Name: Foreignlander
Duration: P00H05M03S
Description: There are only a handful of variants of this old ballad in the mountains. Jean Ritchie recorded a version, and I believe the Hammons Family did as well. I've started to suspect that Tim O'brien may have composed the third lyric. I came up with the fourth verse because it is such a beautiful song, I just wanted to keep singing. (Wm.)

Foreignlander

from William Ritter & Sarah Ogletree by William Ritter

	/

Streaming + Download

Includes high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more. Paying supporters also get unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app.

Purchasable with gift card

name your price
Buy the Full Digital Album

about

There are only a handful of variants of this old ballad in the mountains. Jean Ritchie recorded a version, and I believe the Hammons Family did as well. I've started to suspect that Tim O'brien may have composed the third lyric. I came up with the fourth verse because it is such a beautiful song, I just wanted to keep singing. (Wm.)

lyrics

I've been a foreign lander, for seven odd years or more;
Among the brave commanders, where the loud beasts howl and roar.
I've conquered all my enemies, on land and on the sea;
But you my dearest duel, your beauty has conquered me.

I could build a ship of love, without the wood of trees,
That ship would burst asunder if I proved false to thee.
If ever I prove false love, the elements will mourn,
The fire will freeze to ice, love, the sea will rage and burn.

Can’t you hear the mournin' dove, She flies from pine to pine
mournin' for her own love, the way I mourn for mine
I lie awake out in the night, I see the shining stars,
I wonder if you see them too wherever you are

I wish I was a hummingbird with wings I’d fly so high
I’d set my course to you love, cross any waters wide
I’d set my course to you love, cross any raging sea
Or over any mountains high between my love and me

credits

from William Ritter & Sarah Ogletree, released July 11, 2015

license

about

William Ritter Bakersville, North Carolina

William Ritter is a native of Bakersville, NC William plays banjo, fiddle, guitar, and other "string-ed things." He is particularly interested in old apple trees, family heirloom seeds, and mountain humor. In 2019, he received the *In These Mountains* Folklife Apprenticeship Grant from the NC Arts Council to study with ballad singer extraordinaire, Bobby McMillon. ... more

contact / help

Contact William Ritter

Streaming and
Download help

Report this track or account

If you like William Ritter, you may also like:

Dakota Blue Moon
by Jackson Harden

Gorgeous acoustic Americana from North Carolina, stripped-back and sublime. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 5, 2023
go to album
Lammas Fair
by Henry Parker

Singer-songwriter Henry Parker puts his own spin on the classic sounds of '60s and '70s British folk on this wilderness-inspired new LP. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 9, 2021
go to album
Steady Away
by Chris Brain

The latest from the UK’s Chris Brain is a gorgeously wrought album of tender acoustic folk music. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 17, 2023
go to album
Cinema
by Skylar Gudasz

Durham, NC singer-songwriter Skylar Gudasz makes intimate Americana delivered with dry wit and stunningly precise vocal acumen. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 14, 2020
go to album
Songs of my land
by Chiyomi Yamada

Ancient Japanese folk songs are presented with Western folk-pop arrangements to haunting, elegant effect. Bandcamp New & Notable Feb 13, 2024
go to album
Anásana
by Maroulita de Kol

An stunning debut that explores Greek folk tradition through a dreamy musical ecosystem. Bandcamp Album of the Day Jul 31, 2023
go to album
Endurance Soundly Caged
by Stick In The Wheel

Adapting their calculated standards into a raw, live setting, the radical UK folk duo rework six highlights from their spellbindincatalogue. Bandcamp New & Notable Dec 7, 2022
go to album