Ballad of the Southern Midwife

Music and Lyrics by Sarah Jane Scouten

Magpie Waltz 2011

 

Grandfather loved Jesus, grandma so did she

I was a wicked baby, my father told me

Set fire to the church house at the age of three

Was born a woman and not supposed to be

 

Father was a preacher, cursing the ground at my feet

He said, “You little woman, you never listen to me.

Always telling me you’re not scared of the things you don’t see.

When you’re in trouble, don’t come crying to me.”

 

When the moon is on the night prowl, and the family’s asleep

I wade into the river, I wade up to my knees

Where I met a rich man, but he didn’t love me

Met him with dishonour, when I put on his ring

 

Southern love in season, southern blood run high

Make love to your woman like you’re gonna die

Never minding what happens for her and I

When baby’s born, baby’s mother gonna cry

 

I’ve been practicing witchcraft, little bird told me

That’s what they call an angel of midwifery

Now I live in the old saw mill and I ain’t got keys

Making my way to Heaven the way the Lord showed me

 

Grandfather loved Jesus, grandma so did she

I was a wicked baby, my father told me

Set fire to the church house at the age of three

Was born a woman and not supposed to be