A Different Thread - "The Blackest Crow"

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'. adifferentthre......
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: www.fresnostat...
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

[@rogerhawkes884]

best version ever!

[@lauriegibens955]

very pretty. just learnt this song today on guitar 😊

[@Victor10146]

Great video, lovely performance, gorgeous song.