Robert Munslow was the last Sin-Eater in England. This was a person, generally poor, or
an outcast, who would perform a ritual of eating a small meal over the body of someone who had died without first confessing their sins, which would then be absorbed. Subsequently, the Sin-Eater would be feared and reviled as having a black soul.
Richard died in 1906 and is buried in St Margarets’ Church, Ratlinghope, Shropshire.
Lyrics
© Phil Marshall June 2022
Black Heart
I go by the name of Richard Munslow, my burden it weighs heavy on my mind
I eat the sins of the parted, and I am the last of my kind
I came from Ratlinhope parish, I had a good life farming the land
A wife and 4 children were blessed unto me
Fore Death raised his cold bony hand
Chorus
So I’ll break my bread, as you lay down dead
Your body is my table so cold
And I’ll eat my fill, as you lie so still
And your sins will blacken my soul
I aided in the passing of my family, their small bodies laid out to rest
And I ate what I was able, upon that lifeless table
And took away their sins unconfessed
Chorus
So I’ll break my bread, as you lay down dead
Your body is my table so cold
And I’ll eat my fill, as you lie so still
And your sins will blacken my soul
I’m shunned by the people of the parish, no-one will ever meet my eye
They only come to call, for the chance of redemption
Before they say their final goodbye
Bridge
For your soul to save, I’ll take your sins to my grave
Before I’m chased away from your door
But you will call again, and say the last Amen
As you will need my services once more
I go by the name of Richard Munslow, my burden it weighs heavy on my mind
Now I am black of heart, for I’ve pawned away my soul
And I am the last of my kind
Chorus
So I’ll break my bread, as you lay down dead
Your body is my table so cold
And I’ll eat my fill, as you lie so still
And your sins will blacken my soul
And I’ll eat my fill, as you lie so still
And your sins will blacken my soul
I give easement and rest now to thee, dear man
Come not down the lanes or in our meadows
And for thy peace, I pawn my own soul. Amen