Mossycoat by Emily Portman Lyrics

How do you like my new mossycoat, made with my mother's own hands
Knitted with night songs from her through, stitched with silver strands
She said, the world is wide, love, be careful what you wish for
For when you wear your new mossy coat, all your fancies will fly to the door

And how do you like my new silk dress, colour of birds in the air
I love to see the passers-by turn their heads, and stare
She said, watch for the magpies, love, with a fleck of gold in their eyes
They'll flock, and they'll flatter, they'll charm, and they'll chattеr
Then vanish to the skies

And how do you likе my velvet coat, with its golden filigree?
What use have I for a mossy old coat, now I wear such finery?
She said, sure you look fancy, love, but don't cast your old coat away
For gold may glitter in the sun, but moss glows in the shade

But I cast off my mossy old coat, and I throw it to the floor
And in a flash my finery fades, I'm back at my mother's front door
She said, the world is wide, love, the glamour addled your head
Come sit for a while, I'll show you how to use a needle and thread