Page type: lyric reference
Artist: Richard Thompson
Canonical path: /richard-thompson/sir-patrick-spens
Related lyric paths: 6
Video embedded: yes
Lyric guide
Sir Patrick spens
Read Sir Patrick spens lyrics by Richard Thompson on LyroVerse, with linked artist context and related song paths.
person
Curated by Ethan Walker
LyroVerse team
Reference snapshot
The page facts to cite before the commentary
Use this page for the lyric text, linked artist context, and any LyroVerse editor's note attached to the song. Listener comments remain user-generated and should not be treated as the primary source.
Lyrics
Sir Patrick spens
The lyric stays readable and compact here; the note and related paths sit nearby so you do not lose the song while looking for context.
The King sits in Dunfirmline town, drinking of the blood-red wine
"Where can I get a steely skipper to sail this might boat of mine?"
Then up there spoke a bonny boy, sitting at the King's right knee
"Sir Patrick Spens is the very best seaman that ever sailed upon the sea"
The King has written a broad letter and sealed it up with his own right hand
Sending word unto Sir Patrick to come to him at his command
"An enemy then this must be who told the lie concerning me
For I was never a very good seaman, nor ever do intend to be"
"Last night I saw the new moon clear with the new moon in her hair
And that is a sign since we were born that means there'll be a deadly storm"
They had not sailed upon the deep a day, a day but barely free
When loud and boisterous blew the winds and loud and noisy blew the sea
Then up there came a mermaiden, a comb and glass all in her hand
"Here's to you my merry young men for you'll not see dry land again"
"Long may my lady stand with a lantern in her hand
Before she sees my bonny ship come sailing homeward to dry land"
Forty miles off Aberdeen, the waters fifty fathoms deep
There lies good Sir Patrick Spens with the Scots lords at his feet
Quick answers
What this page can answer fast
Who performs "Sir Patrick spens"?
Richard Thompson performs "Sir Patrick spens", and this lyric page sits inside the Richard Thompson catalog on LyroVerse.
Are there related songs to explore after "Sir Patrick spens"?
Yes. The related section below points to Bogie's bonnie belle and A heart needs a home with a short reason for opening each page next.
Where can I find more songs by Richard Thompson?
Use the artist link near the top of the page or the related paths section below to keep moving through Richard Thompson's lyric pages.
Song Room
Open Song Room
Interpretations, questions, and corrections for this song
Interpretations, questions, memories, and correction notes live together here. The room stays noindex while the best insights are reviewed.
Listener comments
What people are saying
No listener comments on Sir Patrick spens yet.
A strong comment here is specific: the phrase you keep hearing, the mood you come back for, or the reason this song stays in rotation.
Sign in to post the first listener note. Reporting stays open to everyone.