In fairy tales, there is often a trial or hurdle the protagonist has to overcome, in order to win their heart’s desire. Sometimes, it is a great journey, and the image of wearing out iron shoes has appeared in several.
This song is in the style of the Cantigas that pilgrims used to sing on their way to various holy sites in Europe and the Middle East during the Middle Ages.
- I don’t know where I’m going
- And I don’t care where I’ve been
- For I search for my true lover
- Stolen by a witch’s whim…
- Stolen by a witch’s whim, aye
- Stolen by a witch’s whim
- I’ll wear iron shoes to ribbons
- And my true love I will win
- He was my own true lover
- ‘Til I fell to dire need
- He bargained with a foul witch
- And thus he was deceived…
- And thus he was deceived, aye
- And thus he was deceived
- I’ll wear iron shoes to ribbons
- And my true love I will free
- The favor he had traded
- For my life was dearly bought
- She gave him healing potions
- By his oath he was caught…
- By his oath he was caught, aye
- By his oath he was caught
- I’ll wear iron shoes to ribbons
- So she will keep him not
- And so she’s stolen my love off
- To a land so far away
- Thus I must travel onward
- I will find him soon I pray…
- I will find him soon I pray, aye
- I will find him soon I pray
- I’ll wear iron shoes to ribbons
- I will find my love someday!
- (Repeat First Verse)