HARDWICK’S LOFTY TOWERS
Words and music by Sarah McQuaid
Recorded on The Plum Tree and The Rose (2012)
The boy to whom I first was wed
Was dead within the year
I cried many an angry tear
In widow’s weeds I pleaded for my dower
I wasn’t thinking then of Hardwick’s lofty towers
Of Hardwick’s lofty towers
Another match was found for me
And he was wise and kind
Strong in body and in mind
He loved me well, with children I did flower
I was on my way to Hardwick’s lofty towers
To Hardwick’s lofty towers
A widow I became once more
Before I’d reached my prime
Yet again cruel Fate was kind
As sweet William’s wife my life’s happiest hours
Were spent far away from Hardwick’s lofty towers
From Hardwick’s lofty towers
A dreadful thing then came to pass
Alas, he was struck down
And though another match I found
The joy I gained did wane and turn sour
I consoled myself with Hardwick’s lofty towers
With Hardwick’s lofty towers
Bess of Hardwick is my name
My fame is ensured
By my works and by my words
I built my castle tall for all to admire
I have left my soul in Hardwick’s lofty towers
In Hardwick’s lofty towers
I have carved my name in golden letters in the sky
So that those who follow after me
Will know that I was born and died
