Ray Fisher - Willie's Fatal Visit

Ray Fisher (sister of Archie Fisher) singing 'Willie's Fatal Visit'. From the album 'Traditional Songs of Scotland', released in 1991.
Watch in high quality.
I can't find the exact lyrics to this version of the song. But other versions can be found. I believe the song is part of the 'Child Ballads', a list of 305 centuries old ballads Francis James Child put together in the 19th century. If I find lyrics, I'll add them later If someone knows the lyrics or understands the dialect for typing them out, comment.
All credit goes to Ray Fisher. I only put the music and images together for KZbin to enjoy this greatly underexposed artist.

[@mayterry3676]

Wonderful! This is Child #255.

[@sandramorey2529]

Thank you so much, Danielle for posting the lyrics. I came across this album someone had taped maybe 15 years ago. Bit by bit I dug out the lyrics by listening over and over. I am pretty good at doing that with Scots lyrics. Indeed the melody is one of the many variants of Great Silkie. Anyway, I am so happy to now have the lyrics. Such a beautiful sweet melody for such a bloody story. That's what I so love about the Child Ballads. I was unable to find the album back then, but I am thrilled to now find it on KZbin. Thank you so much, Wrongwayup for posting this great singer. A whole new generation of seekers will now have the joy of discovering Ray and the great Scots ballads.

[@siamterry]

Absolutely wonderful ! What little hair survives on the back of my neck stands up every time I listen :)

[@Teddyb1939]

A true folk singer,just lovely.

[@ToujoursPurSang]

Does my love ride, or does he rin, Or does he walk the woods amang? He vow'd this nicht tae come tae me Alas but my love tarries lang. Hi disnae ride nor does he rin, But fast walks he along his way. He has mair mind on his fair-new love Than he has o' the light o' day. He saw a hound draw near a hare, And aye that hare draw near a toon, And that same hound has won the hare, But Willie's won tae ne'er a toon. For as he gaed up yon high high hill, And on and doon yon dowie den, 'Twas there he met wi' a grievious ghost That wad fear ten thousand men. He's hurried on thro' Mary's Kirk And on and doon by Mary's Stile, And wan and weary was the ghost That upon him grimly smiled. “Aft hae ye traivell'd this road, Willie, Aft hae ye traivell'd it in sin. But ye'll never traivel this road again, For your days on Earth are deen. “Aft hae ye traivell'd this road, Willie, Wi' ne'er a thocht o' charity, But ye'll never traivel this road again, For the slighting o' the bairn and me. “Aft hae ye traivell'd this road, Willie, Your fair and new love to see. But ye'll never traivel this road again, For this nicht aveng'd I'll be.” Then she has ta'en her perjur'd love, An she has torn him fae gair tae gair, And on ilka side o' Mary's Stile O' Willie she has hung a share. His faither and mither both mak moan His bonnie new love she grat sair, His faither and mother both mak moan And his new love tears her hair.

[@gordimhor235]

thanks for posting

[@wrongwayup.]

That would be appreciated. I think it's always nice to have the lyrics to songs on youtube. :)

[@wrongwayup.]

A quick search tells me Willie's Fatal Visit is Child Ballad 255. :)

[@alderneyfred]

Interestingly, the tune is a variant of "Shule Skerrie" or Skule Skerry", another Child Ballad. What number Child Ballad do you think this is ? Ray Fisher is much missed, she was a spirited and vigorous performer.

[@sandramorey2529]

Amen. I think the guitar is Martin Carthy, another great performer of traditional music. The tune is indeed a variant of The Great Silkie. Archie sings that one.

[@rwmhunt7562]

The notes on the album state that Carthy suggested putting the lyrics to this tune, and that the lyrics are a composite from Lizzie Higgins' version (found on youtube with the traditional tune for the song) and a version notated by Child from The English and Scottish Popular Ballads, the number being 255.

[@andiejanefisher]

I'll try and find the lyrics