The tree on the hillside grows straight and so true
And it is a fine place as so many folk knew
And many a yeoman who yearned to be free
Came and danced in the shade of the old dancing tree
Oh the borders are hard and a fierce place to live
And the people there take and there’s nothing to give
But if you will take back what’s yours then you’ll see
The sun rise and shine on the old dancing tree
The hungry and homeless, well what is their life
But struggle, starvation and hardship and strife
But don’t raise your voice, or you’ll hear the decree
That will send you one day to the old dancing tree
The tax men will take every coin that you make
And spare you no crumb, not for dear mercy’s sake
If they see you hold back just a penny or three
They will make you a date at the old dancing tree
With thieves and with killers, with outlaws and all
There’s many an honest man answered the call
To give up his labour and there will he be
To dance his last jig at the old dancing tree
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