Cruel Knife Songtext
von Spiers & Boden

Down by a weeping willow, where the wild violets bloom,
There lies sweet lovely Nancy so silent in her tomb.
She died not broken-hearted nor sickness ere befell,
But in one moment was parted from the life she loved so well.

One night the moon shone brightly, and the gentle zephyrs blew,
When to her bedroom window, her lover then he drew.
He said "Come let us wander in those dark woods we′ll stray,
And there we'll sit and ponder upon our wedding day."


"These woods are dark and dreadful, I am afraid to stay,
Of wandering I am weary, so I′ll retrace my way."
"These woods, these gentle zephyrs your feet no more will roam,
So bid farewell forever to all the things that you have known."

Down on her knees before him then she pleaded for her life,
When deep into her bosom he plunged the cruel knife.
"Oh, William, cruel William," it was her dying breath.
Her heart's blood stained the leaves below, and her eyes were closed in death.

Down by a weeping willow where the wild violets bloom,
There lies sweet lovely Nancy so silent in her tomb.