The Old Dancing Tree

The tree on the hillside grows straight and so true
 And it is a fine place as so many folk knew
 And many a yeoman who yearned to be free
 Came and danced in the shade of the old dancing tree  

Oh the borders are hard and a fierce place to live 
And the people there take and there’s nothing to give 
But if you will take back what’s yours then you’ll see 
The sun rise and shine on the old dancing tree   

The hungry and homeless, well what is their life 
But struggle, starvation and hardship and strife 
But don’t raise your voice, or you’ll hear the decree 
That will send you one day to the old dancing tree   

The tax men will take every coin that you make 
And spare you no crumb, not for dear mercy’s sake 
If they see you hold back just a penny or three 
They will make you a date at the old dancing tree   

With thieves and with killers, with outlaws and all 
There’s many an honest man answered the call 
To give up his labour and there will he be 
To dance his last jig at the old dancing tree