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Bringing in the Sheaves
The Marcher Songbook Acknowledgements: Marcher cultural traditions are so rich and varied that it would not be practical to include every known song in one volume – you’d need a wagon to carry it around! However, in this book we aim to provide a good variety, both traditional and recently composed, for singing in a wide variety of situations. No-matter what time of year, whether you are in the tavern or preparing to fight, cheering on a game of foot-theball, at a funeral or ritual, or wishing to woo a lad or lass – we hope you will find something here that fits the bill. We hope this inspires you to gather more Marches songs or perhaps write your own! We would like to thank the following for helping to produce this songbook: House Ramsbruck: Annis of Ramsbruck, Jennet of Mourn, Kit Barbourne, Gerald Merrowvale. Merrick's Travelling Company: Rowan and Silas Merrick. Printed by Estampador Barossa de Ragario Tassato. The Marcher Songbook Contents: Page Page Battle and rousing songs: 1 Bringing in the Sheaves 1 A Marcher At My Side 2 Marcher Battle Song 4 Rebel March 5 Singing Them In 6 Who'll come and join the Beaters 7 Marcher folk 8 Whose Pigs 8 Ram of Ramsbruck (about many groups!) 9 Talbot Song 10 Ramsbrucks O! 11 Gallant Archer 12 In the Tavern 13 Drummer Girl 13 A bag On Her Head 14 The Domestic 16 Hawthorn 18 Foot-the-ball 20 Pull Down Below 22 Safe and Sound 23 The Three Landskeepers 24 Chopping Wood 25 The Seasons 26 Spring: Jack in the Green 26 Green Mist 27 Green George 28 Summer: Steal Out 30 Autumn: Wassail Song 31 Apple Wassail 32 Winter: Winter: The Snow in the Stubble 34 Yew 35 Love 36 Golden Fields of Hay 36 Harvest Time 37 Woodchips in My Hair 38 Funerals and laments 39 Bury My Broadsword 39 Harvest of the Mournwold 40 Lay Me Low 41 Marcher Dirge 42 Only Remembered For What We Have Done 43 Bringing in the Sheaves D G 4 Though its 5 way past G Bm G rank and file and de fies Bm A will out Bm D ways, we're we're diff bring ing D G erent ways and joy we're in in A wa gons ra ttle the us all We can the sheaves. G A shea ves Though we work in Bring ing Though we work the in Bm the sheaves. 3.What lay dormant in the soil Is wakened by the kiss of summer So the fruits of yesteryear Become the years new corn Every stem has at its core, part of those who went before In turn they will be kept in store By bringing the sheaves Chorus: Bringing in the sheaves We're bringing in the sheaves Though we work in different ways We're bringing in the sheaves Chorus: Bringing in the sheaves We're bringing in the sheaves In turn they will be kept in store By bringing in the sheaves 2. Though we started from the land Some of us do roam abroad The hand upon the gliding plough Is not for everyone Changing seasons help us see Those who hear a different drummer Though not in one harmony We're bringing in the sheaves 4. In conclusion bear in mind What example has begun What today you do in kind Has power for everyone True strong aims will pass along To your daughters and your sons So may they in years to come Be bringing in the sheaves Chorus: Bringing in the sheaves We're bringing in the sheaves So may they in years to come Be bringing in the sheaves 1 in D 1. Though it's way past harvest time Some still toil and wagons rattle Corn still stands in rank and line And defies us all We can see it in our past Blood will out and joy will battle Though we work in different ways We're bringing in the sheaves Chorus: Bringing in the sheaves We're bringing in the sheaves Though not in one harmony We're bringing in the sheaves in G G ing see it D Bm Bm bring G Bm will ba ttle G bring ing A sheaves, some still toil and D Blood D 18 vest time, A D diff erent 22 in G Bm D G in our 14 har D Corn still stands 10 past (Song by Jim Boyes) A Marcher At My Side Lyrics are on the next page. 86 D 1.Well 6 once G a far mer out in spring time G and put down and the au tumn my plough ing, took my bill the gall ant arm y that's the hook in my of Bre gas G talk a bout your High guard and your ter mark G Mi li Free born Pr tia and your Daw D ny o va the glo rious Em nish Vo lun Strong Reed, with a Mar 2 and Chorus: pire land. You can teers Your teers Or D wide For I'd soo ner be a D A 31 hand A A ther ar my But D E7 22 Win I grain D pride D a rain A A joined 26 reaped D 18 the sun D I've 14 in A D sowed the fields 10 I was cher at my side (to the tune of "The Gallant Forty Twa") A Marcher At My Side (continued)… 1. Well once I was a farmer Out in the sun and rain I sowed the fields in springtime And reaped the autumn grain But I've put down my ploughing, Took my billhook in my hand And joined that gallant army That's the pride of Bregasland Chorus (ending with "For I'd sooner be a Beater, with a Marcher at my side") 5.I bargain with Eternals, I circle and recite To bring the crops to fruitfulness Heal blemish and the blight And now, intoning in the fray Unarmed, no plate, no chain This Upwold Keeper strives to keep His fellow Bounders sane Chorus: You can talk about your Highguard And your Freeborn Privateers Your Wintermark militia And your Dawnish Volunteers Or any other army, The glorious Empire wide For I'd sooner be a Strong Reed, With a Marcher at my side. Chorus (ending with "For I'd sooner be a Bounder, with a Marcher at my side") 6.The sickle that scythed through the grain Now reaps a grimmer yield And the billhook that repaired the hedge Lays waste upon the field The Strong Reeds stand unbowed, unbent Against the coming storm And now we thresh right through them Like a flail through the corn 2.Well I was a musician Across the land I'd play From the taverns down in Wayford To the golden fields of Hay But now I am a drummer And I've laid my harp aside And now I march to battle Proudly at the Bounders' side Chorus (ending with "For I'd sooner be a Strong Reed, with a Marcher at my side") Chorus (ending with "For I'd sooner be a Bounder, with a Marcher at my side") 7.Where the land once echoed With hammer striking steel The rhythm of the lathe and loom, The weapon-maker's zeal The gathering troops now gird their loins With the fruits of sweat and blood: The gambeson, the mail shirt, The hauberk and the hood 3.Well I was once a Friar A pilgrim on the Way My nights were spent in prayer And I tended herbs by day But I've left the monastery And I'm armed with mace and shield And now I preach to Tom Drake's army On the battlefield Chorus (ending with "For I'd sooner be a Marcher, with my fellows at my side") Chorus (ending with "For I'd sooner be in Tom Drake's, with a Marcher at my side") 4.Once I was a trapper Culling vermin on the farm But I yearn to use my bow skills To do a greater harm So now I've left the copses Where the fox and deer abide To go to cull the enemy, The Beaters at my side 3 Marcher Battle Song Note: Parallel fifths work well as a harmony! Em 4 46 4 Mar cher lass es, 5 your plough shares Leave your homes and in a long and to swords: the be join with me fore your farms Em D time has come to take up arms. Em Hear the horns the bea ters blow Our D Em foes will fall leave Em D Come 12 Em Beat 9 Mar cher lads, A the scythe, From earth we come, to Em earth we go 1. Marcher lasses, Marcher lads, Leave your homes and leave your farms Beat your ploughshares into swords The time has come to take up arms 3. We are stout and we are strong Marcher folk will never yield We shall never be afraid With Virtue as our shining shield Repeat Repeat Chorus Chorus: Come along and join with me Hear the horns the Beaters blow Our foes will fall before the scythe From earth we come, to earth we go 4. Those that stand before us now They shall reap just as they sow Their bodies will enrich our soil Their blood will make the barley grow Repeat 2. Join me marching ever on With your billhook in your hand Feel the ground begin to shake When Marchers fight for Marcher land Chorus x 2 Repeat Chorus 4 (to the tune of "Hughie Graeme") 4 Rebel March Chorus: Dm 4 Rise up now and 5 Dm Sis ter side by 9 Verse: C I 13 shall have no Dm Sow no corn and Dm C break your side with bro sha ckles ther Join us now and 'Till we march ten march a long thou sand Dm lord or reap no mas ter har vest Chorus: Rise up now and break your shackles Join us as we march along Sister side by side with brother Till we march ten thousand strong C si tting in but strong his for land that's halls of stone ours a lone. 4.You who serve a cruel master You who long to be set free Take the yoke from off your shoulders Rise up now and follow me Chorus 1.I shall have no lord and master Sitting in his halls of stone Sow no corn and reap no harvest But for land that's ours alone 5.Raise your head and raise the banner Fall in now behind the drum Foes shall quail and tyrants tremble As they hear the Marchers come Chorus 2.I shall wear no leash and collar I shall be no rich man's hound Let the scraps from off his table Lie uneaten on the ground Chorus 3.Never more we'll bow and curtsy Never more we'll bend the knee Ours will be a bond of equals Forged in trust and loyalty Chorus 5 (to the tune of "Thaney" by Karine Polwart) Singing Them In by Kit Barbourne and Gerald Merrowvale Bm A 4 1.She 6 ba ttle be neath the chers full of me ttle glea ming leaves Chorus: Bri ngers D when 14 to Em Mar 10 sings them in in of sheaves G the woods are ring ing, with the And D clash of blade on helm the Em e cho of her sing ing will bring them all back home. She sings them into battle Beneath the gleaming leaves: Marchers full of mettle, Bringers-in of sheaves, Or touch them when they're dying In the deep parts of the wood, When roots and twigs are sighing For a fallen Marcher's blood Chorus: And when the woods are ringing With the clash of blade on helm The echo of her singing Will bring them all back home Chorus For the blood is blessed by singing Like the mulch spread on a field; A Marcher only spills it To bring a better yield. Farming men and women Whose toil proves their worth, Whose hearths are red and warming, Whose lives are fresh-turned earth. Chorus The spade became a weapon; The fork became a pike; No matter what may happen They're ready for their work: Chorus She sings them into battle: Who leave their homes and farms To fight for lands so fertile, For the child in her arms. Chorus x 2 Chorus 6 lyrics: Giles Watson music: Kathryn Wheeler Who'll Come and Join the Beaters? Note: This can be accompanied with a D (or D and A) drone but chords have been suggested below if preferred. Chorus: D 4 Who'll 5 Verse: join the Bea ters? come and join the Bea ters D 1.Ear ly 13 and D Who'll 9 come as the dawn was brea king, D Long and hard is the road be fore us Chorus: Who'll come and join the beaters? Who'll come along with me? Who'll come and join the beaters? Beating out the boundary! D A Who'll G bea ting come a long with me? A out D the boun da ry? A D we were up G Far to be A go fore the light D by day and night. Chorus 5.When the drums of war are beating When the horns begin to blow We'll be first into the battle Swift and strong against the foe 1.Early as the day was breaking We were up before first light Long and hard is the road before us Far to go by day and night Chorus Chorus 6.Here's a toast to the gallant beaters Gather round and raise your glass None so fine in all the empire Heroes every lad and lass 2.Roving through the silver chases Ranging wide across the fen Work to do and far to travel Till our road turns home again Chorus Chorus 3.Flushing out the thieves and cheaters Vagabonds and outlaw bands They'd do well to fear the beaters Bringing order to the land Chorus 4.Search for signs of unseen danger Scout ahead and seek the threat Track the spoor of hidden quarry Never failed to find them yet 7 (to the tune of "Wha Saw the 42nd") Whose Pigs Are These? Note: This song can be sung as a round, in which case best stick to the first verse. The places where each group comes in, in the round, have been indicated by asterisks. Up to four groups can do this round. The song can be sung a-capella, or accompanied by a G (and D) drone, or try the suggested chords if you are not singing the round. 4 G D 1.Whose 5 pigs are these? Whose D are 7 D G John Potts', Em you can tell them D C foud them in the pigs mon G are these? They Bm by the spots and I G a stery 1.Whose pigs are these? Whose pigs are these? They are John Potts', You can tell them by the spots And I found them in the monastery garden gar den. 8…It’s a Bolholt pig, You can tell because its big… 9…You can tell it’s had a bevvy With the Applewood Levy… 2...It's a Merrick sow And its bigger than a cow... 10…It belongs to a Beater: It’s a keeper, not an eater… 3...He's a Tusker boar, You should hear the bugger roar... 11…This pig’s from Dawn And they use it for porn… 4...They're King's Stoke swine, 'Cause they look so mighty fine... 12…It’s from the Brass Coast And we’re going to have a roast… 5...It's a Cullach boar: They've got them by the score... 13…Well it looks like pork But it’s actually an orc… 6...It's from Ramsbruck Keep 'Cause it's actually a sheep!... 7...It's a Talbot hog And it's loyal as a dog... 8 The Ram of Ramsbruck B 1.There 6 B F 86 of Rams bruck, he had three horns F stuck out of his head, Sir, and one of steel F7 C stuck out of his B if 15 a ram Cm Two 10 was heel and Cm you don't be lieve me verses 1-4 F Rams bruck They'll say and think C7 the same I tell a lie, F7 as I There 1. There was a Ram of Ramsbruck He had three horns of steel Two stuck out of his head, sir And one stuck out of his heel And if you don't believe me And think I tell a lie Just ask the folks of Ramsbruck They'll say the same as I 4. In Applewood a tree grew So mighty to behold The bark was made of brass, sir The apples made of gold And if you don't believe me And think I tell a lie Just ask the folks of Applewood They'll say the same as I 2. There was a hound of Talbots' His fur was soft and white He'd watch the sheep by day, sir And hunted wolves by night And if you don't believe me And think I tell a lie Just go and ask the Talbots They'll say the same as I 5.The Cullachs had a boar, sir It was a pious beast He'd preach the seven virtues As well as any priest And if you don't believe me And think I tell a lie Just go and ask the Cullachs They'll say the same as I 3. The Tuskers had a pig, sir A fierce and angry boar They'd dress it all in plate, sir And ride it off to war And if you don't believe me And think I tell a lie Just go and ask the Tusks of Mourne They'll say the same as I 6. There was a hound of Bolholt As cunning as a fox 'twas taller than a horse, sir And stronger than an ox And if you don't believe me And think I tell a lie Just ask the folks of Bolholt They'll say the same as I just ask last verse only F7 the folk say as the same of B I 7. A tower has stood in King's Stoke Since Marcher land was born, It's tall and thick and proud, sir, And broke the King of Dawn. And if... 7.The (group you want to offend) had a sow, sir Her lips they painted red They dressed her up in lace, sir And carried her off to bed And if... 8.The (offended party) had a pig, sir They dressed her all in green She made the bonniest bride, sir That they has ever seen And if... 9.And there's Jack of the Marches Who guides the marcher folk His plums are big as apples His shaft's a mighty oak And if you don't believe me And think I tell a lie Just go and ask the Marchers They'll say the same as I! 9 (To the tune of "The Derby Tup") Talbot Song Note: A march with a clear two beats in every bar which can be emphasized with drums or pounding tankards on tables! Chorus: 6 Ba 11 16 D call 19 Bm Tal 23 A fi nest sight I A 27 e D nner high and ver saw was the A G steel in hand To land a broad A fight for hearth and "Rise na tion slaved for a D A and draw G war home and land your 2.With blood ty rant lord 'till the D sword To fight with Ste ward A G bot off to Bm A 1.Long a go in a came, Tal bots mar ching D G Verse: G land shall be For Bm D Oh the D Em we'll earn our D A lib D those who'll march and er ty And G fight with me Be to the West our D neath the flag of Tal bot." Chorus Chorus: Oh the finest sight I ever saw Was the Talbots marching off to war Banner high and steel in hand To fight for hearth and home and land 5.See the table, richly laid Filled with fruits of all their trades Ne'er was such a welcome made As in the house of Talbot 1.Long ago in a land abroad A nation slaved for a tyrant lord Till the call came : 'Rise and draw your sword 'To fight with Steward Talbot' 6.Scribes and scholars, quick of mind Physicks skilful, swift and kind In every walk of life you'll find The talents of a Talbot 2. 'With blood we'll earn our liberty And to the West our land shall be For those who'll march and fight with me Beneath the flag of Talbot' Chorus 7.Now true and loyal I will stay And steadfast walk in Virtue's way And may I fall before the day I shame the name of Talbot Chorus 3.Where the soil is rich and black as peat And the roses grow so white and sweet They forged their steel in the furnace heat And made the house of Talbot 4.They raised an army, Mitwold's pride Who marched and fought at Tom Drake's side 'Till all the Empire far and wide Had heard the name of Talbot 8.Now on this day as days before I'll wield the blade my father bore Proud as my kin in days of yore To fight with Steward Talbot Chorus 10 lyrics: Jude Reid, Kathryn Wheeler music: Kathryn Wheeler Ramsbrucks O! Note: This song can be sung a-capella but some chords are suggested. 86 Em D 1.Take no scorn 5 D 17 wear the horn Em fa ther's mo 11 to D A Jo lly far mers O! D wel was come in the a tempo D a D A D We were up mmer to too. D long be fore the come in And win O! G A day O! molto rit. wel D Rams brucks To A O! May the A7 ming in A Chorus: G G su co D A it and your mo ther wore it Em mmer is the crest when you were born Your D Em 21 su It A ther wore A G The D ter's gone a way. O! 1.Take no scorn to wear the horn It was the crest when you was born Your father's mother wore it And your father wore it too There's wheat and barley in the fields And plenty more inside-o And to every traveller Our door is open wide-o Chorus: Ramsbrucks O! Jolly farmers, O! We were up long before the day-O To welcome in the summer, To welcome in the May-O The summer is a-coming in And winter's gone away-O There's some who craft and some who brew And some who work the land-o But when the call to battle comes Together we shall stand o Behold our merry minstrels Are here to sing and play So let us fill the flowing bowl And drink until the day 2.William and Annis Have both gone to the fair-O And we will to the merry green wood To hunt the buck and hare-O What happened to the Dawnish That made so great a boast-O? Why they shall eat the feathered goose And we shall eat the roast-O 3.Strength to all our generals With all their power and might-O And send us peace to Bregasland Send peace by day and night-O And as for Jack-of-the-Marches Our Jack's a farmer too-O He'll fight and drink and dance and play Alongside me and you-O! 11 Repeat first verse. (To the tune of "Hal An Tow") Gallant Archer Note: Chorus and verse share the same music. by Jennet of Mourn B 42 Who will 5 go Who will go of the Bre gas F his bo nnet See his ba nner E prou dly sway Gm His has drawn it And 1.Fighting in the woods of Chalcis Orcs and monsters all were killed Highborn, Freeborn all to safety Marchers last to leave the field A sudden rush from Orcish forces Loud and clear retreat did sound As the portal closed behind us Three bold men lay on the ground Chorus 2.Up then spoke Courageous Archer "Marchers we have all to do Jack can open up the portal But we must bravely step back through If they live we'll bring them back And celebrate our Loyalty And if they're dead we'll bring them home To lay beneath an apple tree." has flung the sheath Sweet Will's men? of the fen B Chorus: Who will go with gallant Archer? Who will go with Sweet Will's men? He's the flower of the Bregas And the darling of the fen See the white rose in his bonnet See his banner proudly sway His good sword he now has drawn it And has flung the sheath away Chorus And the dar ling Gm F now with E F in 14 Ga llant Ar cher B He's the flo wer 10 with E Gm See the white rose good sword he E a way. 3.Every faithful Marcher followed Strong as steady as the tide Returned into the field of battle Stoutly marching side by side Ever watchful, ever onward Generals, Captains, brave Yeomen, Scoured the dark and faced the danger To bring the Cullachs home again! Chorus 4.Of the three that day were rescued Two were wounded mighty sore And one did give his life for Empire Birchland did rise up no more So Marchers always stand together To make a loss of one from three Join me now in praise and song For William Archer's bravery! Chorus 12 (To the tune of "The Athol Gathering") Drummer Girl C G 4 1.When 6 I robbed me o pa ffi cer who young lass ran list C a ed me dru mmer girl, this way young C think you'll make lass So G a dru mmer girl, no land of D for said you G a with way, all D step 22 rents, en think you'll make 18 a 3 10 14 was just G to serve the are a fine young D so step this this way young D so step this 1.When I was just a young lass with no land of me own I robbed me parents, ran away, all for to serve the Throne The officer who enlisted me said you are a fine young lass And I think you'll make a drummer girl, so step this way young lass So step this way young lass, so step this way young lass And I think you'll make a drummer girl so step this way young lass 2.Me waist it being slender and me fingers neat and small At playing on the kettle drum I soon exceeded all I played upon the kettle drum as other drummers played I played upon the kettle drum and still remained a maid And still remained a maid (etc.) 3.I've frozen in Varushka and I've baked on the Brass Coast I've seen the Orcish armies and I've fought 'em more than most But I lay down with a laddie and my belly it did swell And I went straight to my officer my secret for to tell My secret for to tell (etc.) 4.The officer he looked at me and asked if it were true "Oh, such a thing in all the world I would not think of you" He shook me by the hand and then he smiled as he said "It's a pity we should lose you, such a drummer as you've made "A drummer as you've made (etc.) 5.So fare thee well my officer, you have been good to me And likewise all my comrades, I'm not forgetting thee And when my baby's safely with his granny on the fen I'll put on me cap and feather and I'll beat the drum again I'll beat the drum again (etc.) 13 my own I Throne The G lass and I G way young G step lass way young lass So And G lass I A Bag On Her Head lyrics: Rowan Merrick music: Silas Merrick (Lyrics on the next page) D verses: A 86 1.A 4 long time 2.Then one a fine go day A7 Em a a vi min llage near strel passed me by lived He D D A lice who was looked at this wre a young tch and crone said, Chil dren would scream at "You could go out and the not Em 7 in D sight of her face so scare all the folks if you D 1. D A al ways she lived so a just put a bag on your 2. D chorus: lone. head. A A 11 bag 1. on your head, a D 14 bag on your head Try to bag on your head go out with 2. D A 14 bag on your head. a A Bag on Her Head (continued)… A long time ago in a village near me Lived Alice who was a young crone Children would scream at the sight of her face So always she lived so alone One cold autumn day they went for a walk And the wind was blowing a gale It blew off the bag from Alice’s head And the miller turned suddenly pale Then one fine day a minstrel passed by He looked at this wretch and he said You could go out and not scare all the folks If you just put a bag on your head Chorus: A bag on her head, a bag on her head No longer had she had a bag on her head (x2) He sped down the road in shock and in fear Though pursued by demons from hell Then realised he’d miss holding her hand And her wonderful floury smell Chorus: A bag on you head, a bag on your head Try to go out with a bag on your head (x2) So Alice thought ‘well it’s worth a try’ And dug out an old flour sack And she cut out two holes for eyes to see And set out at a march up the track Chorus: A bag on her head, a bag on her head She always goes out with a bag on her head (x2) Chorus: A bag on her head, a bag on her head She tried going out with a bag on her head (x2) Alice, he said, will you be my wife But just one thing I must ask Double you bags in case of mishap And never again lose your mask It worked very well and though people stared No-body fainted or screamed So she used the same ploy for many a week And always it worked like a dream Chorus: Two bags on her head, two bags on her head She always goes out with two bags on her head (x2) So one summer day young Alice got wed And as promised she ne’er showed her face Her wedding gown had ribbons and pearls And the bag on her head had some lace Chorus: A bag on her head, a bag on her head She always goes out with a bag on her head (x2) After some time Alice met a young man And he was a miller by trade He was allured by the scent of her old flour sack And so he went courting this maid Chorus: Two bags on her head, two bags on her head She always goes out with two bags on her head (x2) Chorus: A bag on her head, a bag on her head She always goes out with a bag on her head (x2) 15 The Domestic by Kit Barbourne and Gerald Merrowvale G 4 1.A far D 5 mer hung from the fields G kit chen; His was si tting by the C stit ching, And Came in to C wife D 9 ry fire, A on the hob D there G patch work quilt G his a C hung a pot. Full of stew a G 13 pip ing D hot. His G sto mach grumb G led quite a lot, C To G Chorus: 16 taste it he was C it ching. D Oh ma rriage is a C mir a cle A C 20 sac ra ment of the Church, but G when D G lurch, For the priest has C 23 done his bit He leaves you in the 16 I've known wives to D G C C 27 thrash their hus bands, boil them a G live. Oh D marr iage is a G 31 mir a cle, Its a won der they sur vive! 1. A farmer, hungry from the fields Came into his kitchen His wife was sitting by the fire A patchwork quilt a-stitching And on the hob there hung a pot Full of stew, a-piping hot His stomach grumbled quite a lot To taste it he was itching 5. The wife climbed on the grey-lag goose, The farmer on the sow; He took a pitchfork in his hand Crying, "I'll impale the cow!" She swore that she would do him harm; She held her distaff in her arm, And all the chickens on the farm Came to watch the row. 2. He grabbed a ladle in his hand And sneaked a little taste But he spilt a drop of stew, Too clumsy in his haste. She threw a platter at his head And cursed the day that they were wed, "You greedy pig," the woman said, "My stew has gone to waste" (one verse-worth of chicken noises!) 6. And all the night the couple jousted 'Till both were black and blue, And when the sow and goose were tired They caught another two. So when your mistress wants a kiss, And wants to share in wedded bliss To have and hold or take the piss, My lad, its up to you. Chorus Chorus 3. "You bloody harpy," cried the farmer "You virago, you shrew! You ugly scold, you termagent! I'm sick to death of you! You bruised my head, you evil witch, When you should shut your gob and stitch, Oh bugger off, you idle bitch! I've had enough! We're through!" 4. "You fat old sod," the farmer's wife Replied, "You're so pathetic You're a bastard and a churl Your breath is an emetic You're a slob, you're bald and old An uncouth yob whose ardour's cold And the weapon that you hold's A strange sort of prosthetic" Chorus 17 lyrics: Giles Watson music: Kathryn Wheeler Beware the Hawthorn! Bad luck follows whenever a farmer cuts down a particularly magical hawthorn tree! (Lyrics on next page) by Kit Barbourne and Gerald Merrowvale C 1.At 6 Dm Am Sall ow's End, in Bre gas land, C would come from G fae fae rie haw F Am folks 10 a miles a round to see G thorn stood G its gnar C ly ssoms filled the air with a most won der ful wood Its F C rie blo and scent A 15 G C far mer took a migh G 20 ware, ty axe and F G to the tree he 1. C 2. C went A went Be F C be ware the haw thorn, lest it strike G you down, For 24 G if C you take an axe F to it, you'll rue 1. C that you were born, Be 2. C born. 18 lyrics: Giles Watson music: Kathryn Wheeler Beware the Hawthorn (continued)… 1. At Sallow’s End in Bregasland A faerie hawthorn stood, And folk would come from miles around To see its gnarly wood; Its faerie blossoms filled the air With a most wonderful scent – The farmer took a mighty axe And to the tree he went The farmer took a mighty axe And to the tree he went. He died of septicaemia Not many evenings after; The churchyard at the funeral Was filled with faery laughter (repeat last two lines) 2."I'm sick of all these nosy-parkers!" The angry farmer cried. He chopped it down; the jagged leaves Withered all and died. First the fellow broke his leg And then he broke his arm, And not long after that, ‘tis said That lightning struck his farm (repeat last two lines) 8. "I need this thorn for firewood!" And on the earthen hill; He raised his axe and chopped all night The hawthorn for to kill. And from that day no hen would lay, No fawn born in the wild, No cow would calf, or so they say, And no woman bear a child. (repeat last two lines) Chorus 7. At Graven Rock, it is said, A faerie hawthorn stood (etc). (Repeat rest of first verse) Chorus: Beware, beware the hawthorn Lest it strike you down For if you take an axe to it You’ll rue that you were born (x2) Chorus 9. On a scenic bit of Dawnish real estate, A faerie hawthorn stood And folk would come from miles around To see its gnarly wood; Its faerie blossoms filled the air With a most wonderful scent – A builder took a mighty axe And to the tree he went A builder took a mighty axe And to the tree he went. 3. At Greywater, I know it's true, A faerie hawthorn stood..(etc). (repeat rest of first verse) 4."I need this land to grow good rye, This tree is in my way!" But with one blow he dropped the axe And screaming, ran away, For blood ran out the cleavèd trunk As from a severed neck, And I’ve heard tell that ever since He’s been a nervous wreck (repeat last two lines) 10. The branches soon were cleared away, The trunk was chopped and piled; He built a mansion for an Earl, His lady, and their child, But all were dead, I've heard it said, Before the Mayday morn; And thus the May shall do to you If you chop down a thorn. (repeat last two lines) Chorus 5. In Ottery, last century, A faerie hawthorn stood (etc.) (repeat rest of first verse) 6. "I shall dispense with rituals, I need to plough this land!" He stopped and leant against a thorn And drove it through his hand. Chorus 19 Foot-the-ball "The households of Mitwold engage in feuding and bitter rivalry... [Here] many of the best known ball games are played, and it is a regular occurence for some dispute to be settled by a savage game of rugby, football or rounders" A legendary game between the towns of Wayford and Hay is celebrated in this song and also provides an origin myth for some local standing stones! by Kit Barbourne and Gerald Merrowvale C B G F G C G C G 8 D 4 (instrumental) 1. C G C C F G 2. 1.They C G glo rious summ Way ford and er's of G 21 26 30 game for all, for G un en cumb ered C F no thing like C none 2. day, And C 17 the D of us shall gol den fields, One ri val ry of C 1. 13 ga thered by the swore to sett le the Hay, D For G foot the ball's a C rich, for poor, for C G fools, The C bett er for being C F Chorus: by such things as G ball! rules. The ball, the C F fall! We, 20 There's G None shall G ball! ev er stop our play and C the March ers, me rry all, be C F G C G C F 34 smirched with mud and C grime, And G now we'll chase the ball for ev er, C 38 til the end of time. Chorus 1. They gathered by the golden fields One glorious summer's day And swore to settle the rivalry Of Wayford and of Hay For foot-the-ball's a game for all, For rich, for poor, for fools, The better for being unencumbered By such things as rules 5. And soon the Wayford boys seemed poised For one last dash victorious; One well-aimed shot through Hay's defence, The ending would be glorious! They'd pound their fists upon the bar, Get drunk on Hay's fine ale But then the fellow with the ball Turned ghastly white and pale: Chorus: The ball, the ball! There's nothing like the ball! None shall ever stop our play And none of us shall fall! We, the Marchers, merry all Besmirched with mud and grime And now we'll chase the ball forever, 'til the end of time. 6. The local killjoy, he stepped out "This is no time for play You should be all a-tilling crops Not entering the fray For you are all unvirtuous fools And nothing can atone!" The local killjoy waved his staff And turned them all to stone. 2. They kicked off at the Maiden Stone, The ball placed on the ground And as the ball bounced down the hill Each shot off like a hound Upon the ground behind the ball, Their feet beat like bass drums, And blue were the contusions They got from all the scrums. Chorus 7. But if that was their punishment Then none of them lamented; The killjoy was a craven fool To think that they repented: For all the days within the year Are now for foot-the-ball, And they shall be eternally Entangled in the brawl. Chorus 3. Two pipers played a merry jig, The music it was bracing, And loud were all the lusty shouts Of all who went a-chasing. Oblivious to all the rules Much to the ref's dismay One goalmouth was the Wayford Inn And one the Inn at Hay 4. Sometimes the ball went northward, And sometimes to the south, Sometimes a player had to spit The teeth out from his mouth. Sometimes they ran on through a hedge, Sometimes into a pond; At last the ball bounced to the south Through the barley and beyond. Chorus 21 Pull Down Below Note: A call and response song. Can be accompanied with a D (or D and A) drone and drumming. Some chords are suggested. Dm C 1.Sa lly lives in an 6 Dm old plan ta tion C in the na tion Pull down be low! Dm Pull down be She's the pre tti est C low! Oh Mar cher la ddie Pull down be C 12 Mar cher la ddie, bo nnie la ddie Dm low! Dm Pull down be low! Sally lives on an old plantation Pull down below! She’s the prettiest in the nation Pull down below! Chorus Oh Marcher laddie Pull down below Marcher laddie, bonnie laddie Pull down below For seven years he courted Sally (Pull down below) And all he did was dilly-dally (Pull down..) Chorus He bought no gowns, he bought no laces Didn’t take her out to fancy places Chorus Sally Brown she loved him dearly He had her heart so very nearly Chorus Sally Brown he wouldn’t marry And she no longer cares to tarry Chorus This laddie now he took a notion To sail away across the ocean Chorus x2 22 (adapted trad. folk tune "Pull Down Below") Safe and Sound solo: 4 1.Safe and sound 5 at home a gain the Gm F F Long we've tossed on the 10 Let B F Don't for get your roar ing main F old ship mate wa ter's roar Dm C Gm Dm Now we're safe a Jack shore Jack F Fol ly rol ly rol ly rol ly rye o! 1.Safe and sound at home again, let the waters roar, Jack Safe and sound at home again, let the waters roar, Jack Long we've tossed on the rolling main, now we're safe ashore, Jack. Don't forget yer old shipmate, folly rolly rolly rolly rye-o! 2.Since we sailed from Fishers Rock, four years gone, or nigh, Jack. Was there ever comrades, now, such as you and I, Jack? Long we've tossed on the rolling main.... 3.Oftentimes have we laid out, toil nor danger fearing, Tugging out the flapping sail to the weather earring. Long we've tossed on the rolling main.... 4.When the middle watch was on, and the time went slow, boy, Who could choose a rousing stave, who like Jack or Jo, boy? Long we've tossed on the rolling main..... 5.There she swings, an empty hulk, not a soul below now. Number seven starboard mess misses Jack and Jo now. Long we've tossed on the rolling main... 6.But the best of friends must part, fair or foul the weather. Hand yer flipper for a shake, now a drink together. Long we've tossed on the rolling main..... 23 (traditional folk tune) The Three Landskeepers A tale of how three landskeepers reject the life of a yeoman, preferring the pleasures of staying in bed and building standing stones! Sing over a D&A drone with some rhythmic strumming. Chords are suggested if preferred. by Kit Barbourne and Gerald Merrowvale 6 8 Dm 1.There 5 moor, were three ha ppy All three of them con lands keep ers Who ten ted; their sui lived be neath tors would im the plore: "O, E 10 ma rry us 15 fore you're old, We'll warm you in cold wea ther." Dm But 19 be A the keep ers scorned their lo vers "We're ha ppy here to Dm ge ther." 1.There were three happy landskeepers Who lived beneath the moor, All three of them contented; Their suitors would implore: "O, marry us before you're old, We'll warm you in foul weather." But the keepers scorned their lovers: "We're happy here together." 3."Such dreary chores," said Keeper Three, "'Tis better far in bed; Chores of this sort are for yeomen When all is done and said Let's make our way to yonder field, A three-stoned ring we'll build, A ton or two each mighty stone To prove that we're strong willed." 2.One morning these three keepers, They got up bright and early, One a redhead, one brunette, And one was blonde and curly. Said Keeper One to Keeper Two, "'Tis still before the dawn; Shall we do the laundry now Or shall we thresh the corn?" 4.Before they made their breakfast Their labours were constructive, And never at the crack of dawn Had they been more productive. Three keepers built a quoit of stones And, if I'm not mistaken, After that they well deserved Their eggs, fried bread and bacon. 24 Lyrics: Giles Watson music: Kathryn Wheeler Chopping Wood Inspired by wood chopping outside the Applewood Arms one cold and frosty Easter. Notes: Accompany with a D (or D&A) drone or strummed strings (chords suggested). Use a drum to simulate chopping. by Kit Barbourne and Gerald Merrowvale D 4 4 1.I'm cho pping wood, I'm cho pping wood, instrumental accompaniment suggestion: etc. 7 C Cho pping all day long I D C D keep an e ven rhyth m I work, you sing your song. 1. I'm chopping wood, I'm chopping wood Chopping all day long I keep an even rhythm I work, you sing your song 2. I'm chopping wood, I'm chopping wood I cut against the grain And when the wood is severed through I turn and chop again 3. .....the resin oozes slow It congeals against the blade It's how you whet your bow 4. ....I stoop, I bend, I sweat My blisters break, your fingers ache My drum is beating yet 5. ...Beneath the wintry skies And over farms and woods and hills The music never dies 25 lyrics: Giles Watson music: Kathryn Wheeler Jack in the Green Note: As an alternative to chords a D or D/A drone works well. Verse: 1.Now 8 Dm Am Dm 43 win ter is Am gain in our 15 To go Dm Green, Am ha ppy to gay And we're Dm C 22 ver I'm Dm ri bbons so Spring 28 o Jack in the a bout dan cing with C Green C say And a gain on the Am Dm Jack in the Green. Dm And we'll all Am dance each we're all met Dm all met Dm a first day of Dm Jack in the Spring time with Dm Jack in the Green. 1.Now winter is over I'm happy to say And we're all met again in our ribbons so gay And we're all met again, on the first day of Spring To go about dancing with Jack in the Green Chorus: Jack in the Green, Jack in the Green And we'll all dance each Spring time with Jack in the Green 2.Now Jack in the Green he's a very fine man He harvests each autumn, and sows every spring And each year on his birthday, we will dance through the street And in return our Jack he will ripen our wheat Chorus 3.With his mantle he'll cover the trees that are bare Our gardens he'll trim with his jacket so fair But our fields he will sow with the hair on his head And our grain it will ripen to make us fine bread Chorus 4. Now the sun is half up and it tokens the hour That the children arrive with their garlands of flowers So now let the music and the dancing begin And toast the good heart of our Jack in the Green 26 (traditional folk song) The Green Mist A young lass makes a ritual bargain with the Realm of Spring to end an overly long, cold Winter. She pays a harsh price. Upbeat, jazzy Refrain (all sing between each verse) 86 Rise 6 wa king of the 11 gro wing white, 16 pre tti est lass 22 sta the Green Mist (B drone) Note: This song is in the ritual mode of Spring, which has a flattened fifth. Avoid chords - use open chords without fifths ora drone. by Kit Barbourne and Gerald Merrowvale from the fields and touch the corn a wake (A drone) Spring was co ming, Win ter's debts were paid and yet ttle maid. She used to be (A drone) now a ring out shen as a cin der 1)The she was (B drone) that ram ping li She spent her hou the rs (B drone) the frost flow ered 1.The waking of the Spring was coming Winter’s debts were paid And yet she was growing white, That rampin’ little maid. She used to be the prettiest lass Now ashen as a cinder She spent her hours staring out The frostflowered bedroom window. bed room win dow. Refrain 4.But though they made the wheat to grow And coloured every flower, The bogles had their hands on her, And claimed her by the hour. By every brook, the cowslips grew; She rallied, and grew strong – Invisible, the bogles came, Snickering in a throng. Refrain: Rise the Green Mist from the fields And touch the corn awake Refrain 2.“I long ter wake th’ Spring wit’ yer,” She moaned to her mother, But hoar-frost withered every branch And dismal was the weather. “The earth is callin’; seeds are burstin’ As’ll bloom over my head. I wish I’d flourish with the cowslips, And die when they are dead.” 5.On every verge, the cowslips bloomed; They yellowed all the village, And when they opened with the sun, She began to flourish, But by the church, the cowslips drooped, Although they burgeoned yet – And on her brow, the bogles cast A little bead of sweat. Refrain Refrain 3.She crumbled salt, she crumbled bread, And leaning out the winder, She sprinkled them upon the earth, The ground as crisp as tinder. The bogles listened in on her; They took down every word; They brought the Green Mist, kindling Songs in every bird. 6.(only a half-verse - sing slowly): A fellow came a-courting And he plucked a cowslip flower, But when he pinned it to her breast She died within the hour. 27 Refrain lyrics: Giles Watson music: Kathryn Wheeler Green George Every year a ritual to bring the Spring involves dancing around a willow tree. A yeoman is garlanded with willow leaves and becomes "Green George". He gets dunked in the river to ensure the water blesses the crops! Lyrics on next page. by Kit Barbourne and Gerald Merrowvale 4 Bind wi bout him, sing All "Gar lan ded Green your good ly gifts a bring ing, "Gar lan ded Green D A George" Bow down E to him and G and let the rites of go to the ri ver a bout the with child, spread will on G for me and a round, "If all they fling him in D A Spring be A E call him king, D Verse: 1Dance Lass A 14 19 ing, D G George" 9 llow leaves a D 5 G D G Chorus: gin, with Gar lan ded ow tree, the ground, a your leaf mo Green for ther's George! you, a gar ments D 22 leaf all 1. that's left of catch leaves, your 2.D A 25 Gar lan ded Green leaves child shall be for is sound," says D A George Gar lan ded Green George 28 lyrics: Giles Watson music: Kathryn Wheeler Green George (continued) Chorus: Bind willow leaves about him, singing, Garlanded Green George, All your goodly gifts a-bringing, Garlanded Green George, Bow down to him and call him king, Go to the river, fling him in, And let the rites of spring begin With garlanded Green George. Chorus 3. Then he takes iron nails three, And knocks them fast into the tree, Then pulls them out, for all to see, Does garlanded Green George. And as he pulls them out again, He calls on the river and the rain To grow the hay and feed the grain, Our garlanded Green George. 1. Dance about the willow tree, A leaf for you, a leaf for me, And all that’s left of leaves shall be For garlanded Green George. Lass with child, spread on the ground Your mother’s garments, all around, “If they catch leaves, your child is sound,” Says garlanded Green George. Chorus 4. And by the river he alights; He drops them in for the water sprites, And every grown man grasps and fights For garlanded Green George. They grab Green George, the willow-lad, Willow-bound and willow-clad, The greenest George they ever had, Good garlanded Green George. Chorus 2. Old and infirm, spit on the root; Good health to you when grows the shoot, And let the revellers play the flute For garlanded Green George. Bedecked with leaves from toe to top, Green George blesses beast and crop, Goes to the tree and nought can stop Good garlanded Green George. Chorus 5. They throw him in the waters wide Where willows bend on either side, And cow gives calf and man takes bride From garlanded Green George. Chorus 29 Steal Out Set your work aside and join the fair folk of the Realm of Summer! Note: A drone (Bb and F) is good. Use plucked violin or other plucked strings (e.g. harp, guitar) for rhythm (suggested below). Avoid standard chords (i.e. use open fifths). by Kit Barbourne B 4 4 Chorus: For get the hearth, for rhythm 7 get the roof, set the wheel a side: A leave your wea ving, warp and woof, B steal out to us this Sum mer's night. Verse: 1)Steal 13 out to us, our toss ing hair sets suitand moon and stars a flare. The ra cing winds are A 18 hounds be side the cloud maned hor ses that we ride. Chorus: Forget the hearth, forget the roof Set the wheel aside Leave your weaving, warp and woof, Steal out to us this Summer's night 1. Steal out to us, our tossing hair Sets suit and moon and stars a-flare The racing winds are hounds beside The cloud-maned horses that we ride 2.Come ride with us, have heart to dare, The plungingsteed, the steeps of air The swirling, high, tumultous flight, The aery hooves this Summer's night 30 lyrics: Ella Young music: Kathryn Wheeler Wassail Song Verse: 1.O 7 D 43 42 43 G Mis tress, at your door D A7 door and let us come in, our sail, And joy A7 our come to gin(s), D Was D G 14 Was sail be Refrain: With D sail, Was A7 our jo G pray A o pen the D sail, Was sail, Was D lly Was sail! 1. O Mistress, at your door our Wassail begin(s), Pray open the door, and let us come in, Refrain: With our Wassail, Wassail, Wassail, Wassail, And joy come to our jolly Wassail! 2. O Mistress, at your door we kindly salute, For it is an old custom you cannot dispute, With our Wassail, etc. 3. O Mistress and Master, sitting down by the fire, While we poor Wassail-men are travelling thro' the mire, With our Wassail, etc. 4. O Mistress and Master, sitting down at your ease, With their hands in their pockets to give what they please To our Wassail, etc. 5. Come young men and maidens, I pray you draw near; Come fill up our bowl with some cider or beer, With our Wassail, etc. 6. You see how we'll smile at our flowing Bowl Just now it is empty, by-and-bye it'll be full, With our Wassail, etc. 7. I wish you a good Harvest and a Prosperous Year, And plenty of money and a barrel of beer, With our Wassail, etc. 8. I wish you a blessing, and a long time to live, Because you're so free and so willing to give To our Wassail, etc. 31 (traditional folk song) Apple Wassail Spratty Knight is in charge of a band that goes round wassailing apple trees to ensure a good crop - this song describes how! Note: Every time you sing the chorus, you add another line as more and more apples are wished for - but there's always a little heap of them under the stairs! The full (final) version of the chorus is given in the music. Lyrics on next page. by Kit Barbourne and Gerald Merrowvale D A 4 42 D A 42 4 1.Cap tain 7 A G D D to 12 G Spra tty Knight ev ery A il D sprites We a G A dance with A how ling crop A de G light app les D night and to A D Raise D G sing with Spra big Ev your D tty tank ard for a D G ery bough D G cun di ty D G Ev ery twig D D bear well top D G 21 fe blows his horn at A Stand fast root, Sprea ding G pple tree, he Chorus: Knight: G dor mant right A G D scare off ev 17 A wass ails left to app les now, G 26 hats full, caps full, 30 A stairs Hull five bu shel sacks full D A oa boys, D hu lloa and a G and li ttle heap un der the D A D blow the horn. 32 (lyrics: Giles Watson music: Kathryn Wheeler) Apple Wassail (continued) Chorus: Stand fast, root, bear well, top, Raise your tankard for a howling crop— And a little heap under the stairs— Hulloa, boys, hulloa, and blow the horn! And a little heap under the stairs— Hulloa, boys, hulloa, and blow the horn! 4. Spratty gives a shout To bring good faeries out; About the tree they rush And the robin, and the thrush Will come, when it is day To steal the crumbs away, While we dance with delight And sing with Spratty Knight: 1.Captain Spratty Knight Wassails left and right, Spreading fecundity To every dormant apple tree; He blows his horn at night To scare off evil sprites; We dance with delight, And sing with Spratty Knight: Chorus: Stand fast, root, (etc.)… Every twig, apples big, Every bough, apples now, Hats full, caps full— And a little heap under the stairs— Hulloa, boys, hulloa, and blow the horn! Chorus 2.Spratty has a knife For when the sprites run rife Never taunted by their tricks: He beats the wicked sprites with sticks; They scurry under stones To nurse their broken bones. We dance with delight, And sing with Spratty Knight: 5. Spratty has a tankard, He is a happy drunkard, He’s a chuckler, he’s a charmer And he’ll ask the merry farmer, For cider, in full payment For wassailing entertainment, And we’ll dance with delight And sing with Spratty Knight: Chorus: Stand fast, root, bear well, top, Raise your tankard for a howling crop— Every twig, apples big— And a little heap under the stairs— Hulloa, boys, hulloa, and blow the horn! Chorus: Stand fast, root, (etc.)… Every twig, apples big, Every bough, apples now, Hats full, caps full, five bushel sacks full— And a little heap under the stairs— Hulloa, boys, hulloa, and blow the horn! 3. Spratty has a lamp To dispel dark and damp, Green crab apples, cored and roast, And, soaked in cider, crusty toast; He gives, with gaping glee These good gifts to the tree. We dance with delight, And sing with Spratty Knight: 6.When winter turns to spring, Spratty shall not sing. When the summer sun is glowing He’ll watch the apples growing, But when the light is failing He’ll once more go wassailing And we’ll dance with delight Chorus: Stand fast, root, (etc.)… Every twig, apples big, Every bough, apples now— Chorus (as previous chorus) 33 The Snow in the Stubble A desolate song of Winter and the farming landscape. Notes: This works well with a drone (C and G) beneath it. Some chords are suggested (rippling arpeggios are good). Cm 1)The 6 Gm 43 snow in 2)snow in the the stu bble, stu bble, the the tracks of path by a the hare, bridge, Cm the The Gm marks of spraint of a a E field mouse, the fox at the crow's edge path through of the G Fm air, ridge, the the Cm 10 rime on the aut umn shed oak ant branch, the ler, the on a le, bleached stone: bone: though I though I walk it a walk it a This is the This is the 2. F 1. F 16 26 frost pa lone. way, way, dying and faltering The 3)The lone. C+Gdrone snow in the stu bble, the snow in the brake, the snow that de ceives 32 and 39 co vers a lake This way of be though I walk it wild er ment, heart o ver unaccompanied voice thrown This is the way a lone ppp 34 lyrics: Giles Watson music: Kathryn Wheeler Yew A simple call and response song about Winter and the advantages of being evergreen, not to mention the favourite tree of bow-makers! Note: Play a drone of D (or D and A) or Dm chord beneath this and rhythmic accompaniment with drums or tankards! by Kit Barbourne and Gerald Merrowvale Instrumental (intro and between verses) 2. 1. 4 4 Solo: 1.A yew grew in a 7 Response: Why am Solo: I dressed so dark ly? Her fin Response: 10 fae ries played. Your Solo: clothes last all the year. She Response: 14 leaves of gold. gers dark ly? La Response: 18 short and cold. Your clothes last all fo rest glade stretched where wept and pined for Solo: Why am I dressed so the men ting need les year. A yew grew in a forest glade Why am I dressed so darkly? Her fingers stretched where faeries played Your clothes last all the year. She wept and pined, for leaves of gold Why am I dressed so darkly? Lamenting needles short and cold Your clothes last all the year. The faeries fluttered high in her crown Why am I dressed so darkly? Her russet trunk wore such a frown Your clothes last all the year. They gave her leaves both broad and green Why am I dressed so darkly? But deer came browsing ’til no leaves were seen Your clothes last all the year. The faeries sat amongst her roots Why am I dressed so darkly? And flew with wands to touch her shoots Your clothes last all the year. They gave her leaves both gold and fair Why am I dressed so darkly? But robbers came and stripped her bare Your clothes last all the year. So they gave her needles short and stout Why am I dressed so darkly? The winter winds whirled about Your clothes last all the year. And not one needle fell to ground Why am I dressed so darkly? The faeries laughed, and danced around: Your clothes last all the year. The faeries sat upon her bough Why am I dressed so darkly? And gave her leaves of crystal now Your clothes last all the year. They grew and gleamed with magical spell Why am I dressed so darkly? But hailstorms came; the crystals fell Your clothes last all the year. 35 lyrics: Giles Watson music: Kathryn Wheeler The Golden Fields of Hay Verse and chorus share the same tune. The rhythm is a slow, dreamy four beats in the bar. Some chords are suggested, but the song works well over an A (or A and E) drone. 128 you Would 4 6 Su mmer's near A E lie, 8 Su 10 love, mmer sun Last time only gol A E lie, ly love, A lie And kiss E o ver And A lie Be is shi ning den On its side me me sweet to war all the E gol you'll go the day den fields and slow All bar last time E For Would While A of Hay. 1.She A fields of Hay. 3.Well my love she won the battle But the price she paid was high And every heart was grieving When they brought her home to die Well they beat the drums so slowly And the fife so sweet did play As we buried her with honour On the golden fields of Hay Chorus Would you lie, love, lie And kiss me sweet and slow For Summer's nearly over And it's off to war you'll go Would you lie, love, lie Beside me all the day While the Summer sun is shining On the golden fields of Hay Chorus 1. She was brave and she was bonny A general was she And I was just a farmer laddie Still she smiled at me And her troops they stayed a Summer Before they marched away And I asked her if she'd love me On the golden fields of Hay 4.Oh, the Autumn's cold without her There's no warmth in the sun But I'll waste no time in weeping When there's farming to be done And I'll never love another Until my dying day When they lay me down beside her On the golden fields of hay Chorus Chorus 2.Oh she kissed me sweet and tender But her answer it was 'No, For if you get me with a child To war I cannot not go But if you'll make a promise That true to me you'll stay Then I'll return to love you On the golden fields of Hay.' 36 Chorus off 5.So come all you young true lovers This warning take by me For all your troths and tokens Yet parted you may be So while the sun is shining Together seize the day And lie and love each other On the golden fields of Hay the you the was Harvest Time Note: Play over an D and A drone. The G# will clash beautifully. This is not one for rhythm or strumming - sing with a free, flowing rhythm. 6 9 2 23 23 2 23 23 2 23 2 23 23 2 2 23 Har vest time reap the grain You The and corn stands tall and sow a gain marched with Bri tta's The rea dy We'll seeds of what ar my To Its here will be fight for loy al 13 ty And while you're a way I'll stay 'Til 16 you come back to me. 3. Seasons turn And autumn's changed to winter And in the sky the ravens fly Above the frozen fen We'll stand upon the hillside And light the wicker men And like beacons bright they'll burn tonight To guide you home again 1. Harvest time The corn stands tall and ready We'll reap the grain and sow again The seeds of what will be You marched with Britta's army To fight for loyalty And while you're away, it's here I'll stay Till you come back to me 2. Darkness falls And all the land lies dreaming The stars are bright and shine tonight They burn as bright as day They'll guide you on till morning Until the east is gray And across the land the dolmens stand Like milestones on your way 37 (To the tune of "Pull Down Lads") Woodchips in My Hair A love song for the Winter - huddled around a fire. Inspired by wood chopping near a fire outside the Applewood Levy one cold Easter. by Kit Barbourne and Gerald Merrowvale D Gm 4 4 1.When 2.The ice creeps in to glow ing cin ders heart and limb, scorch my face, I They (plucked violin or other plucked strings - can also be accompanied with a G&D drone or use the chords suggested) etc. 7 12 Gm Cm see the fire is sett le on my 1. Cm the My glow D nigh; cloak, I And D ing cin ders 3.My Cm love 28 a woods man eyes are bleared are bleared with and And long. 4.I though the wood chips I I rain on me, I D Gm care. tears: D love him warm and long and true And D have wood chips Cm cin stin ging Gm Gm Cm with smoke. Gm D warm smo king hearth; draw a way, D Gm D eyes strong, Cm still he does not 39 2.The Gm love him 33 fly. Gm 18 23 hu ddle to the though I'm loth to 2. Cm in my cloak And D ders in my hair. 38 lyrics: Giles Watson music: Kathryn Wheeler Bury my broadsword This call and response song is about a general, dying many miles from home, who yearns to be taken home to his favourite orchard. Note: A drone (D&A) is good with this (chords are suggested). Don't be put off by the unusual rhythm - just follow the natural rhythm of the words. 1116 D solo: A 1)Will you mourn 4 response: ruth less D A rusts 7 this my Men were slaugh broad sword. A bo dy D home to my orch D7 ard. Gm D response: 10 mould will take G war D me For eign cold G clay D7 13 App les fall lord? to earth; breath for sakes A Fo reign cold A solo: D D Bring my D response: D tered, as G rusts me D I or D Leaves will A clay dered. G fill my mouth; D my broad Gm D response: Bring my sword bo dy D 16 home to my orch ard. 1.Will you mourn this ruthless warlord? response: Foreign, cold clay rusts my broadsword. Men were slaughtered, As I ordered. response: Bring my body home to my orchard. Fieldfares steal my fruit where it’s ly-ing Foreign, cold clay rusts my broadsword. My old, shaggy hound sits sighing. Bring my body home to my orchard Leaves will fill my mouth; mould will take me – Foreign, cold clay rusts my broadsword. Apples fall to earth; breath forsakes me. Bring my body home to my orchard. 3. Men forsake my hearth, trust betraying Foreign, cold clay rusts my broadsword. The chantry’s empty – no-one’s praying Bring my body home to my orchard (repeat melody of last two lines): Only one man cares - one man crying. Bury my broadsword in my orchard. 2. Tears dry in her eyes; she forgets me – response: Foreign cold clay rusts my broadsword Snow will bed me down; melts will wet me. response:Bring my body home to my orchard. (repeat melody of last two lines): Send one true man out – out to fetch me. response: Bury my broadsword in my orchard. (there is no second part to the third verse) 39 lyrics: Giles Watson music: trad. Bulgarian( "Polegnala ye Tudora") The Harvest of Mournwold by Jennet of Mourn Chorus: Em Cold Slowly 9 D 43 C the winds G on the moors Am Black the Verse: 17 har vest 23 fam ilies, their 28 the Mourn wold Mourn are homes and G C pa of C Bm rents could blow Em D save them their Em D C Em 1.The chil dren of Bm Warm the e C Pain and fear reft and la men ting Em land Forced out Em Bm The chil dren will live, fire glows C Em and death G C be ne my's Bm Bm C of the grow. Em Torn from their D Mourn so their C but their fam ilies will 33 stand. Chorus: Cold the winds on the moors blow Warm, the enemy's fire glows Black, the harvest of the Mournwold Pain, and fear, and death grow. 1.The children of Mourn are bereft and lamenting Torn from their families, their homes and their land Forced out of the Mourn so their parents could save them The children will live, but their families will stand Chorus 2.With love of their land they stood firm at High Courage But in scarcely the time that it takes me to sing The flower of the country, cut down by an army As ruthless and cruel as the Winter wind's sting Chorus 3.The children of Mournwold are left to their weeping With only the memory of families long gone They yearn for their homes and the bones of their families The blackest of hours on this land has begun. 40 (To the tune of "Culloden's Harvest") Lay Me Low A Marcher funeral song Note: Chorus and verses share the same music. F B F low lay B 42 43 42 43 42 43 43 Lay 7 Dm C me F Where 15 Dm where low, lay me Dm Gm C no one can see me, F C no one F Dm where no one can can me low B find B F hurt me. me Chorus: Lay me low, lay me low, lay me low Where no-one can see me Where no-one can find me Where no-one can hurt me 1. Show me the way, help me to say All that I need to All that I needed you gave me All that I wanted you made me When I stumbled you saved me Chorus 2. Throw me a line, help me to find Something to cling to When the loneliness haunts me When the bitterness taunts me When the emptiness eats me. Chorus 41 (traditional folk song) The Marcher Dirge Note: Most likely of pre-Imperial origin. If you are feeling particularly virtuous, you may wish to replace "And earth receive thy soul" with "And soon return thy soul". This song can be done as a call and response, with everyone joining in on "Any nighte and alle" and "And earth receive thy soul". Dm 4 This 5 B aye nighte, A Fire and fleet and 9 13 B Am thou from hence Am B Whin ny a Dm F nighte A A G Gm this aye Gm B can Moor thou dle B lighte And earth F Gm A way dost B Gm comst at Chorus: This aye nighte, this aye nighte, Every nighte and alle, Fire and fleet and candle-lighte, And earth receive thy soul. When thou from hence away art past Every nighte and alle, To Whinny Moor thou com'st at last And earth receive thy soul Chorus If ever thou gavest hosen and shoon, Every nighte and alle, Sit thee down and put them on And earth receive thy soul Chorus If hosen and shoon thou ne'er gav'st nane Every nighte and alle, The whinnes shall prick thee to the bare bane. And earth receive thy soul pass A A last A ny nighte and B Am re ceive thy alle G soul 1.When A ny nighte and alle Am B G G And earth re ceive thy To soul. From Whinny Moor when thou may'st pass, Every nighte and alle, To the great fire thou com'st at last; And Earth receive thy soul Chorus If ever thou gavest meat or drink, Every nighte and alle, The fire shall never make thee shrink; And Earth receive thy soul. Chorus If meat or drink thou ne'er gav'st nane, Every nighte and alle, The fire will burn thee to the bare bane; And Earth receive thy soul Chorus Chorus 42 (To the tune of the "Lyke Wake Dirge") Only Remembered For What We Have Done 43 D A Fa ding 7 A a G On ly 19 25 sun mem bered re mem bered mem bered 36 for D what we have On ly On ly A D what we have re mem bered what we have done. our Bm done A E Bm earth and A what done re mem bered for pass from this toi ling A A for Bm A D D light in the earth and our E Thus would we 30 Lo sing their pass from this A D re mor ning D A Thus would we D On ly stars in the G D A E glo ri ous 13 way like the Bm G toi ling On ly re mem bered for D G On ly done re D we have done. 1.Fading away like the stars in the morning Losing their light in the glorious sun Thus would we pass from this earth and its toiling Only remembered for what we have done 3.Who'll sing the anthem and who'll tell the story Will the line hold will it scatter and run Shall we at last be united in glory Only remembered for what we have done Chorus: Only remembered, only remembered Only remembered for what we have done Thus would we pass from this earth and its toiling Only remembered for what we have done Chorus: Only remembered, only remembered Only remembered for what we have done Shall we at last be united in glory Only remembered for what we have done Only remembered for what we have done 2.Only the truth in the fife we have spoken Only the seed that in life we have sown These shall pass onwards when we are forgotten Only remembered for what we have done Chorus: Only remembered, only remembered Only remembered for what we have done These shall pass onwards when we are forgotten 43 Only remembered for what we have done. (traditional folk song)
