The Ballad of John Duckett

The Gallows of Tyburn still haunt me,
Their shadow darkens my fear,
As I travel with Corby beside me,
And preach faith to those who would hear,
There were those in this land who would harm me,
And I know there’s a price on my head,
But the word is comfort in darkness,
Without it I’d rather be dead.

Chorus:
The sun may shine on this hillside
But the night is running us down
And if the soldiers take us still breathing
There’ll be a hanging in London town.

We’ve been doing God’s work in the northlands
Taking the word to those who believe
Though Parliament has deemed it illegal
They say it’s treason and lies that we weave
There are families around here who’d hide us
But we won’t place them in harm’s way
So we travel at night through these wild-lands
And take refuge in the heat of the day

Chorus:
The sun may shine on this hillside
But the night is running us down
And if the soldiers take us still breathing
There’ll be a hanging in London town.

We fled from the Wolsingham Masses,
When we grew certain someone wished us ill
Now the soldiers are coming towards us
As we climb Pickering Hill
Corby still stands here with me
His smile is sad and resigned
I’d not face my fate half as well
Were he not stood by my side

Chorus:
The sun may shine on this hillside
But the night is running us down
And if the soldiers take us still breathing
There’ll be a hanging in London town.

Now Parliament needs an example
A catholic to blame for his faith
Though Corby and I wait for justice
We’ll not find it this side of the grave
And the Gallows of Tyburn still haunt me
Their shadow darkens my fear
But I believe in a soul that continues
I grow calmer as my fate draws near

Chorus:
And the sun may shine on that hillside
But the night has run us down
And the soldiers took us still breathing
So there’ll be a hanging in London town.

Coda:
Lord have mercy on this poor soul,
My life has been short, I’ll not grow old,
Give me the strength to face what’s to come,
My time in this world is done.

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