[ ]   [ ]   [ ]                        [ ]      [ ]   [ ]
The New Basement Tapes — Spanish Mary
Album: Lost On The River
Avg rating:
7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1463








Released: 2014
Length: 5:24
Plays (last 30 days): 0
There were three sailors, bold and true
With cargo they did carry
They sailed away on the ocean blue
For the love of Spanish Mary

So deeply now were they disturbed
No longer could they tarry
Swoon and swerve
For the love of Spanish Mary

In Kingston Town of high degree
The buffoon, the fool, the fairy
All paid the dues and inquired to me
For the love of Spanish Mary

Beggar man, beggar man tell me no lie
Is it a mystery to live or is it a mystery to die?

I seek ye not to ask of you
It was in Kingston Town indeed
It is said they stopped but not for greed
But for the love of Spanish Mary

I remember well, they came one day
The buffoon, the fool, the fairy
They asked of me what could I say
For the love of Spanish Mary

'Tis not of me to talk absurd
No rumour do I carry
No, I'll not give you one word
But for the love of Spanish Mary

Beggar man, beggar man tell me no lie
Is it a mystery to live or is it a mystery to die?
Comments (47)add comment
Excellent - a folk song delivered in a lovely voice, perfectly in tune and with every word clear, so essential to enjoyment of the story. The backing is terrific too; great musicianship all round. I need to follow this album up. Thanks again RP.
 DanielHLloyd wrote:

This is an amazing album and Rhiannon Giddens ROCKS MY SOCKS! Aside from Brittney Howard she is one of the most distinguishable voices of this generation. 



We definitely need some Alabama Shakes on here. Brittney gives me Etta James, Big Mama Thornton vibes.
AMAZING!! GREAT VOICE!! I never heard of them before. I don't know why! ...A lot of famous people! Thank You RP!  
 DanielHLloyd wrote:

This is an amazing album and Rhiannon Giddens ROCKS MY SOCKS! Aside from Brittney Howard she is one of the most distinguishable voices of this generation. 



My socks too.
This is an amazing album and Rhiannon Giddens ROCKS MY SOCKS! Aside from Brittney Howard she is one of the most distinguishable voices of this generation. 
Put more material from the Chocolate Drops on RP! (I know this isn't the same band but it's the same singer)
 DW4554 wrote:

Rhiannon studied opera in college. Did rather well.
 

She has a great sound.
great musician overall too.
 scarletdancer wrote:
I'm upping my rating on this song.  The singer is actually really amazing, and good singing is becoming so rare nowadays.  Epic!
 
Rhiannon studied opera in college. Did rather well.
 PeterMC3 wrote:

Mary Tudor was the daughter of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon. Hence was known as Spanish Mary, partly to distinguish her from Mary Queen of Scots another rival for the throne of England. When she succeeded to the throne after the death of her brother Edward VI she more commonly became known as Bloody Mary after she clamped down on protestant rivals and tried to restore England to Catholicism.
 

Good history lesson. Thank you.
I'm upping my rating on this song.  The singer is actually really amazing, and good singing is becoming so rare nowadays.  Epic!
Iup
Great video for this song
i like the live version better

Like so many early Dylan songs, this sounds like it could have been a traditional song out of Appalachia. 
 danthebeachman wrote:
If you have not seen Rhiannon Giddens in concert...please do!!...Fantastic Artist!
 
Saw her in a 500-seat arena about a year ago. I laughed, I cried. She's an amazing entertainer, musician, storyteller. What a great live show to catch, so glad we did. Highly recommend
Just contrast this to Fairport Convention or Pentangle. This is a hack job.
 jtherieau wrote:
Who/what is "Spanish Mary"? Mary I of England? A colloquialism?
 
Mary Tudor was the daughter of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon. Hence was known as Spanish Mary, partly to distinguish her from Mary Queen of Scots another rival for the throne of England. When she succeeded to the throne after the death of her brother Edward VI she more commonly became known as Bloody Mary after she clamped down on protestant rivals and tried to restore England to Catholicism.
Who/what is "Spanish Mary"? Mary I of England? A colloquialism?
If you have not seen Rhiannon Giddens in concert...please do!!...Fantastic Artist!
I uploaded Waterboy a couple of years ago, still sort of dismayed that that didn't get into the rotation.
Just saw Giddens perform at FreshGrass in Massachusetts. An incredible performer; we were transfixed. Would love to see some of the songs from her album Freedom Highway on RP.
she's the perfect package, knowledgeable, great singer, great musician and easy on the eyes (IMHO)
The power and beauty of her voice.  Amazing.
 
this commands your attention immediately-in a good way...
Only 7 average?? What are people listening?? 
Just now listening to . . . would like to hear other from this band.
 danmaiullo wrote:
Sung by Rhiannon Giddens of the Carolina Chocolate Drops. I haven't heard a more beautiful voice. Excellent!

 
Yeah, she has an amazing voice. Maybe it's the subject matter, but occasionally I hear a little Sandy Denny in it. Not a bad thing.
c.
 fitmartin wrote:
Wow! thanks Bill

no words can suffice  {#Hearteyes}{#Hearteyes}{#Hearteyes}

 

{#Tongue-out} ya ya ya  woo-hoo 
Cabaret Dylan?
She is also a talented clawhammer banjer with a delightful smooth style, and exceptionally knowledgeable on early American music, African influences, etc.
The lady's got some pipes.
 meauclaire wrote:
Rhiannon Giddens is fantastic.

 
Yes, she is an extraordinary talent, and a nice person - very down-to-Earth.
Live: dream a little dream
A lost and found Bob Dylan song circa 1967.
Very interesting.  Had not heard this before.
Had to bump this to a 9. So powerful!
Not heard this before. I like!
 hayduke2 wrote:
cannot get anything done when I hear Rhiannon, quite beautiful : )

 
i suffer too.   she has IT whatever IT is.    i feel 12 again and want posters of her on my bedroom wall.    wife doesnt understand.
Solid set thank you (Nina, Plant, John Lee and Rhiannon! Mmmmmm another fabulous voice : )
Oh this be good.
Wow! thanks Bill

no words can suffice  {#Hearteyes}{#Hearteyes}{#Hearteyes}
cannot get anything done when I hear Rhiannon, quite beautiful : )
Rhiannon Giddens is fantastic.
Gorgeous
 danmaiullo wrote:
Sung by Rhiannon Giddens of the Carolina Chocolate Drops. I haven't heard a more beautiful voice. Excellent!

 
She has an amazing voice. Still, not one of my fave songs from this album. I probably have to just be in the mood....
 calle01 wrote:
Why??

 
...are you still here?  That's an excellent question.
 danmaiullo wrote:
Sung by Rhiannon Giddens of the Carolina Chocolate Drops. I haven't heard a more beautiful voice. Excellent!

 
{#Clap}
Sung by Rhiannon Giddens of the Carolina Chocolate Drops. I haven't heard a more beautiful voice. Excellent!