The legendary “hag-witch”, Black Annis was reputed to inhabit a cave in the Danehills area of Leicester (the cave definitely did exist – it’s on an early OS map!). Near the cave was an old gnarled oak tree. She would hide in the tree and pounce on any animals or children that came near the cave. She would devour them, suck the blood and wear the dried skins around her waste. She had sharp claws, mackerel blue skin and, according to some sources, one eye. It is possible that the legend was used by parents to frighten naughty children into obedience! As late as 1942 some evacuee children recounted being told the tale of Annis. She could also appear as a cat and, apparently was still around in 1485, when her spirit entered the body of one “Meg” who placed a curse on Richard lll as he crossed Bow Bridge before his final fatal battle. Some sources claim that Black Annis was in fact, like King Lear, a manifestation of an old Celtic goddess called Danu.
lyrics
1. Sired by a wolf quite possibly, but of uncertain pedigree,
One of many tales that are spoke, of her cave by that old gnarled oak,
2. She’ll steal a sheep or a child that strays, suck the blood and the flesh she’ll taste,
Hang the skins out there to dry or wear them tied around her waist.
The good die young or so they say, could be why she’s still around today,
Somewhere lurking down Danehills way, Patiently in wait she’ll lay
So you’ll still need to take great care, don’t go near Black Annis’s lair!
3. From hert cave they say she clawed a tunnel right down to the Soar,
And used this passage quick and clear, to find the tomb of old King Lear.
4. Not a pretty sight presented, sharp nails and skin of mackerel blue,
Down by the grove where the druids last wented, through til 1942
The good die young or so they say, could be why she’s still around today,
Somewhere lurking down Danehills way, Patiently in wait she’ll lay
So you’ll still need to take great care, don’t go near Black Annis’s lair!
5. The cave filled in the oak was felled, and carved into a fine oak bed,
But cursed were those who slept therein, just like King Dick, well, enough said!
6. On that fateful day she was there to curse him, on that old Bow Bridge his spurs made a spark,
Stripped of his pride on his return, on that day she played her part..
The good die young or so they say, could be why she’s still around today,
Somewhere lurking down Danehills way, Patiently in wait she’ll lay
So you’ll still need to take great care, don’t go near Black Annis’s lair!
7. Once it was thought a man had slain her, screams were head 5 miles away,
But don’t think you have heard the last of her she’ll bide my time and come back one day.
8. She still lives on in Super Nintendo, Dungeons and Dragons, Discworld too,
And in that ladies morris team, even got an entry on “Who’s Who?”
(she could by hiding down your loo!)
The good die young or so they say, could be why she’s still around today,
Somewhere lurking down Danehills way, Patiently in wait she’ll lay
So you’ll still need to take great care, don’t go near Black Annis’s lair!
I write both serious and comedy songs. 6 solo CDs to date and collaborations with Steve Cartwright -"Legends of
Leicester/Leicestershire". "All at Sea" shantyish album. Folk based for the most part - when people ask where the ideas come from I can say with honesty -"not drugs!!".. Currently working on a new album "Aspects of Lurve" hopefully out later in 2024....more
