Loreena McKennitt
"Standing Stones"

Music by Loreena McKennitt
Lyrics traditional, arr. by Loreena McKennit

In one of these lonely Orkney Isles there dwelled a maiden fair
Her cheeks were red, her eyes were blue, she had yellow, curling hair
Which caught the eye and then the heart of one who could never be
A lover of so true a maid or fair a form as she

Across the lake in Sandwick dwelled a youth she held most true
And ever since her infancy he had watched these eyes so blue
The land runs out into the sea, it's a narrow neck of land
Where weird and grim the Standing Stones in a circle where they stand

One bonny moonlight Christmas Eve, they met at that sad place
With her heart in glee and the beams of love were shining on her face
When her lover came and he grasped her hand and what loving words they said
They talked of future's happy days as through the stones they strayed

They walked toward the lovers' stone and through it passed their hands
They plighted there a constant troth sealed by love's steadfast bands
He kissed his maid and then he watched her that lonely bridge go o'er
For little, little did he think, he wouldn't see his darling more

Chorus:
Standing Stones of the Orkney Isles
Gazing out to sea
Standing Stones of the Orkney Isles
Bring my love to me

He turned his face toward his home, that home he did never see
And you shall have the story as it was told to me
When a form upon him sprang with a dagger gleaming bright
It pierced his heart and his dying screams disturbed the silent night

This maid had nearly reached her home when she was startled by a cry
And she turned to look around her and her love was standing by
His hand was pointing to the stars and his eyes gazed at the light
And with a smiling countenance he vanished from her sight

She quickly turned and home she ran, not a word of this was said
For well she knew at seeing his form that her faithful love was dead
And from that day she pined away, not a smile seen on her face
With outstretched arms she went to meet him in a brighter place

(Chorus twice)