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Saint George

[John Kirkpatrick]

John Kirkpatrick recorded his own song for his 1978 album Going Spare. He commented in the album's sleeve notes:

Commissioned by the Hammersmith Folk Dance Club, now long since disbanded but with whom I spent many happy and formative years, for a special dance in honour of our patron saint.

Nearly 30 years later, in 2006, Martin Carthy sang Saint George with some new verses on Waterson:Carthy's album Holy Heathens and the Old Green Man.

This video shows John Kirkpatrick singing Saint George at the Royal Oak, Lewes on October 7, 2010:

Lyrics

John Kirkpatrick sings Saint George

Now I am Saint George and a God-fearing man,
I fight for Old England whenever I can,
With a banner in battle all foes to defy
Let “The Cross and Saint George” be your battle cry.

Chorus (after each verse):

And on my breast a red, red rose,
The flower of England wherever she grows.

With courage and valour I act out my days,
I seek for no honour, I ask for no praise.
My only desire is to handle the sword
And that England may flourish is all my reward.

Now I fought with the dragon and brought him to shame,
I was killed seven times but I still fought again.
I was killed seven times but it did me no ill
And God being willing I'll fight again still.

In the cause of all freedom my banner shall wave,
The oppressed and downtrodden my sword it shall save.
And kindle the hearts of all true-living men
That the victory be ours at the final Amen.

Martin Carthy sings Saint George

Well, I am Saint George and a God-fearing man,
I fight for Old England whenever I can,
With a banner in battle all foes to defy
Let “The Servant Saint George” be your battle cry.

Chorus (after each verse):

And on my breast a red, red rose,
The flower of England wherever she grows.

For I am Saint George and a champion bold,
I fought with the dragon and I laid him out cold.
I fought with the dragon and I brought him to slaughter
And by those means won the King of Egypt's daughter.

And I fought with the dragon and I brought him to shame,
I was killed seven times but I still fought again.
I was killed seven times but it did me no ill
And God being willing I'll fight again still.

I was struck out at seven seas into five score,
The like it was ne'er seen in England before.
And they gave me a challenge, no one it denies:
See how high he flew, see how low he lies

Now up goes Saint George, so fair and so fine,
A star on his breast, it like silver doth shine.
He kindles the hearts of all women and men
May the victory be ours at the final Amen.

Acknowledgements

John Kirkpatrick's lyrics were copied from the Going Spare booklets and slightly adapted to his actual singing on the record. Waterson:Carthy's version was transcribed by Reinhard Zierke. Thanks to Jonty Davis for correcting my mishearings.