Near Boston Town, Massachusetts' crown
In sixteen ninety-two
From a salty port came a bonny sort
Who alighted the ship Go True.
She smiled and then all the fishermen
Caught their hearts and a whistle blew.
Such a spell cast she over land and sea
Even cats gathered 'round to mew.
From Dorchester to Andover
And from Gloucester to Charlestown
No lass dare stay if the people say
She's a witch of the Salem Town!
As she made her way from the foggy bay
To the village where lived her kin
All the whisperings of her foreign things
Made it plain she did not fit in.
"Who might she be, this fair lady?"
Was the question at every ear.
"Lovely Agnes Lown from the County Down,"
Said the captain who brought her here.
From Dorchester to Andover,
And from Gloucester to Charlestown
No lass dare stay if the people say
She's a witch of the Salem Town!
In the weeks that passed she became aghast
At the conflict that did abound.
Though her healing arts won her many hearts
There were some who upon her frowned.
"Beware Ipswich! They'll impound you, witch!"
Said the fools, but replied the wise
"Nothing causes strife like a jealous wife
Or a judge who won't rein his eyes."
From Dorchester to Andover
And from Gloucester to Charlestown
No lass dare stay if the people say
She's a witch of the Salem Town!
At the harvest fair she displayed her ware
But authorities threatened death:
"Confess your sin, and you will win
Your name and living breath."
She said, "I'll die, wretched incubi!
To the noose, I am innocent.
As a ghost I'll haunt your every want
And let God govern where you're sent!"
From Dorchester to Andover,
And from Gloucester to Charlestown,
No lass dare stay if the people say
She's a witch of the Salem Town!
Who pays the debt in a power threat?
What are witches but tests of pride?
Well, a lass who stays may just get her ways
Unbeknownst from the other side.