Words of Interest

Number 27.

The Keeper

Traditional Folk Song

The keeper did a-hunting go

And under his cloak he carried a bow

All for to shoot at a merry little doe

Among the leaves so green-o.

 

(Chorus:)

Jackie boy! (Master!) Sing ye well! (Very well!)

Hey down (Ho down). Derry derry down

Among the leaves so green-o.

To my hey down down (To my ho down down)

Hey down (Ho down). Derry derry down

Among the leaves so green-o.

 

The first doe he shot at he missed;

The second doe he trimmed he kissed;

The third doe went where nobody wist

Among the leaves so green-o.

 

The fourth doe she did cross the plain,

The keeper fetched her back again.

Where she is now, she may remain,

Among the leaves so green-o.

 

The fifth doe she did cross the brook;

The keeper fetched her back with his crook;

Where she is now you may go and look

Among the leaves so green-o.

 

The sixth doe she ran over the plain;

But he with his hounds did turn her again,

And it's there he did hunt in a merry, merry vein

Among the leaves so green-o.

 

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