6

The Old Churchyard

A song popularized by Waterson:Carthy, who learned it from Almeda Riddle. My version takes inspiration from the beautiful version done by the Murphy Beds.
Traditional
Key of Em
X:1
M:4/4
L:1/4
R:Reel
K:Em
|EE/G/DD/E/|GGAG/A/|BA/B/dB/A/|GE/D/E3|
|EE/G/DD/E/|GG/G/AG/A/|BA/B/dB/A/|GE/D/E3|
|Bdd/e/d|B/c/dd/e/d|-d/B/BA/B/e|f/e/dBA|
|B/A/G/EG/E/D/|-D/E/GGA|G/A/BA/B/d|B/A/GE/D/E2|-E4|
Em G D Come come with me to the old churchyard G Em I so well know those paths ’neath the soft green sward. G D Friends slumber there that we want to regard: G Em We will trace out their names in the old churchyard G But mourn not for them for their trials are o’er! Em C G D And why weep for those who will weep no more; Em G D For sweet is their slumber, though cold and hard: G Em For their pillows may be in the old churchyard. I know that it’s vain when our friends depart To breathe kind words to a broken heart, And I know that the joy of our life, it is marred When we follow those friends to the old churchyard. But were I at rest ’neath yonder tree, Oh why would you weep my friends for me? I’m so weary, so way-worn, why would you retard, The peace that I seek in the old churchyard? Oh weep not for me for I’m ready to go To that haven of rest where no tears ever flow And I fear not to enter, that dark weary tomb Where our savior has lain and has conquered the gloom For I rest in the hope that on one bright day Sunshine will burst through this prison of clay And old Gabriel’s trumpet and the voice of the Lord Will wake up the dead in the old churchyard.