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The House Carpenter

from Ballads and the Blues by T.C. Elliott

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about

When I first read about “James Harris” also known as “The Demon Lover” I was struck by the image of the devil and the idea of supernatural interference or punishment. But it was the “House Carpenter” version of the lyric that really struck home the idea of fate punishing our selfish choices. Once I heard Natalie Merchant’s version from her album 'The House Carpenter’s Daughter' I was immediately hooked. I was inspired by her arrangement but ultimately changed it by using different chords, somewhat different instrumentation and some different stanzas in the lyrics.

lyrics

“Well met, well met,” said an old true love
“Well met, well met,” said he
“I’m just returning from the salt, salt sea
And it’s all for the love of thee!”

“Come in, come in, my old true love
Come have a seat with me
It’s been three-fourths of a long, long year
Since together we could be”

“Well, I can’t come in and I can’t sit down
For I haven’t a moment’s time.
They say you’re married to a house carpenter
And your heart will never be mine.”

“Well, I could have married a king’s daughter fair
I’m sure she would’ve married me
But I’ve forsaken her crowns of gold
And it’s all for the love of thee.”

“Now will you forsaken your house carpenter
Will you come along with me?
I’ll take you where the grass grows green
On the banks of the deep blue sea.”

So she picked up her little babe
And kisses she gave it three
Said, “Stay right here my darling little one,
And keep your poppa company.”

Now, they hadn’t been on ship but about two weeks
I swear it had not been three
When his true love began to weep and moan
Yes, she wept so bitterly

“Now are you weeping for my silver and gold?
Are you weeping for my store?
Or are you weeping for that house carpenter
Whose face you’ll never see anymore?

“No, I’m not weeping for your silver and gold
And neither do I weep for your store.
I am weeping for my darling little babe
Who I will never see anymore!”

Well, they hadn’t been on ship but about three weeks
I swear it had not been four
Till they sprung a leak in the bottom of the ship
And sunk for to rise no more

credits

from Ballads and the Blues, released May 6, 2022
Traditional
Arranged by T.C. Elliott

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T.C. Elliott Columbia, Missouri

If Neil Young and The Holy Modal Rounders had a litter of baby songwriters then T.C. Elliott would be the runt of the litter.

T.C. has written over 1100 songs and at least one of them doesn't suck.

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