It's a very old story, very old, very sad,
It's a very old story, very old, very sad.
Keira1 out on a summer's day
Met her magpie2 on the way.
"Magpie, what news can be so bad?
Your morning song is oh, so sad."
"The news is bad" - it said bemused -
"Of witchery you are accused."
"I am no witch, I've done no bad,
Save for the seven loves I had."
It's a very old story, very old, very sad,
It's a very old story, very old, very sad. [x2]
"It's not a crime, you're right to say,
But even so they're dead today."3
"But I already love an eighth:
Johnny Smith from Magherabate."
"What's the news in Magherabate?
In church they lament his sad fate."
Johnny Smith is dead, is dead,
During the mass where he was wed.
It's a very old story, very old, very sad,
It's a very old story, very old, very sad. [x2]
1. "Deirdra" according to Denez's website: https://www.denez.fr/gwechall-gozh2. "Her black magpie" according to the CD booklet and the website.3. From here on the lyrics provided in the booklet and on the website are extended as can be seen there.