"The Wife of Usher's Well" is a traditional English ballad that tells the story of a woman mourning the loss of her three sons, who have died at sea. She longs for their return and, through her deep sorrow, she invokes the supernatural to bring them back to her. In response to her plea, the sons return home for a brief visit, but they reveal that they cannot stay, as they belong to the spirit world. The ballad explores themes of grief, loss, and the bond between a mother and her children, ultimately highlighting the pain of separation.