Story Behind The Song
"The Unquiet Grave" has been covered by everyone from to Joni Mitchell to Ween and it weaves the tale of a pair of lovers where one died too young. In some versions, it's a girl who died, in others it's the boy, but what remains the same is that they lay on their lover's grave until the ghost appears to them. When the lover left behind begs for a kiss, the ghost warns that even a kiss from their lips would kill them and it's not worth losing your life over lost love.
Song Description
For episode 272 of the pop culture and paranormal podcast, See You On The Other Side. "SOUTHERN GOTHIC: GHOST STORIES AND LEGENDS FEATURING STEVE GORMAN OF THE BLACK CROWES" http://www.othersidepodcast.com/272
| Song Length |
2:58 |
Genre |
Folk - Traditional, Folk - Alternative |
| Tempo |
Slow (71 - 90) |
Lead Vocal |
Duet Male/Female |
| Mood |
Cheerless, Peaceful |
Subject |
Sadness, Unrequited Love |
| Language |
English |
Era |
Before 1600 |
Lyrics
How cold doth blow the wind tonight,
I feel some drops of rain.
I never had but one true love
And in greenwood she was slain.
I'll do as much for my true love
As any young man may.
I'll sit and mourn all on her grave
For a twelve month and one day.
The twelve-month and one day being up
The dead began to speak.
"Oh, who sits weeping on my grave
And will not let me sleep?"
"'Tis I, my love, sits on your grave
And will not let you sleep,
For I crave one kiss of your lily-white lips
And that is all I seek."
"My lips they are as cold as clay,
My breath smells earthy strong.
If you have one kiss of my lily-white lips,
Your life will not be long."
"My life be't long or short sweetheart,
But that is all I crave.
Then I shall be along with you
A-lying in my grave."
"'Tis down in yonder garden green,
Love, where we used to walk.
The finest flower that ere was seen
Is withered to a stalk.
The stalk is withered dry, my love,
So will our hearts decay,
So make yourself contented, love,
Till God calls you away."