The Tiller Song by Nancy Kerr (2002) Run aground in green water Red bricks and mortar are waiting for me Put to grass in the bright gorse Spray and white horses are waiting for me Chorus: Turn your hand to the tiller Time the old river ran into the sea Sunset forces the day down Spray and white horses are waiting for me Still the drone of the tiller Drilling its river tone under your hand Set the brass to the wet grass Out of the water and onto the land Chorus Steer her deep through the tunnel Grey and green waters are waiting for me Clear a leap from the gunnel Swaying its water dance under your feet Evening caught her in shallow Water of green running into the sea Leave me fallow ’til day dawns Spray and white horses are waiting for me Chorus x 2 Nancy Kerr, who wrote this song, lived on boats on the Kennet and Avon Canal for twelve years. She discusses this, and performs a couple of her canal songs, on the Folk on Foot podcast recorded in 2019. The official website for renowned fiddlesinger, songwriter and academic, Nancy Kerr, gives details of all her musical activities and recordings. My thanks to Nancy and James for providing the lyrics and allowing me to use them. Recorded on : ‘Between the Light and the Dark’ Nancy Kerr & James Fagan Fellside Recordings FECD167 (2002)