Ash Girl

Ash girl, ash girl with your coal-black eyes
Coal-black eyes that have given up burning go down
Go down to your father's yard
Help will be at hand
For the little red calf will give you milk
To wash the soot and the scars away
'Til your skin is soft as silk
Changed from its colour of ashen grey

Ash girl, ash girl with your mouth that's forgotten
Your mouth that's forgotten about upturning, go down
Go down to your hazel tree
Help will be at hand
For the little white dove will peck at her breast
'Til the ruby blood in torrents runs down
Down onto your waiting skin
Then it will change to a crimson gown

Ash girl, ash girl with your feet that are tethered
Your feet that are tethered with no hope of leaving, go down
Go down to your mother's grave
Help will be at hand
For the grave will open, inviting you in
To feel the worms against your skin
Don't let the fears pull you down
For brave ones there's treasure to be found

Step into her grave and cut all your losses
The worms will turn to rubies rare
The grave will change to a carriage and horses
Ready to take you the devil knows where

Ash girl, ash girl with your coal-black eyes
Coal-black eyes, so brightly they're burning
Remember the name your mother gave
Before she let go of your hand
Remember your name and pull at the reins
Your hour is calling, there's no time for stalling
Remember your name and pull at the reins
They'll follow the turn of your hand

Now the little red calf can sleep in the hay
The little white dove can sleep in her nest
The fire will sleep, they can tend it themselves
And under the earth your mother can rest