Mari Lwyd Lyrics

In the hush of the winter, on a cold moonlit night,

A shadow appears in the pale silver light.

A skull clad in ribbons, with jaws open wide,

Comes the spirit of season—the Mari Lwyd's ride.

Through the frostbitten fields, they march with a song,

A spectral procession both merry and strong.

With lanterns aglow and voices that rise,

They bring ancient tales to the winter night skies.

"Will you let us inside?" the Mari does call,

Her hollow eyes gleaming in shadows that fall.

Her keepers sing verses, sharp wit they display,

A duel of rhymes in the old bardic way.

Oh, Mari Lwyd, on your ghostly parade,

Through the dark of the night, your legend won't fade.

With laughter and song, we welcome the cheer,

A haunting delight for the end of the year.

The household replies with verses so keen,

A playful resistance, though eerie the scene.

"Why should we let you within our door?

What blessings or gifts do you keep in your store?"

The Mari's keepers, with laughter and cheer,

Promise fortune and joy for the coming new year.

"If you open your door, your hearth shall be bright,

With warmth and with feasting to last through the night."

Oh, Mari Lwyd, on your ghostly parade,

Through the dark of the night, your legend won't fade.

With laughter and song, we welcome the cheer,

A haunting delight for the end of the year.

The Mari's jaws snap, her ribbons do dance,

A spectral companion in festive trance.

Her keepers stomp feet, their voices ring loud,

The household relents to the cheer of the crowd.

The doors swing wide, and the feast begins,

With cider and bread, the Mari grins.

For though she is death, she brings forth life,

Banishing shadows, dispelling strife.

Oh, Mari Lwyd, on your ghostly parade,

Through the dark of the night, your legend won't fade.

With laughter and song, we welcome the cheer,

A haunting delight for the end of the year.

As dawn breaks the spell and the Mari departs,

She leaves behind warmth in the people's hearts.

For the dance of the Mari, both eerie and sweet,

Is a song of connection, where spirits meet.