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The Prickly Bush
The story behind the song
This traditional folk song tells a stark story of impending doom, as a condemned person on the gallows tree sees their brother approaching, who insists he has not come to see them hung. The lyrics paint a picture of finality and a desperate, perhaps futile, longing for escape from the prickly bush of their fate. Steeleye Span, known for their role in the British folk revival, frequently drew from traditional songs like this one, often including Child Ballads in their repertoire. It's a song that channels the raw emotion of a life hanging in the balance, a moment of tragic recognition.
Story time
The Prickly Bush
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The Prickly Bush
by Steeleye Span
Chords in this song · guitar
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Lyrics and compositions © their respective songwriters and publishers. Free for personal practice.
About The Prickly Bush Chords by Steeleye Span
Learn how to play The Prickly Bush by Steeleye Span with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “The Prickly Bush chords”, “The Prickly Bush guitar chords”, or “Steeleye Span The Prickly Bush chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy The Prickly Bush chords and for experienced players who want accurate The Prickly Bush lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include C, G, F, D, Em.
FAQ — The Prickly Bush by Steeleye Span
How do I play "The Prickly Bush" by Steeleye Span on guitar?
Open the free chords for "The Prickly Bush" by Steeleye Span on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.
Are the chords for "The Prickly Bush" by Steeleye Span free?
Yes. The chords for "The Prickly Bush" by Steeleye Span are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.
Can I transpose "The Prickly Bush" to a different key?
Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "The Prickly Bush" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.
Can I see chord diagrams for "The Prickly Bush"?
Yes. Tap any chord in "The Prickly Bush" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.
Is "The Prickly Bush" easy to play on guitar?
Many players learn "The Prickly Bush" by Steeleye Span with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Steeleye Span below.
What key is "The Prickly Bush" in?
The chords for "The Prickly Bush" show the original chord names (including C, G, F, D, Em). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.