The Message

Written by: 
J. Martyn, traditional
24 Jan 1975

Every day and all night,
I'm trying to tell you're all right.
Every day and every night,
I try to tell you it's black and white.

And though I know it's your life and your time,
And I know that it makes you feel fine,
Don't you know that it's wrong,
If you let life do that to you, love.

Step we gaily on we go,
Heel for heel and toe for toe;
Arm and arm and row and row;
All for Mhairi's wedding.

Plenty herring, plenty meal,
Plenty fish to fill the creel.
Plenty bonnie bairns as well,
That's the toast for Mhairi.

Every day and all night,
You're trying to tell me you're all right.
Every day and all night,
You're trying to tell me it's black and white.

And though I know that it makes you feel fine,
And I know it's your life and your time,
Don't you know that it's wrong
If you let life do that to you, love.

Step we gaily on we go,
Heel for heel and toe for toe;
Arm and arm and row and row;
All for Mhairi's wedding.

Plenty herring, plenty meal,
Plenty fish to fill the creel.
Plenty bonnie bairns as well,
That's the toast for Mhairi.

Step we gaily on we go,
Heel for heel and toe for toe;
Arm and arm and row and row;
All for Mhairi's wedding.

Plenty herring, plenty meal,
Plenty fish to fill the creel.
Plenty bonnie bairns as well,
That's the toast for Mhairi.

sitenote:
Half of the lyrics of The Message are traditional; this is not accounted for on the label. The song is also known as Marie's Wedding. Though the song is a traditional, Martyn plays with the name of his daughter Mhairi here.

First release: