while playing it slowly.

# Posted on March 17th 2003 by slainte

Planxty

Planxty has done very good job of this tune the best version i've haerd yet

# Posted on May 4th 2005 by lilting piper

Are you sure, Lilting Piper? I doubt Planxty recorded this very rare tune.

# Posted on May 4th 2005 by slainte

Origins

“Planxty” did indeed record “The Blacksmith”, but not a jig. “The Blacksmith” is a traditional English song, which was recorded by “Steeleye Span” on their 2nd recording “Please To See The King”. Andy Irvine re-arranged it , and “Balkanised” it, making much use of his mandola and Donal Lunny’s bouzouki, on “Planxty”’s first LP, the “black” album. Enda Scahill’s jig version was derived from one of these recordings – I can’t remember which , but am sure it is mentioned in the sleeve notes of his solo CD.

# Posted on May 4th 2005 by Kenny

Sorry for my ignorance. I haven't got any Planxty album yet. Could you post the original version of the tune? That should be nice one too.

# Posted on May 5th 2005 by slainte

I'm presuming you're joking about the happy jig part in the first part slainte. ;)

Very nice jig and it sounds well on Pick it Up.

# Posted on August 18th 2006 by 52Paddy

Planxty

Could anyone have a go at the Andy Irvine arrangement? I can't figure out the breakdown at the very start of the tune. It's been at me for years!!!!

# Posted on November 1st 2007 by daithishortland

I believe this should be played as a reel...or a slide...or something 4/4ish

Short drum intro
Bm A F#m A Bm
The blacksmith courted me/ nine months or better
He fairly won my heart/ wrote me a letter(?)
D A Bm A
With a hammer in his hand/ he looked quite clever
And if I were with my love(?)/ I would live forever

O, where has my love gone/ with his cheeks lie roses
He's gona across the sea/ gathering the roses(?)
I fear the shining sun will burn and scorch his beauty
and if I were with my love/ I would do my duty

Strange news has come to town/ strange news is carried
Sad news cries up(?) from town/ that my love has married
I wish them both much joy/ though they can't hear me
and if I were with my love/ I would do my duty

What did you promise me/ as you lay beside me
You said you'd marry me/ and not deny me
If I said I'd marry you/ 'twas only for to try you
so bring your witness now/ and I'll not deny you

No witness have I none/ save God Almighty
And may he reward you well/ for your slighting of me
Her lips grew pale and warm/ her heart did tremble
???????????????????????????????????????

Not sure about all of those lyrics

# Posted on September 5th 2008 by feadog06

I know this tune!

Didn't Loreena Mckennitt do a re-make of this tune in her first album?

# Posted on January 28th 2009 by ScotiaBalach