Fair Helen o Kirkconnel

A dramatic film inspired by the Scots ballad Fair Helen o Kirkconnel performed by singer songwriter Emily Smith. Based on a true story, filmmaker David Kotrba captures the powerful narrative of jealousy, revenge and eternal love.

Fair Helen o Kirkconnel

I wish I was whaur Helen lies
For nicht and day on me she cries
For nicht and day on me she cries
I wish I was whaur Helen lies
On fair Kirkconnel Lee

O Helen fair, O Helen chaste
Were I with thee, I would be blest
Were I with thee, I would be blest
Where thou lies low and at thy rest
On fair Kirkconnel Lee

O Helen fair beyond compare
I’ll mak a garland o thy hair
I’ll mak a garland o thy hair
Wrapped roon my hairt for evermair
Until the day I dee

But curse the heart that hatched the thought
And curse the hand that fired the shot
I curse the hand that fired the shot
When in my airms my Helen dropped
And died for sake o me

But think na ye my hairt was sair
My love drappit doon and spak nae mair
I laid her doon wi muckle care
O think na ye my hairt was sair
On fair Kirkconnel Lee

For I fund ma foe behin a waw
I lichted doon ma sword tae draw
Stern was oor strife on Kirtle Shaw
As I hacked him intae pieces smaw
Wha taen ma love frae me

I wish I was whaur Helen lies
For nicht and day on me she cries
I wish I was whaur Helen lies
On fair Kirkconnel Lee
I wish I was whaur Helen lies

Fair Helen o Kirkconnel