The Wicker Man - Damh the Bard

The Wicker Man
Inspired by the many Wicker Man ceremonies that are becoming more and more popular at Pagan festivals. This video shows photos taken from the Anderida Gorsedd Wicker Man camp.

Lyrics copyright Damh the Bard 2014
Gather branches of hazel,
Oak and ash and thorn,
Tie them with a green willow,
Blessed by a crown of horn,
The corn headless before us,
Falls down to the scythe,
Weave him with thanksgiving,
Place the Corn Doll inside.

Give thanks to our Mother,
And the Green Man of the Spring,
Thank the Goddess of Harvest,
Thanks to the Fallen King,
The three men from the west.
Their fortunes for to try,
And they did all agree,
John Barleycorn must die.

Chorus:
Wicker Man, oh Wicker Man,
Like a mighty God you stand,
You are guardian of our land,
Take our prayers oh Wicker Man.
Wicker Man, oh Wicker Man,
Like a mighty God you stand,
You are guardian of our land,
Take our prayers oh Wicker Man.

What starts with the smallest ember,
Is fed like blood through veins,
Kissed by a flaming arrow,
Aroused into towering flames,
Give our prayers of thanksgiving,
To life and John Barleycorn,
Death is a new beginning,
What dies shall be reborn.

Can you hear the chanting,
To the sound of Pagan drums,
Hear our voices singing,
The sacrifice begun,
The flames they will devour him,
See him bow his head,
Then we'll jump the fires burning,
The Wicker Man is dead....and we shall have our bread.

(Additional Chants)
Fire the arrow,
Let him burn!

Burn him, Burn him,
Burn him, Burn him,
Burn him, Burn him,
Burn him, Burn!

Credits
Released 03 January 2014
Written, arranged and performed by Damh the Bard.
Voices from the Wicker Man ceremony at the Mercian Gathering - Tim and Anna, and the circle.