So, I first started trying to write these lyrics in FAWM 2016; I found the incomplete song and once again did not complete them in FAWM 2024. But every time I looked at my notes, I knew I wanted to tell this story, so today I persisted in writing the missing stanzas ans filling in the blanks I'd left in various lines, until I had lyrics I thought were singable. And then I rewrote them again after trying to sing them, tried again, and then tweaked them some more before recording.

Sometimes, persistence pays off. I listened to the recording and wanted to add some soft percussion, something to give the atmosphere of a magical river.

I tried all four of my tongue drums trying to find a way to add some soft river sounds, which was a failure because I'm actually playing this in Bb rather than A. So then I tried my brass bell shaker, which just didn't sound right. Maybe a rain stick would be a better choice? More likely I will have to re-record it in A, which was my original plan, and go back to my smaller idiopan. But not today! I switched keys because the autoharp didn't sound in tune in A, and I didn't want to retune it right then. It's late, and autoharps have 36 steel strings.

I hope you enjoy my little fantasy story.

This may have started as a skirmish song, but if so, I don't have a record of that. Not that it matters, since I couldn't link it to the original skirmish even if I did. Hmm, I think I'm babbling, which is a sign I should go to bed.

#folk #filk #autoharp #singersongwriter #acousticonetake

Darkwood Home Deirdre M Murphy

            A                           D

There’s a gentle river in the darkwood A E Where young catlings and children play A D Splashing through weeds, chasing tadpoles, E A I keep the little ones safe through the day

D                       A

I am the river’s daughter E A I’ll guard your toddlers all day long D A But even a dryad has to sleep at night D A So Mamas, take your children home! E A Take your children home!

There are also monsters in the darkwood Growing children become foolish and bold Carving spears and hunting with the catlings They wander even when I scold

I am the river’s daughter I’ll teach your children all day long But I can only guide them when they stay in sight So Mamas, take your children home! Take your children home!

But then soldiers invaded the darkwood They killed the men and took the town The children fled to me; now I guard them If soldiers follow, I’ll be sure they drown

Yes, I am the river’s daughter I’ll raise you, my children, ‘till you’re grown We’ll guard each other by day and night And fight to protect our home! We’ll fight for our home!

Then one day, they spied on their old home Said the soldiers kept the women as slaves My children stood up, said we’re young but strong We’ll take weapons and hunt down those knaves

I am the river’s daughter I want to keep all my children safe with me But I understand why you must go and fight The men who invaded your home Who defiled your home!

Yes, I am the river’s daughter I’ll share my magic to help you through the fight And I will slay any slaver who follows you here So, children, bring your mamas home, Bring your mamas home

Copyright ©2026 Deirdre M Murphy (2/23/2026)