On Murk Mire Moor when the light is very poor
You barely see your hand before your face
But nights the sky is clear bringing all the stars so near
you can almost see them fall from outer space
On Murk Mire Moor this tale of which I'm sure
happened on one dark and freezing night
A traveller was lost among the heather and the frost
and desperate to see some welcome light
On Murk Mire Moor soft ground you must endure
You can lose your boots sucked down in the sog
Our traveller was tired and his legs became enmired
as he wandered ever deeper in the bog.

Oh Murk Mire Moor your fame I must abjure
You have kept so many good men out so late
At home the anxious bride prays with tears she has not cried
you will not lead her man to deathly fate

Our traveller came across the blue man i' the moss
a standing stone marking out the way
A figure stood aloft and with a smile his hat he doffed
and bid him both good evening and good day
He said he'd be his guide and swore he would not to hide
The traveller thought it strange he promised so
But he'd lost all his ideas so put aside his fears
and trusted him and with him he did go
The guide traversed the gorse carving out a winding course
and led him to the barrows called Three Howes
struck his stick upon the bank and offered up his thanks
Then they heard the sound of laughter and carouse

Oh Murk Mire Moor etc

The ground began to yield into a different field
where the land was full of sunshine, smiles and joy
The time became unfurled in this happy underworld
and he felt himself going back to being a boy
The people fed him goat and asked to take his coat
The air was warm with ancient scented smells
Our man seemed not to care or prepared to be aware
he might be victim of some magic spells
So they caroused through the day till the hour seemed so late
and darkness fell into this underworld
just as in the morning hour the sun came oe'r the Moor.
He was found beside the barrows stiff and curled.

Oh Murk Mire Moor etc

Some say this tale unreal another reason they will feel
is needed how our traveller died that night
Perhaps he lost a bet got into so much debt
or forgot his coat after some bar room fight
But no publican in Grosmont will aver to his avaunt
after drinking in his inn or hostelry
Glaisdale they shake their head give answers best unsaid
when you quote the loss of rings and jewellery.
So it still remains obscure what occurred on Murk Mire Moor
But don't go up there when the day has died
Beware of the blue man and if on him there should stand
another who will ask to be your guide.