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Internet Book of Shadows, (Various Authors), [1999], at sacred-texts.com
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BEDLAM BELLS
-Joe Bethancourt
(c) copyright 1992 W.J. Bethancourt III
(Tune: "Mad Maudlin" aka "Tom O'Bedlam")
Written as a theme song for the Bedlam Bells Morris dance troupe, and
originally improvised at WesterCon 45, Phoenix, AZ.
Tune guitar: DADGBD
Out upon the Borderlands
I've watched the stars a-falling
I've drunk deep from Mad River and
I've heard my soul a-calling
CHORUS: Still I sing bonny bells, bonny mad bells,
Bedlam Bells are bonny!
For we all go bare and we live by the air
And we want your drink and money!
I now repent that ever My staff hath murder'd giants
Myself was so disdain-ed My bells can call the thunder!
My wits are lost since me I cros't I stamp my feet and tread the dance
Which makes me go thus chain-ed And split the sky in sunder!
To find our wits in Bordertown, My horn is made of Elven-blades,
Ten thousand years we'll travel I stole it cross the Border!
And maudlin go on dancing toes, The rainbow there is this I wear
To save our shoes from gravel For my wits are out of order!
I crossed into fair Elfland I went to Digger's Kitchen
To find the soul I'd squandered To beg some food one morning
To hunt my sighs in children's eyes I got my dreams served piping hot
But still my soul had wandered And saw a city burning
I had an Elfin lady, I'll wander thru the Borderlands
And took her for to wife me With feathers in my hair-o
She sleeps the day, she sings the night With my true love close to my side
And hearkens to delight me! And back and sides go bare-o!
Both in and out of Bordertown I'll dance the day, I'll dance the night
I've drank Mad River's water And spend my time a-singing
And stood upon the Bridge O'Dread Dance out the old, ring in the new
And watched the sudden slaughter! With Bedlam Bells a-ringing!
Take a drink for Tom of Bedlam
Take a drink from the river's water!
And speak in sighs from darkened eyes
And court the River's daughter!
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