Clicking on the CD title brings you to
Empty Hats
The Hat Came Back; 2000
Greatest Hats; 2002
Captured; 2004
Carl Asch
the list of song titles and lyrics for each.
Double Indemnity
Cows In The Castle
Soul Of The Wild Seed
Songs That Get You In The Heart
New Music
Below this point is the list of song lyrics. There are no separate pages for each artist and album, which allows for easier scrolling though the entire catalog. To navigate, follow this simple guide. Each album listed above links to the extended information about said CD below. Each song title is a link to the lyrics or information for that song. In the event that a song is featured on several albums, each album will link to the version of that song from that particular album. Each set of lyrics ends with a link to navigate you back to the title of the album. Each album title links to the top of the page.
Double Indemnity
Cows In The Castle
Carl Asch (vocals, whistles, guitar), Frank O'Gara (mandolin, bouzouki, fiddle, vocals), Lynda Kavy (bodhran, tambourines, dumbek, lead rainstick, bones, vocal), and Gabriele Decker (english concertina, vocals, bones).
The album was dedicated to Carl's sister Adrienne, who introduced him to music as a child.
1. Raggle Taggle Gypsys
2. Blacksmith Reel/Sailor on the Rock/Humours of Tulla
3. The Common Weave
4. Cows in the Castle
5. John Cumber's Maiden
6. Toast to Love and Marriage
7. Inesheer Aire/Scarce O'Tatties/Black Nag
8. Nature Boy
9. Dunnenkirk and the Gypsy
10. Butterfly/Drowsy Maggie
11. Beggars to God
1. Raggle Taggle Gypsys
There were three young gypsys came to our hall door,
beggin' brave and boldly-o
One sang high and the other sang low
and the ladies sang the raggle taggle gypsys-o
Then upstairs and downstairs the lady went,
put on her suit of leather-o
It was the song of the gypsy at the door
she ran away with the raggle taggle gypsys-o
But late that night, the lord came in,
inquiring of his lady-o,
the servant girls replied to him all,
"She ran away with the raggle taggle gypsys-o"
So he rode east and he rode west,
he rode north and south also
but when he came to the wide open field
it was there that he spied his lady-o
"Why do you leave your house and your land,
why do you leave your lord also?
Tonight you lie with your back upon the ground,
in the arms of the raggle taggle gypsy-o."
"Oh what care I for my house and my lands,
what care I for my lord also?
I'd rather have a kiss from the lovely gypsy's lips
than all of your gold and your money-o".
Three young gypsys came to our hall door,
beggin' brave and boldly-o,
and the one sang high, and the other sang low,
and the ladies sang raggle taggle gyspys-o
(traditional)
(arranged by Double Indemnity)
2. Blacksmith Reel/Sailor on the Rock/Humours of Tulla
(traditional)
(arranged by Brahm Stuart)
3. The Common Weave
Sweet love, my heart is a wild fire
untamed flames burn through my soul
because you live, my life's inspired
deeper passions have ne'er been known
But you're a tapestry, I a common weave
royalty's daughter, a cobbler's son
cruel fate doth laugh as I weep my need for you
love, my love, you'll never know
My heart is breaking, I cannot hold you
the days are demons, the nights are cold
since I can't reach you, seduce, entreat you,
love, without you, must I grow old?
My heart is breaking, I cannot hold you
the days are demons, the nights are cold
since I can't reach you, seduce, entreat you,
love, without you, must I grow old?
My heart is breaking, I cannot hold you
the days are demons, the nights are cold
since I can't reach you, seduce, entreat you,
love, without you, will I grow old?
(music - Turlough O'Carolan)
(lyrics - Ciara Carinci)
(arranged by Double Indemnity)
4. Cows in the Castle/Kesh Jig
(Frank O'Gara/traditional)
5. John Cumber's Maiden
My soul woke from slumber when my eyes beheld John Cumber
the dream I dreamed there stood he real
He was strong and kind and wise, there were seasons in his eyes
Eros' wings on the wind I did feel
Eros' wings on the wind I did feel
Now we had laid long in the arms of the valley
when with these words he rendered my fate
"I must leave you for awhile, there be work in Devonshire,
My beloved, I beg you please wait."
He cried "Beloved, I beg you please wait."
His boat sailed that autumn with my heart in it's wake
I lived for his April return
But when spring tore winter's veil, it left my hope a tattered sail
Of his fate I was never to learn
Of his fate I was never to learn
They say forty seasons have I waited past all reason
They say I am troubled in mind
But Neptune says in his rooms you sleep, so I must walk into the deep
That again shall our souls be entwined
And I know I shall find you this time
(music - traditional)
(lyrics - Ciara Carinci)
(arranged by Double Indemnity)
6. A Toast to Love and Marriage
When I was just a lad, me mum said "Darlin' Paddy,
so's you won't be sad someday you'll want to marry
it's time we had this chat on how to find a wife for you .
Be she old, young, skinny, or fat, who's the best to make a life for you.
Just seek a girl with charm, like Venus but with arms,
to keep your bed all warm and happily married will you be.
It's how I caught your dad, me beauty drove him mad,
and now you see he's had these many years of marital bliss and harmony."
Raise your glasses high and toast to love and marriage
which we'll never understand 'til they slide our coffins from the carriage
Whack-fe-lol-da-rah
But then I turned fourteen, me pa said, "Darlin' Paddy,
I'll teach you the routine to find the girl you ought to marry,
You'll have the benefit of all me years of experience
on having a relationship of lasting joy and permanence.
Just marry an ugly girl, keep the oyster not the pearl,
the ugliest in the world, 'cause a bonny lass could leave you.
I'm telling you now, me son, it's the reason I married your mum,
so do as I have done, if an ugly girl, she leaves you.
you'll find you don't really mind."
Raise your glasses high and toast to love and marriage
Which we'll never understand 'til they slide our coffins from the carriage
Whack-fe-lol-da-rah
So's I've grown up a bit confused, love it seemed like too much bother
I've courted pretty girls like you, and some that looked just like me mother
When I think back to me mum and dad and the words to me they've spoken
I'm convinced that I was had, for me heart is always broken
Each time I thought I found true love, and I'm thanking God above,
push it came to shove and I'm booted out the door again
(alt. lyrics - ...and I find I'm all alone again...)
I'm telling you lads it's true, no longer will I woo
me heart is black and blue, so I'll leave this game of love to you
I'm going off to become a priest!
(music - traditional)
(lyrics - Carl Asch)
(arranged by Double Indemnity)
(special nod to John Dunn for inspiring the second verse)
7. Inesheer Aire/Scarce O'Tatties/Black Nag
(traditional)
(Inesheer Aire arranged for the guitar by El McMeen)
8. Nature Boy
There was a boy
a very strange enchanted boy
they say he wandered very far, very far over land and see
a little shy, and sad of eye, but very wise was he
And then one day
this magic boy he passed my way
and we did speak of many things, fools and kings
and this he said to me,
"The greatest thing you'll ever learn,
is just to love, and be loved in return."
And then one day
this magic boy he passed my way
and we did speak of many things, fools and kings
and this he said to me,
"The greatest thing you'll ever learn,
is just to love, and be loved in return."
(words and music - Eden Abez)
(arranged by Double Indemnity and Mark Sganga)
(for Caleb, my "nature boy" - Carl)
9. Dunnenkirk and the Gypsy
A grotesque babe was Dunnenkirk, a freak by nature's making
the priest pronounced him devil spawn, by his own he was forsaken
abandoned to a gypsy crone, never suckled by his mother
the old one fed him roots and bone, she loved him like no other
Dite cizi, I'll lie near you now, dite cizi I'll lie near you|
the world will know a noble soul when you have found your way through.
She taught him how to read the stars, how to minister to the broken
to tolerate the ways of all, and know what has been spoken
He closed her eyes the day she died, looked back to remember
then made their hut a funeral pyre...
Oh, heaven rained down embers.
Dite cizi I be with you still, dite cizi I'm still with you,
You'll speak the truth in common tongue though few will understand you.
He lived among the townsfolk then, barefoot and misshapen,
his wisdom fell on fallow ground, from him they kept their children hidden
he left them after seven years, wearied by their hatred,
Then he looked down from the highest cliff in seach of the exhaulted
A caravan of tangled bones lay tented in the distance
He heard the fates call out his name, from his soul came no resistence
The fringe folk and the wild seed, the freak with four arms flailing
welcomed him among their score like a tincture to their ailing
Dite cizi be you near them now, dite cizi be you near them
Let this be the work that sets their ancient gash to mending
They asked him how to heal their fears, he answered "Face the danger.
We'll build a stage up on the hill, we'll be the carnival of strangers.
Spectators gaze on oddity to be consoled that form is content,
but we were cast with beastly masks that we might learn the difference!"
Dite cizi you lie near them now, dite cizi you lie near them
They are all they need to be to satisfy their longing.
He traveled with them forty years, in his tent did they gather
To cry, to sing, to seek his words, for he loved them like no other
Late one night when the stage was bright and the blue moon met the bent tree,
they heard him call to the gypsy crone, "Come find me, I am ready!"
Dite cizi, go you from them now, dite cizi go you from them,
Their twisted limbs are now their wings, your carnival is legend.
Dite cizi come lie near me now, dite cizi come lie near me,
The life you lived as Dunnenkirk is the myth you leave to history.
Dite cizi I'll lie near you now, dite cizi I'll lie near you,
their world did know a noble soul...who helped them find their way through.
(music - traditional)
(lyrics - Ciara Carinci)
(arranged by Brahm Stuart and Double Indemnity)
10. Butterfly/Drowsy Maggie
(traditional)
11. Beggars to God
The song of gypsy Davy rang, delighted, through the night
the wise and foolish maiden kept her candles burning bright,
rise up my young and foolish one, and follow, if you can,
there'll be no need for candles in the arms of such a man.
Make love with each other, be free with each other
be prisoners of love, 'til you lie in the sod,
be friends to each other, forgive one another,
see god in each other, be beggars to god.
The night was cold, and dark and wet as they wandered out alone,
the sky became their canopy, and the earth became their throne,
and as their rainments ran to rags, they thought it nothing wrong.
For earth and sky are robe enough, when you sing that gypsy song.
Make love with each other, be free with each other,
be prisoners of love, til you lie in the sod,
be friends to each other, forgive one another,
see god in each other, be beggars to god.
They sang and played that gypsy song wherever they were sent,
to some it seemed a dancing tune, to some a sad lament,
but in every heart that heard it true, a tear became a smile,
and a pauper or prince became a gypsy for a while.
Make love with each other, be free with each other,
be prisoners of love, 'til you lie in the sod,
be friends to each other, forgive one another,
see god in each other, be beggars to god.
Make love with each other, be free with each other,
be prisoners of love, 'til you lie in the sod,
be friends to each other, forgive one another,
see god in each other, be beggars to god.
(words and music - Bob Franke)
(arranged by Double Indemnity)
1. Merrily Kiss the Quaker/Morrison's Jig
2. Over the Hills
3. Donald McGillavry
4. Pretty Maid Milking a Cow
5. Lover's Heart
6. Tom of Bedlam
7. Sheebeg and Sheemore/Banish Misfortune
8. Stone and Dove
9. Star of the County Down
10. Bridget O'Malley
11. Ramblin' Rover
1. Merrily Kiss the Quaker/Morrison's Jig
2. Over the Hills
Over the hills I went one day
A-dreaming of myself and you
In the spring time of years since first we met
And all that we've been through
May enough delight
Still dream of the years
Of the summers and falls to be
And the many many verses still to be sung
In the ballad of you and me
In the ballad of you and me
Over the years we have wandered in love
Linking arms against the stormy days
And the path with heart is the one that we chose
Learning ever of its gentler ways
May we gather together the stones for a home
In a field we have sown joyfully
And together we will live for the rest of our days
In wonder and harmony
In wonder and harmony
3. Donald McGillavry
Donald came into towne, lean and wiry,
Music flew from his pipes wild and firey,
With pack on his back and eyes wild with ecstasy,
Some called him the devil, that Donald McGillavry
Play like the wild ram, Donald McGillavry,
Are you the wild Pan, Donald McGillavry,
Innocence and wisdom do dance through his melody,
The soul of the wild seed has Donald McGillavry
Galway lay shrouded in mist and twisted trees,
It's people were stranged by their toils and drudgery,
Any passion was rare, the priest kept them on their knees,
But then came that stranger, that Donald McGillavry
Laugh like the jackal, Donald McGillavry,
Fear be their shackle, Donald McGillavry,
Sing to them to wake them, rouse them to revelry,
You call down the thunder, you Donald McGillavry
Their flesh was awakening to its ancient memory
But they bound it with ropes of self-righteous civility,
They cursed him that day, "You've roused the beast, there's blood to pay,"
The crowd swelled with hatred for Donald McGillavry
You're black as the raven, Donald McGillavry,
Hell be your heaven, Donald McGillavry,
They tried him, and judged him, there came down a death decree,
"You'll burn with the devil, you Donald McGillavry."
Sunrise brought amber skies, day was a certainty,
But Donald stood bound and gagged, facing eternity,
The crowds fought for place, the torch smoked heavily,
"Why wait, do it now to this Donald McGillavry!"
Pray for your soul now, Donald McGillavry,
Your life is over, Donald McGillavry,
They kicked him, and poked him, they ridiculed his destiny,
Then fate pushed the children toward Donald McGillavry
The children laid their bodies down, innocence at his feet,
Halos did crown their heads, light for the blind to see,
From the mothers came cries, "Our children see with God's own eyes!
This man is a messenger, sent to undo our lies!"
They unbound the limbs of Donald McGillavry,
He took up his pipes again that Donald McGillavry,
He played 'til the dawn, they danced 'til they fell from sleep,
Then off to the next town went Donald McGillavry
(traditional; lyrics - Ciara Carinci)
4. Pretty Maid Milking a Cow
5. Lover's Heart
She was in a flowry garden when first she caught my eye
And I just a marching soldier, she smiled as I passed by
The flowers she held were fresh and fair, her lips were full and red
And as I passed that shady bower, these words to me she said
"Last night we spoke of love,
Now we're forced to part,
You leave to the sound of the marching drum,
And the beat of a lover's heart."
She was on the shore in the evening, when next I saw my dear
Running barefoot by the waterside, she called as I drew near
The sunlight glanced at the water's edge, making fire of her auburn hair
My young heart danced at her parting words that hung in the evening air
"Last night we spoke of love,
Now we're forced to part,
You leave to the sound of the marching drum,
And the beat of a lover's heart."
She was by the strand in the morning, when orders came to sail
And as we slipped our ropes away, I watched her from the rail
She threw me a rose, which fell between us, it floated on the bay
And as we pulled out from the shore, I heard her call and say,
"Last night we spoke of love,
Now we're forced to part,
You leave to the sound of the marching drum,
And the beat of a lover's heart."
Well a solder's life won't suit me, sweet music is my trade
For I'd rather melt the hardest heart than pierce it with a blade
May the time be short 'til I return to my home in the north of Skye
And that loving girl who stole my heart with these words as I passed by
"Last night we spoke of love,
Now we're forced to part,
You leave to the sound of the marching drum,
And the beat of a lover's heart."
"Last night we spoke of love,
Now we're forced to part,
You leave to the sound of the marching drum,
And the beat of a lover's heart."
6. Tom of Bedlam
To find my Tom of Bedlam
Ten thousand years I'd travel
Mad Maudlin goes on dirty toes
To save me shoes from gravel
Still I sing bonny boys, bonny mad boys,
bedlam boys are bonny
For they all go bare and they live by the air
And they want no drink nor money
I now repent that ever
Poor Tom was so disdain-ed
My wits are tossed and semi-crossed
Which makes me thus go chain-ed
Still I sing bonny boys, bonny mad boys,
bedlam boys are bonny
For they all go bare and they live by the air
And they want no drink nor money
I went to Pluto's kitchen
To beg some food one morning
There I got souls spiking hot
While on the spit a-turning
Still I sing bonny boys, bonny mad boys,
bedlam boys are bonny
for they all go bare and they live by the air
and they want no drink nor money
There I took up a caldron
Where I boiled ten thousand harlots
Though still a-flame I drank the same
With a health to all such varlets
Still I sing bonny boys, bonny mad boys,
Bedlam boys are bonny,
For they all go bare and they live by the air
And they want no drink nor money
Me staff has murdered giants
Me bag a long knife carries
To cut mince pies from children's thighs
With which to feed the faeries
Still I sing bonny boys, bonny mad boys
Bedlam boys are bonny
For they all go bare and they live by the air
And they want no drink nor money
No gypsy, slut, or doxie
Shall win me mad Tom from me
I'll weep all night with the stars I'll fight
The fray shall well become me
Still I sing bonny boys, bonny mad boys
Bedlam boys are bonny
For they all go bare and they live by the air
And they want no drink nor money
So drink to Tom of Bedlam
Fill all the seas and barrels
I'll drink it all well brewed with gall
And maudlin drunk I'll quarrel
Still I sing bonny boys, bonny mad boys
Bedlam boys are bonny
For they all go bare and they live by the air
And they want no drink nor money
Still I sing bonny boys, bonny mad boys
Bedlam boys are bonny
For they all go bare and they live by the air
And they want no drink nor money
7. Sheebeg and Sheemore/Banish Misfortune
8. Stone and Dove
Twas seven years ere long since I spied her on the shore
Amber were her eyes, god's skin is all she wore
I hid 'neath the dune lest my presence cause her shame
I loved her then, I asked the wind her name
Go towards the moor the breezes whispered to my soul
Find her family home, 'neath the red oak by the knoll
There will she be waiting patiently for love
Present her with a stone and a dove
Long did I search with my heart aflame
Pleading Heaven let her feel the same
But demons were casting to slow my pace
Then I beheld her face
She asked not my name but she took me by the hand
I'll show you where the sky lays its head upon the land
I offered stone and dove as we came unto that place
She laid me down, her body was my grace
Alone now I stand in this hallowed, sacred grove
Where are you my love in this life that we had wove
I begged you to stay, but the angels took your hand
My dove doth sleep our stone has turned to sand
My dove doth sleep our stone has turned to sand
My dove doth sleep our stone has turned to sand
(music - Abrahm Stuart, lyrics - Ciara Carinci)
9. Star of the County Down
Near Cambridge Town in the County Down one mornin last July
From a village green came my sweet colleen
And she smiled as she passed me by
She looked so sweet from her two bare feet
To the sheen of her nut brown hair
Such a coaxing elf that I shook myself
For to see if I was really there
From Bantry Bay up to Derry Quay
And from Galway to Dublin town
No maid I've seen like my sweet colleen
That I met at the County Down
As she onward sped sure I scratched my head
And I looked with a feeling rare
So I said says I to a passer by, "Who's the maid with the nut brown hair?"
He smiled at me and he said says he, "That's the gem of Ireland's crown,
Young Rosie McCann from the banks of the Bann,
She's the star of the County Down."
From Bantry Bay up to Derry Quay
And from Galway to Dublin town
No maid I've seen like my sweet colleen
That I met at the County Down
From Bantry Bay up to Derry Quay
And from Galway to Dublin town
No maid I've seen like my sweet colleen
That I met at the County Down
At the harvest faire she'll be surely there
(alt. lyrics - At the renaissance faire...)
And I'll dress in my Sunday clothes
With my shoes shone bright and my hat cocked right
For a smile from my nut brown rose
No pipe I'll smoke no horse I'll yoke
Till my plow turns a rust colored brown
Till a-smiling bride at my own fireside sits the star of the County Down
From Bantry Bay up to Derry Quay
And from Galway to Dublin town
No maid I've seen like my sweet colleen
That I met at the County Down
From Bantry Bay up to Derry Quay
And from Galway to Dublin town
No maid I've seen like my sweet colleen
That I met at the County Down
10. Bridget O'Malley
Oh Bridget O'Malley
You've left my heart shaken
With a hopeless desolation
I'll have you to know
It's the wonders of admiration
Your quiet face has taken
And your beauty will haunt me
Wherever I go
The white moon above the pale sands
The pale stars above the thorn tree
Are cold beside my darling
But no purer than she
I gaze upon the cold moon
Till the stars drown in the warm sea
But the bright eyes of my darling
Are never on me
My Sunday is weary
My Sunday it is gray now
My heart it is a cold thing
My heart is a stone
All joy is dead in me
My life has gone away now
Another has taken
My love for his own
Oh Bridget O'Malley
You've had my heart shaken
With a hopeless desolation
I'll have you to know
It's the wonders of admiration
Your quiet face has taken
And your beauty will haunt me
Wherever I go
11. Ramblin' Rover
There are sober men a-plenty
And drunkards barely twenty
There are men of over ninety
Who have never yet kissed a girl
But give me a ramblin' rover
Frae Orkney down to Dover
We will roam the country over
And together we'll face the world
I have roamed throughout the nation
Seen delight in all creation
And have gained a wee sensation
When the company did prove kind
And when parting was no pleasure
We drank another measure
To the good friends that we treasure
'cause they always are in our minds
There are sober men a-plenty
And drunkards barely twenty
There are men of over ninety
Who have never yet kissed a girl
But give me a ramblin' rover
Frae Orkney down to Dover
We will roam the country over
And together we'll face the world
There are those who feign enjoyment
From merciless employment
This condition was their deployment
From the minute they left the school
Now they save and scrape and ponder
While the rest go out and squander
See the world and roam and wander
And we're happier as a rule
There are sober men a-plenty
And drunkards barely twenty
There are men of over ninety
Who have never yet kissed a girl
But give me a ramblin' rover
Frae Orkney down to Dover
We will roam the country over
And together we'll face the world
If you're bent with arthritis
Your bowels have got colitis
Or the galloping balacitis
And you're thinking it's time you died
If you've been a man of action
And now you're lying there in traction
You may gain some satisfaction
Thinking "Jesus at least I tried!"
There are sober men a-plenty
And drunkards barely twenty
There are men of over ninety
Who have never yet kissed a girl
But give me a ramblin' rover
Frae Orkney down to Dover
We will roam the country over
And together we'll face the world
There are sober men a-plenty
And drunkards barely twenty
There are men of over ninety
Who have never yet kissed a girl
But give me a ramblin' rover
Frae Orkney down to Dover
We will roam the country over
And together we'll face the world
Songs That Get You In The Heart
1. But Were I Born a Sailor
2. If I Were a Blackbird
3. Queen of Argyle
4. Banks of the Lee
5. Blarney Pilgrim/Lark in the Morning
6. Golden, Golden
7. Planxty Irwin
8. Lament of the Fisherman's Wife
9. Take Her in Your Arms
10. Will Ye Go, Lassie, Go?
11. Oil the Hinge
12. The Widow of Westmoreland's Daughter
1. But Were I Born a Sailor
(traditional)
2 . If I Were a Blackbird
I am a young sailor, my story is sad
for once I was carefree, and a brave sailor lad
I courted a lassie, by night and by day
Ah, but she's gone and left me, and sailed far away
Oh, if I was a blackbird, could whistle and sing
I'd follow the vessel my true love sails in
and in the top rigging, I will there build my nest
And I'd flutter my wings o'er her lily white breast
I sailed o'er the ocean, my fortune to seek
Though I missed her caress, and her kiss on my cheek
I returned and I told her my love was still warm
But she turned away lightly, and great was her scorn
Oh, if I was a blackbird, could whistle and sing
I'd follow the vessel my true love sails in
and in the top rigging, I will there build my nest
And I'd flutter my wings o'er her lily white breast
Or if I was a scholar, and could handle a pen
one secret love letter to my true love I'd send
I'd tell of my sorrow, my grief and my pain
Ah, since she's gone and left me, yon flowery glen
Oh, if I was a blackbird, could whistle and sing
I'd follow the vessel my true love sails in
and in the top rigging, I will there build my nest
And I'd flutter my wings o'er her lily white breast
My parents they chide me, they will not agree
saying me and my false love married should never be
Ah but let them deprive me, let them do what they will
while there's breath in my body, she's the one that I love still
Oh, if I was a blackbird, could whistle and sing
I'd follow the vessel my true love sails in
and in the top rigging, I will there build my nest
And I'd flutter my wings o'er her lily white breast
(traditional)
3. Queen of Argyle
Gentlemen it is my duty
To inform you of one beauty
though I ask of you a favor no to seek her for a while
Though I own she is a creature
of character and feature
For no words can paint the picture of the Queen of all Argyle
And if you could have seen her there
boys if you had just been there,
the swan was in her movement and the morning in her smile
All the roses in the garden
they bowed and asked for pardon
For not one could match the beauty of the Queen of all Argyle
On the evening that I've mentioned
I passed with light intention
Through a part of our dear country known for beauty and for style
In a place of noble thinkers, of scholars and great drinkers
But none could match the splendor of the Queen of all Argyle
And if you could have seen her there
boys if you had just been there,
the swan was in her movement and the morning in her smile
All the roses in the garden
they bowed and asked for pardon
For not one could match the beauty of the Queen of all Argyle
So my lads I need must leave you
My intentions no to grieve you
Nor indeed would I decieve you, for I'll see you in a while
I must find a way to gain her
To court her and to tame her
For I fear, my heart's in danger for the Queen of all Argyle
And if you could have seen her there
boys if you had just been there,
the swan was in her movement and the morning in her smile
All the roses in the garden
they bowed and asked for pardon
For not one could match the beauty of the Queen of all Argyle
And if you could have seen her there
boys if you had just been there,
the swan was in her movement and the morning in her smile
All the roses in the garden
they bowed and asked for pardon
For not one could match the beauty of the Queen of all Argyle
(music and words - Andy M Stewart)
4. Banks of the Lee
Where true lovers meet,
beneath the green bower,
where true lovers meet,
beneath the green tree,
and Mary, fond Mary,
she says unto her true love
you have stolen my young heart
on the banks of the Lee
for I love her very dearly
most truly and sincerely
there is no one in this wide world
that I love more than she
every bush and every bower
every wild Irish flower
reminds me of my Mary
on the banks of the Lee
Don't stay out too late love,
on the moorland my Mary.
Don't stay out too late love,
on the moorland for me,
and it little was my notion,
as we parted by the ocean,
that we were forever parted
on the banks of the Lee
for I love her very dearly
most truly and sincerely
there is no one in this wide world
I love more than she
every bush and every bower
every wild Irish flower
reminds me of my Mary
on the banks of the Lee
I will pull my love some roses
some wild Irish roses
I will pull my love some roses
the fairest to see
and I'll lay them on the gravesite
of my own dear darlin' Mary
on that cold and silent grave
where she sleeps 'neath the dew
for I loved her very dearly
most truly and sincerely
there is no one in this wide world
I loved more than she
every bush and every bower
every wild Irish flower
reminds me of my Mary
on the banks of the Lee
(traditional)
5. Blarney Pilgrim/Lark in the Morning
(traditional)
6. Golden, Golden
Slowly, slowly, walk the path
and you might never stumble or fall
slowly, slowly, walk the path,
you might never fall in love at all
Golden, golden, is her hair,
like the mornin' sun over fields of corn,
Golden, golden, flows her love,
so sweet and clear and warm
Lonely, lonely, is the heart,
that ne'er another can call his own,
Lonely, lonely, bides the heart,
that has to live all alone
Golden, golden, is her hair,
like the mornin' sun over fields of corn,
Golden, golden, flows her love,
so sweet and clear and warm
Wildly, wildly, beats the heart,
with a rush of love, like a mountain stream,
Wildly, wildly, play your part,
as free as a wild birds dream
Golden, golden is her hair
like the mornin' sun over fields of corn
Golden, golden, flows her love,
so sweet, and clear, and warm
(music and words - Andy M Stewart)
7. Planxty Irwin
(traditional)
8. Lament of the Fisherman's Wife
By the storm-torn shoreline, a woman is standing
The spray strung like jewels in her hair
And the sea tore the rocks near that desolate landing
As though it had known she stood there
For she has come down to condemn that wild ocean
For the murderous loss of her man
His boat sailed out on Wednesday morning
And it's feared she's gone down with all hands
And white were the wave-caps and wild was their parting
So fierce is the warring of love
But she prayed to the gods, both of men and of sailors
Not to cast their cruel nets o'er her love
For she has come down to condemn that wild ocean
For the murderous loss of her man
His boat sailed out on Wednesday morning
And it's feared she's gone down with all hands
There's a school on the hill where the sons of dead fathers
Are led toward tempests and gales
And their God-given wings are clipped close to their bodies
And their eyes are bound round with ships' sails
For she has come down to condemn that wild ocean
For the murderous loss of her man
His boat sailed out on Wednesday morning
And it's feared she's gone down with all hands
What force leads a man to a life filled with danger
High on seas or a mile underground
It's when need is his master and poverty's no stranger
And there's no other work to be found
And she has come down to condemn that wild ocean
For the murderous loss of her man
His boat sailed out on Wednesday morning
And it's feared she's gone down with all hands
(music and words - Andy M Stewart)
9. Take Her in Your Arms
Have you seen him on the corner,
his lip would reach the pavement,
he's been hiding from his razor,
is he not an awful sight?
In love he was the purist,
now he's frightening our tourists.
If he'd only asked his father,
Then I'm sure he'd set him right, sayin'
"Take her in your arms
And tell her that you love her,
Take her in your arms
And hold that woman tight.
Won't you take her in your arms
And tell her that you love her.
If you're going to love a woman
Then be sure and do it right."
Well, he met her at some tavern,
which was dark as any cavern,
and it all would have been different,
if he'd seen her in daylight.
She was painted, she was scented,
and she drove your man demented.
If he'd gone and asked his father,
Then I''m sure he'd set him right, sayin'
"Take her in your arms
And tell her that you love her,
Take her in your arms
And hold that woman tight.
Won't you take her in your arms
And tell her that you love her.
If you're going to love a woman
Then be sure and do it right."
Now, depression's not a million laughs
But suicide's too dangerous.
Don't go leapin' out of buildings
In the middle of the night.
It's not the fall but landin'
That'll alter social standin'
So go first and ask your father
and I'm sure he'll set you right, sayin'
"Take her in your arms,
And tell her that you love her,
Take her in your arms,
And hold that woman tight.
Won't you take her in your arms
And tell her that you love her.
If you're going to love a woman
Then be sure and do it right."
Well, here's a health to all true lovers,
Their sisters and their brothers
and their uncles and their grannies
for this thing is black and white
if you're keen to start romancin'
with it's leaping and it's dancing
then go first and ask your father,
and I'm sure he'll set you right, sayin'
"Take her in your arms
And tell her that you love her,
Take her in your arms
And hold that woman tight.
Won't you take her in your arms
and tell her that you love her.
If you're going to love a woman
Then be sure and do it right."
(music and words - Andy M Stewart)
10. Will Ye Go, Lassie, Go?
Oh, the summer time is coming,
And the trees are sweetly blooming,
And the wild mountain thyme
grows around the blooming heather.
Will you go, lassie, go?
And we'll all go together
To pull wild mountain thyme
from around the blooming heather,
Will you go lassie, go?
I will build my love a bower
By yon clear and crystal fountain,
And on it I will pile
All the flowers from the mountain.
Will you go, lassie, go?
And we'll all go together
To pull wild mountain thyme
from around the blooming heather,
Will you go lassie, go?
If my true love were to leave me,
I would surely find no other
To pull wild mountain thyme
from around the blooming heather
Will you go, lassie, go?
And we'll all go together
To pull wild mountain thyme
from around the blooming heather,
Will you go lassie, go?
(traditional)
11. Oil the Hinge
(Frank O'Gara)
12. The Widow of Westmoreland's Daughter
There was an old widow of Westmoreland
who had no daughter but one,
And she had prayed both night and day
she would keep her maidenhead long.
"Don't be daft mother," she said,
"and say no more to me.
A fine young man in the Grenadier Guards
me maidenhead's taken from me."
"You saucy cat you impudent cat,
a-cursed may you be,
if some idle rogue in the Grenadier Guards
your maidenhead's taken from thee."
So the lass ran back to the Grenadier Guards,
as fast as go can she,
"Give me back my maidenhead,
me mother she nags at me!"
So he kissed her and undressed her,
and he laid her on the bed,
But he put her head where her feet were before,
and gave back her maidenhead.
And then he kissed her and he dressed her,
put a rose in either hand,
And invited her round again and said
"You're the smartest lass in the land."
So the lass ran back to her mammy's house,
as fast as go can she,
"I'm as pure a girl me mummy dear,
as when you first bore me.
Well he kissed me and undressed me,
and he laid me on the bed,
But he put my head where my feet were before,
and gave back my maidenhead.
Then he kissed me and he dressed me,
put a rose in either hand,
And invited me round again
for I'm the smartest lass in the land!"
"You saucy cat, you impudent cat,
a-cursed may you be,
some idle rogue in the Grenadier Guards
has made a fool of thee!"
So the widow ran off to the Grenadier Guards
in her hand was a big ugly knife
With full intent to stand up to the guard
and end his rogueish life
(oh, the plot thickens!)
(tell us what happens, pleasepleaseplease?)
Four hours passed and the widow came back,
with forty roses she stood by the door,
"He gave me back me maidenhead
a dozen times or more, whopee!"
(traditional, additional lyrics by Carl Asch)
Empty Hats
Carl Asch (vocals, guitar, whistle), Lynda Kacy (bodhran, vocals), and Gary Mazzu (guitar, vocals), as well as a slew of guest artists.
1. Calling on Song/Maid on the Green/John Ryan's Polka
2. If It's a Rose (Then It Will Bloom)
3. The Hat Came Back
4. Ballad for Erin
5. Give Me Your Hand/Little Stack of Wheat
6. Just a Tinker
7. Two Magicians
8. Cyrus in the Moonlight
9. Up a Tree/Gary Owen's/Legacy
10. Forest Path
11. The Whistler
12. Beggars to God
1. Calling on Song/Maid on the Green/John Ryan's Polka
Good people pay heed our petition,
your attentions we beg and request,
and if you are inclined for to listen,
we will think ourselves truly blessed.
We have come to relate many stories,
concerning our forefather's time,
and we trust they will drive out your worry,
of this we are all in one mind.
Many tales of the poor and the gentry,
of labor and love will arrise,
we have songs for to make your hearts gleeful,
and songs to bring tears to your eyes.
There is one thing more we need mention,
the dances are danced all in fun,
so now that you've heard our intention,
we play on to the beat of the drum.
(traditional)
2. If It's a Rose (Then It Will Bloom)
One eve as I was walking,
I chanced by a strange old man.
He was planting in his garden,
there was soil upon his hands.
Slowly he did approach me,
his eyes revealed the moon,
and he said with a voice of earth and root,
"If it's a rose, then it will bloom"
Somehow he'd sensed my troubles,
which lived like vipers inside my chest.
I feared my new love might leave me,
this ache would not let me rest.
He said "Your heart is so filled with you,
that for love, there isn't much room.
Just take care and tend the seedlings,
if it's a rose, then it will bloom."
"If it's a rose, then it will bloom.
You need not push a river,
it flows fine on it's own.
You need not seek out a lost love,
if it's real, it will find it's way home.
You need not fear the wind and rain,
the sun will always come pierce the gloom,"
and as I turned to leave, he said once more,
"If it's a rose, then it will bloom."
if it's a rose, then it will bloom.
(music - traditional)
(lyrics - Carl Asch, intro - Jim Furle)
3. The Hat Came Back
Shamus, me mate, we've had a pint and lots of talk,
but I hear me wife a-callin', I hope I still can walk,
it's time we wandered home, threw our hats into the door,
and we'll both be sleeping easy if they stay put on the floor
So I stumble toward me house, pray me wife's not mad,
for stayin' out so late, and all the pints I've had.
I take off me favorite derby, and I throw it through the door,
'cause I'll be sleeping easy if it stays upon the floor...
But the hat came back, landed on me head,
I guess that means that I'm not welcome in me bed.
I'll be sleeping in the barn again in a heavy gunny sack,
'cause that's what happens when the hat comes back.
I kneel, I beg, I throw me hat inside once more,
but when an old wool blanket comes out, I know just what's in store,
I go down into the barn so's I can find an empty stall,
but I can tell just by the smell it hasn't been cleaned since fall.
I wake up with a start, I hear the barn door open wide,
I get up to me feet just as me wife she steps inside.
She's lookin' even prettier than on the day that we had wed,
'cause she wasn't wearin' nothin' but me hat upon her head.
So the hat came back and it's on me darlin's head,
I guess tonight the barn will be our own true marriage bed.
We'll be makin' hay 'til mornin' in a heavy gunny sack,
'cause sometimes that's what happens when the hat comes back,
Yeah, sometimes that's what happens when the hat comes back,
Yeah, sometimes that's what happens when the hat....
...comes back!
(music - traditional)
(lyrics - Carl Asch, lyrical tweaking - Lance Murray)
4. Ballad for Erin
There are mysteries in each of our green rolling hills
There are stories in each brick we've laid
But for all of our beauty and all of our history
There surely has been a price we have paid
We fought for our loved ones, we fought for our land
We died in the fields and we perished at sea
We lived through the famine, we'll live through the English
There's no place as strong as this Irish country
The famine took all of the crops from our fields
Strange lands drew our daughters and sons
But we toiled on, though our children were gone
Then our shores felt the wrath of Elizabeth's gun
We fought for our loved ones, we fought for our land
We died in the fields and we perished at sea
We lived through the famine, we'll live through the English
There's no place as strong as this Irish country
Religion it seems has divided our souls
The hatred and bloodshed still thrive
But if our enmities cease, and we keep working for peace
It can only be then that our land will survive
We fought for our loved ones, we fought for our land
We died in the fields and we perished at sea
We lived through the famine, we'll live through the English
There's no place as strong as this Irish country
We fought for our loved ones, we fought for our land
We died in the fields and we perished at sea
We lived through the famine, we'll live through the English
There's no place as home as this Irish country
(music - Ty Billings, Craig Broers, Frank O'Gara)
( lyrics - Carl Asch)
5. Give Me Your Hand/Little Stack of Wheat
(traditional)
6. Just a Tinker
Abroad she came one morning, from Ireland's emerald shore,
and I but a simple tinker, her love I will implore
but if she would forsake me, still contented will I be
for I love my love, and so I know she will love me.
Fiona, you have traveled so far across the sea
perhaps the gods have brought you here to be with me
so walk with me and take my hand and contented shall you be
for I love me love and so I know she will love me.
She said, "My dearest Mahlon, I am stranger to this place
and though I do not know you, there be kindness in your face
so I will walk with you, and take your hand, and perhaps lay at your side,"
now I love my love and so I know she'll be my bride.
I love my love, and so I know she'll be my bride.
I love my love, and so I know she'll be my bride.
(music - traditional)
(lyrics - Carl Asch)
7. Two Magicians
A lady sits at her own front door, waiting on her man
when by there came a lusty smith, with his hammer in his hand
Saying,"You are such a maiden fair, all in your robes of red,
will ya take me in yer arms, and have me in your bed?"
"Away, away you cold blacksmith, what you do say is wrong,
Does thou think a lass like me can be had for just a song"?
He sang, "Bide, lady bide, your lust for me don't hide,
this dusty smith will be your love, so lay aside your pride."
So the lady she took out her wand, held it high in her hand,
she turned herself into a cloud, said "Catch me if you can!"
So the blacksmith shook his hammer, and it turned to a magic stick,
so he became a lightning bolt for to zap into her quick.
He sang, "Bide, lady bide, your lust for me don't hide,
this dusty smith will be your love, so lay aside your pride."
So the lady she turned into a fish, a-swimmin' in the brook,
So he became a fishing rod for to catch her with his hook
But the lady she turned into a fly, flew up into the air,
So he became a hairy spider for to drag her into his lair
(alt. verse)
So the lady she turned into a fiddle, hid amidst a song
So he became a bow and he played her all night long
Singin', "Bide, lady bide, your lust for me don't hide,
this dusty smith will be your love, so lay aside your pride."
Then the lady she turned into a rose, rosebud in the wood,
So he became a bumble bee for to sting her where she stood (Ouch!)
But the lady she turned into a horse, dark as the night is black
So he became a golden saddle for to climb onto her back
Singin'"Bide, lady bide, your lust for me don't hide,
this dusty smith will be your love, so lay aside your pride."
So the lady she turned into a man, leered up on him good,
So he became a bonny lass, and she took him where he stood, singin -
"Bide, lady bide, your lust for me don't hide,
this dusty smith will be your love, so lay aside your pride."
(traditional - add'l lyrics - Carl Asch)
8. Cyrus in the Moonlight
Well the hills are filled with spirits, and they walk when night comes 'round
and they speak to who they choose to when the moon is shining down
and Ramona loves the orchard, and Liza loves the pine
and Cyrus in the moonlight loves the flowing of the wine
And Cyrus trusts the spirits, for they fill his life with grace
Yeah the father of his fathers passed it down, that gift of faith
and one night, you might hear it, like a wailing from above
It's just Cyrus in the moonlight, singin' to the ones he loves
"Li di de di di, li da di di, li di de di di, li di di di"
Well the two girls start to dancin' when they hear that silken voice
that's when Cyrus asks the moonlight, "Do I have to make a choice?
'tween Liza with her red hair and Ramona with her blues,
and with all these gifts they bring me, tell me how can I refuse?"
Well the hills are filled with spirits and they walk when night comes 'round
and they speak to who they choose to when the moon is shinin' down
and Ramona loves the orchard, and Liza loves the pine,
and Cyrus in the moonlight loves the flowing of the wine
and one night you might hear it, like a wailing from above,
it's just Cyrus in the moonlight singin' to the ones he loves
He sings "Li di de di di, li da di di, li di de di di, li da di di,
li di de di di, li di di di, li di de di di, li da di di"
It's just Cyrus in the moonlight, singin' to the ones he loves
(Rob Hyman, Eric Bazillion)
9. Up a Tree/Gary Owen's/Legacy
(Gary Mazzu/ traditional/ traditional)
10. Forest Path
Long we've lived at river's edge,
swimming in desire's tide,
Each to each, we spoke a pledge,
ever would our love abide.
But now you say, we needs must part,
you bid me touch you no more.
Echoes mar this hollow heart,
and joy has fled to distant shore.
Wretched pleading moves you not,
mercy sleeps while cruelty plays.
Parched and yet no water brought,
arrid desert in your gaze.
Though our river I'll 'ere dream of,
yet I know the heart's terrain,
for as I live, I needs must love,
so joy now fled will come again.
This forest path eclipes all,
And winged sorrow shall take to flight.
Your memory, with each foot fall,
will fade against this changing light.
For as I live, I needs must love,
so joy, now fled, will come again.
(music - John Dowland)
(lyrics - Ciara Carinci)
11. The Whistler
I'll buy you six bay mares to put in your stable,
six golden apples, bought with my pay,
I am the first piper, who calls a sweet tune,
but I must be gone by the seventh day.
So come on, hey I'm the whistler
I have a fife and I've come to play.
So get ready, for the whistler,
I whistle along on the seventh day,
I whistle along on the seventh day...
All kinds of sadness, I've left behind me,
many's the day when I have done wrong,
but I'll be yours, forever and ever,
climb on the saddle and whistle along...
So come on, hey I'm the whistler,
I have a fife and I've come to play,
so get ready for the whistler,
I whistle along on the seventh day,
I whistle along on the seventh day...
Deep red are the sunsets in mystical places,
black is the night on summer day sands,
we'll find the speck of truth in each riddle,
hold the first grain of love in our hands...
So come on, hey I'm the whistler,
I have a fife and I've come to play.
So get ready for the whistler,
I whistle along on the seventh day,
So come on! I'm the whistler,
I have a fife and I've come to play,
so get ready, for the whistler,
I whistle along on the seventh day...
(Ian Anderson)
12. Beggars to God
The song of gypsy Davy rang, delighted, through the night
the wise and foolish maiden kept her candles burning bright,
rise up my young and foolish one, and follow, if you can,
there'll be no need for candles in the arms of such a man.
Make love with each other, be free with each other
be prisoners of love, 'til you lie in the sod,
be friends to each other, forgive one another,
see god in each other, be beggars to god.
The night was cold, and dark and wet as they wandered out alone,
the sky became their canopy, and the earth became their throne,
and as their rainments ran to rags, they thought it nothing wrong.
For earth and sky are robe enough, when you sing that gypsy song.
Make love with each other, be free with each other,
be prisoners of love, til you lie in the sod,
be friends to each other, forgive one another,
see god in each other, be beggars to god.
They sang and played that gypsy song wherever they were sent,
to some it seemed a dancing tune, to some a sad lament,
but in every heart that heard it true, a tear became a smile,
and a pauper or prince became a gypsy for a while.
Make love with each other, be free with each other,
be prisoners of love, 'til you lie in the sod,
be friends to each other, forgive one another,
see god in each other, be beggars to god.
Make love with each other, be free with each other,
be prisoners of love, 'til you lie in the sod,
be friends to each other, forgive one another,
see god in each other, be beggars to god.
(Bob Franke)
Carl Asch (vocals, whistle, guitar, mandolin), Lynda Kavy (bodhran, percussion, vocals), Gary J. Mazzu (guitar, vocals). Also featuring George Klepac (fiddle, vocals), John Land (bass), Mark Sganga (guitar, vocals, nature stone), Fred Pastore (bass), Morgan Ford (vocals), Scott Robinson (concertina), Charlie Rafferty (uilleann pipes, flute, whistles), Louis Lynch (harp), and Laurie Reese (cello).
1. Merrily Kiss the Quaker/Morrison's Jig
2. Take Her in Your Arms
3. Donald McGillavry
4. Stone and Dove
5. Tom of Bedlam
6. Inesheer Air/Scarce o'Tatties/Black Nag
7. Nature Boy
8. Queen of Argyle
9. Common Weave
10. Toast to Love and Marriage
11. Butterfly/Drowsey Maggie
12. John Cumber's Maiden
13. Raggle Taggle Gypsys
14. Ramblin' Rover
1. Merrily Kiss the Quaker/Morrison's Jig
(trad.)
(Our standard set opener seems to get everyone in the mood. Thanks to Felipe de Souza for the tag at the end.)
2. Take Her in Your Arms
Have you seen him on the corner,
his lip has reached the pavement,
he's been hiding from his razor,
is he not an awful sight?
In love he was the purist,
now he's frightening our tourists.
If he'd only asked his father,
Then I'm sure he'd set him right, sayin'
"Take her in your arms
And tell her that you love her,
Take her in your arms
And hold that woman tight.
Won't you take her in your arms
And tell her that you love her.
If you're going to love a woman
Then be sure and do it right."
Well, he met her at some tavern,
which was dark as any cavern,
and it all would have been different,
if he'd seen her in daylight.
She was painted, she was scented,
and she drove your man demented.
If he'd only asked his father,
Then I'm sure he'd set him right, sayin'
"Take her in your arms
And tell her that you love her,
Take her in your arms
And hold that woman tight.
Won't you take her in your arms
And tell her that you love her.
If you're going to love a woman
Then be sure and do it right."
Well, depression's not a million laughs
But suicide's too dangerous.
Don't go leapig' out of buildings
In the middle of the night.
It's not the fall but landing
That'll alter social standin'
So go first and ask your father
and I'm sure he'll set you right, sayin'
"Take her in your arms,
And tell her that you love her,
Take her in your arms,
And hold that woman tight.
Won't you take her in your arms
And tell her that you love her.
If you're going to love a woman
Then be sure and do it right."
Here's a health to all true lovers,
Their sisters and their brothers
their uncles and their grannies
for this thing is black and white
if you're keen to start romancin'
with it's leaping and it's dancin'
go first and ask your father,
and I'm sure he'll set you right, sayin'
"Take her in your arms
And tell her that you love her,
Take her in your arms
And hold that woman tight.
Won't you take her in your arms
and tell her that you love her.
If you're going to love a woman
Then be sure and do it right."
"Take her in your arms
And tell her that you love her,
Take her in your arms
And hold that woman tight.
Won't you take her in your arms
and tell her that you love her.
If you're going to love a woman
Be sure and do it right."
(Andy M. Stewart, Strathmore music)
(Silly Wizard and the songs of Andy M. Stewart were our first influence and inspiration for playing this music. That is why there are a great many of their songs on this album. We owe them a great deal.)
3. Donald McGillavry
Donald came into town, lean and wiry,
Music flew from his pipes a'wild and firey,
With pack on his back and eyes wild with ecstasy,
Some called him the devil, that Donald McGillavry
Play like the wild ram, Donald McGillavry,
Are you the wild Pan, Donald McGillavry,
Innocence and wisdom do dance through his melody,
The soul of the wild seed has Donald McGillavry
Galway lay shrouded in mist and twisted trees,
Its people were stranged by their toils and drudgery,
Any passion was rare, the priest kept them on their knees,
But then came that stranger, that Donald McGillavry
Laugh like the jackal, Donald McGillavry,
Fear be their shackle, Donald McGillavry,
Sing to them to wake them, rouse them to revelry,
You call down the thunder, you Donald McGillavry
Their flesh was awakened by his ancient melody
They bound it with ropes of self-righteous civility,
They cursed him that day, "You've roused the beast, there's blood to pay,"
The crowd swelled with hatred for Donald McGillavry
You're black as the raven, Donald McGillavry,
Hell be your heaven, Donald McGillavry,
They tried him, they judged him, there came down a death decree,
"You'll burn with the devil, Donald McGillavry."
Sunrise brought amber skies, day was a certainty,
But Donald stood bound and gagged, facing eternity,
The crowd fought for place, the torch smoked heavily,
"Why wait, do it now to this Donald McGillavry!"
Pray for your soul now, Donald McGillavry,
Your life is over, Donald McGillavry,
They kicked him, they poked him, they ridiculed his destiny,
'til fate pulled the children to Donald McGillavry
The children laid their bodies down, innocence at his feet,
Halos did crown their heads, light for the blind to see,
From the mothers came cries, "Our children see with God's own eyes!
This man is a messenger, sent to undo our lies!"
They unbound the limbs of Donald McGillavry,
He picked up his pipes that Donald McGillavry,
He played 'til the dawn, they danced 'til they fell from sleep,
Then off to the next town went Donald McGillavry
(traditional; lyrics - Ciara Carinci)
4. Stone and Dove
Twas seven years ere long since her I spied upon the shore
Amber were her eyes, god's skin was all she wore
I hid 'neath the dune lest my presence cause her shame
I loved her then, I asked the wind her name.
Go towards the moor breezes whispered to my soul
Find her family home, 'neath the red oak by the knoll
There will she be waiting patiently for love
Present her with a stone and a dove.
Long did I search with my heart aflame,
Pleading, "Heaven, let her feel the same."
Demons were casting to slow my pace,
then I beheld her face.
She asked not my name but she took me by the hand.
"I'll show you where the sky lays its head upon the land."
I offered stone and dove as we came unto that place.
She laid me down; her body was my grace.
Alone, now I stand in this hallowed, sacred grove.
Where are you my love, in this life that we had wove?
I begged you to stay, but the angels took your hand.
My dove sleeps, our stone has turned to sand.
Now my dove sleeps, our stone has turned to sand.
My dove doth sleep, our stone has turned to sand.
(music - Brahm Stuart, lyrics - Ciara Carinci)
Up to title
5. Tom of Bedlam
(Hit it, boys!)
To find my Tom of Bedlam
Ten thousand years I travel
Mad Maudlin goes on dirty toes
To save me shoes from gravel
Still I sing bonny boys, bonny mad boys,
Bedlam boys are bonny.
for they all go bare and they live by the air,
and they want no drink nor money.
I now repent that ever
Poor Tom was so disdain-ed.
My wits are tossed and semi-crossed
Which makes me thus go chain-ed.
Still I sing bonny boys, bonny mad boys,
Bedlam boys are bonny,
for they all go bare and they live by the air,
and they want no drink nor money
I went to Pluto's kitchen,
to beg some food one morning.
There I got souls spiking hot,
while on the spit a-turning.
Still I sing bonny boys, bonny mad boys,
Bedlam boys are bonny,
for they all go bare and they live by the air,
and they want no drink nor money
There I took up a caldron,
where I boiled ten thousand harlots.
Though still a-flame I drank the same,
with a health to all such varlets.
Still I sing bonny boys, bonny mad boys,
Bedlam boys are bonny,
for they all go bare and they live by the air,
and they want no drink nor money.
Me staff has murdered giants,
me bag a long knife carries,
to cut mince pies from children's thighs,
with which to feed the faeries.
Still I sing bonny boys, bonny mad boys,
Bedlam boys are bonny,
for they all go bare and they live by the air,
and they want no drink nor money.
No gypsy, slut, or doxie,
shall win me mad Tom from me.
I'll weep all night with the stars I'll fight,
the fray shall well become me.
Still I sing bonny boys, bonny mad boys,
Bedlam boys are bonny,
for they all go bare and they live by the air,
and they want no drink nor money.
So drink to Tom of Bedlam,
fill all the seas and barrels.
I'll drink it all well brewed with gall,
and maudlin drunk I'll quarrel.
Still I sing bonny boys, bonny mad boys,
Bedlam boys are bonny,
for they all go bare and they live by the air,
and they want no drink nor money.
Still I sing bonny boys, bonny mad boys,
Bedlam boys are bonny,
for they all go bare and they live by the air,
and they want no drink nor money.
(Trad.)
(Carl forced Lynda to sing this song years ago, kicking and screaming, and the world is a better place for it.)
Up to title
6. Inesheer Air/Scarce O'Tatties/ Black Nag
(Trad.)
Up to title
7. Nature Boy
There was a boy
a very strange enchanted boy
they say he wandered very far, very far over land and sea
a little shy, and sad of eye, but very wise was he
And then one day
this magic boy he passed my way
and we did speak of many things, fools and kings
and this he said to me,
"The greatest thing you'll ever learn,
is just to love, and be loved in return."
And then one day
this magic boy he passed my way
and we did speak of many things, fools and kings
and this he said to me,
"The greatest thing you'll ever learn,
is just to love, and be loved in return."
(Eden Ahbez)
(Still and always dedicated to Caleb.)
Up to title
8. Queen of Argyle
Gentlemen, it is my duty
To inform you of one beauty
though I'd ask of you a favor no to seek her for a while
Though I own she is a creature
of character and feature
For no words can paint the picture of the Queen of all Argyle
And if you could have seen her there
boys, if you had just been there,
the swan was in her movement and the morning in her smile
All the roses in the garden
they bowed and asked for pardon
For not one could match the beauty of the Queen of all Argyle
On the evening that I mentioned
I passed with light intention
Through a part of our dear country known for beauty and for style
In a place of noble thinkers, of scholars and great drinkers
But above them all for splendor of the Queen of all Argyle
And if you could have seen her there
boys, if you had just been there,
the swan was in her movement and the morning in her smile
All the roses in the garden
they bowed and asked for pardon
For not one could match the beauty of the Queen of all Argyle
So my lads I needs must leave you
My intentions no to grieve you
Nor indeed would I decieve you, for I'll see you in a while
I must find some way to gain her
To court her and to tame her
For I fear, my heart's in danger from the Queen of all Argyle
And if you could have seen her there
boys if you had just been there,
the swan was in her movement and the morning in her smile
All the roses in the garden
they bowed and asked for pardon
For not one could match the beauty of the Queen of all Argyle
And if you could have seen her there
boys if you had just been there,
the swan was in her movement and the morning in her smile
All the roses in the garden
they bowed and asked for pardon
For not one could match the beauty of the Queen of all Argyle
(music Andy M. Stewart, Arr. Brahm Stewart)
(strathmore music)
Up to title
9. Common Weave
Sweet love, my heart is a wild fire
untamed flames burn through my soul
because you live, my life's inspired
deeper passions have ne'er been known
But you're a tapestry, I a common weave
royalty's daughter, a cobbler's son
cruel fate doth laugh as I weep my need for you
love, my love, you'll never know
My heart is breaking, I cannot hold you
the days are demons, the nights are cold
since I can't reach you, seduce, entreat you,
love, without you, must I grow old?
My heart is breaking, I cannot hold you
the days are demons, the nights are cold
since I can't reach you, seduce, entreat you,
love, without you, must I grow old?
My heart is breaking, I cannot hold you
the days are demons, the nights are cold
since I can't reach you, seduce, entreat you,
love, without you, will I grow old?
(music - trad., lyrics - Ciara Carinci)
Up to title
10. Toast to Love and Marriage
When I was just a lad, me mum said "Darlin' Paddy,
so's you won't be sad someday you'll want to marry
it's time we had this chat on how to find a wife for you.
Old, young, skinny, or fat, the best to make a life for you.
Just seek a girl with charms, like Venus but with arms,
to keep your bed all warm and happily married will you be.
It's how I caught your dad, me beauty drove him mad,
and now you see he's had these many years of marital bliss and harmony."
Raise your glasses high and toast to love and marriage
we'll never understand 'til they slide our coffins from the carriage
Whack-fe-lol-da-rah
But then I turned fourteen, me pa said, "Darlin' Paddy,
I'll teach you the routine to find the girl to marry,
You'll have the benefit of all me experience
in a relationship of lasting joy and permanence.
Just marry an ugly girl, the oyster not the pearl,
the ugliest in the world, 'cause a bonny lass could leave ya.
I'm telling you now, me son, it's the reason I married your mum,
so do as I have done, if an ugly girl, she leaves you.
you'll find you don't really mind."
Raise your glasses high and toast to love and marriage
we'll never understand 'til they slide our coffins from the carriage
Whack-fe-lol-da-rah
So's I've grown up a bit confused, love was such a bother
Courted pretty girls, and some that looked like me mother
So Mom and dear old Dad, the words to me you've spoken,
I feel that I've been had, me heart is always broken
When I thought Id found true love, and I'm thanking God above,
push it came to shove and I'm back out on me bum again
I'm telling you lads it's true, no longer will I woo
me heart is black and blue, I'll leave this game of love to you
I'm going off to become a priest!
Raise your glasses high and toast to love and marriage
we'll never understand 'til they slide our coffins from the carriage
Raise your glasses high and toast to love and marriage
we'll never understand 'til they slide our coffins from the carriage
Whack-fe-lol-da-rah
(music - traditional, lyrics - Carl Asch)
(John Dunn inspired this, our most politically incorrect song, and Felipe suggested the gregorian chant.)
Up to title
11. Butterfly/Drowsy Maggie
(trad.)
12. John Cumber's Maiden
My soul woke from slumber when my eyes beheld John Cumber
the dream I dreamed there stood he real
He was strong and kind and wise, there were seasons in his eyes
Eros' wings on the wind I did feel
Eros' wings on the wind I did feel
Now we had laid long in the arms of the valley
when with these words he rendered my fate
"I must leave you for awhile, there be work in Devonshire,
My beloved, I beg you, please wait."
He cried "Beloved, I beg you please wait."
His boat sailed that autumn with my heart in it's wake
I lived for his April return
But when spring tore winter's veil, it left my hope a tattered sail
Of his fate I was never to learn
Of your fate am I never to learn?
They say forty seasons have I waited past all reason
They say I am troubled in mind
But Neptune says in his rooms you sleep, so I must walk into the deep
That again might our souls be entwined
Oh, I know I shall find you this time
(music - traditional, lyrics - Ciara Carinci)
13. Raggle Taggle Gypsys
There were three young gypsys came to our hall door,
beggin' brave and boldly-o
And one sang high and the other sang low
and the lady sang the raggle taggle gypsy-o
So upstairs and downstairs the lady went,
put on her suit of leather-o
It was the song of the gypsy at the door
she ran away with the raggle taggle gypsy-o
But late that night, the lord came in,
inquiring of his lady-o,
the servant girls replied to him all,
"She ran away with the raggle taggle gypsy-o"
So he rode east and he rode west,
he rode north and south also
but when he came to the wide open field
it was there that he spied his lady-o
"Ah why do you leave your house and your land,
why do you leave your lord also?
Tonight you lie with your back upon the ground,
in the arms of your raggle taggle gypsy-o."
"Ah what care I for my house and my land
what care I for my lord also?
I'd rather have a kiss from the lovely gypsy's lips
than all of your gold and your money-o".
There were three young gypsys came to our hall door,
beggin' brave and boldly-o,
and the one sang high, and the other sang low,
and the lady sang the raggle taggle gyspy-o
(traditional)
(Moral! Immoral! Tastes great! Less filling! Whatever!)
14. Ramblin' Rover
There are sober men a-plenty
And drunkards barely twenty
There are men of over ninety
Who have never yet kissed a girl
But give me a ramblin' rover
Frae Orkney down to Dover
We will roam the country over
together we'll face the world
I have roamed throughout the nation
Ta'en delight in all creation
And have gained a wee sensation
When the company did prove kind
And when parting was no pleasure
We drank another measure
To the good friends that we treasure
'cause they always are in our minds
There are sober men a-plenty
And drunkards barely twenty
There are men of over ninety
Who have never yet kissed a girl
Give me a ramblin' rover
Frae Orkney down to Dover
We will roam the country over
Together we'll face the world
There are those who feign enjoyment
From merciless employment
This condition was their deployment
From the minute they left the school
Now they save and scrape and ponder
While the rest go out and squander
See the world and roam and wander
And we're happier as a rule
There are sober men a-plenty
And drunkards barely twenty
There are men of over ninety
Who have never yet kissed a girl
Give me a ramblin' rover
Frae Orkney down to Dover
We will roam the country over
Together we'll face the world
Now when troubles they do befall me
to the high road I do haul me
Rovin' John is what they call me
It's a blessing and a curse
Though my troubles they be many
I'll take a drink with any
'til I've spent me last wee penny
and they come for me in a hearse.
There are sober men a-plenty
And drunkards barely twenty
There are men of over ninety
Who have never yet kissed a girl
Give me a ramblin' rover
Frae Orkney down to Dover
We will roam the country over
Together we'll face the world
If you're bent with arthritis
Your bowels have got colitis
Or the galloping balacitis
And you're thinking it's time you died
If you've been a man of action
And now you're lying there in traction
You may gain some satisfaction
Thinking "Jesus at least I tried!"
There are sober men a-plenty
And drunkards barely twenty
There are men of over ninety
Who have never yet kissed a girl
Give me a ramblin' rover
Frae Orkney down to Dover
We will roam the country over
Together we'll face the world
There are sober men a-plenty
And drunkards barely twenty
There are men of over ninety
Who have never yet kissed a girl
Give me a ramblin' rover
Frae Orkney down to Dover
We will roam the country over
And together we'll face the world
(Andy M. Stewart, strathmore music)
(A tip o' the hat to David Clauss for the third verse.)
Carl Asch (whistle, guitar, kalimba, mandolin, vocals), Lynda Kavy (bodhran, percussion, vocals), Gary Mazzu (guitar, whistle, mandolin, vocals), and George Klepac (fiddle, vocals). Also featuring Peter Levine (cello), Lane Lederer (oboe), Lyra Hilliard (concertina, bones, vocals), John Land (bass guitar), Charley Rafferty (uilleann pipes), Bud Good (harmonica), Jimmy Torrey (percussion), Dan King (blacksmith), Ciara Carinci (lyrics).
1. Night Visitor's Song
2. All Around My Hat
3. The Widow And The Devil
4. Blacksmith Reel/Sailor On The Rock/Humours of Tulla
5. Blind Fiddler
6. Dunnenkirk And The Gypsy
7. Temperance Reel/Tam Lyn
8. Fisherman's Wife
9. Lover's Heart
10. Black Velvet Band
11. Sheebeg And Sheemore/Banish Misfortune
12. Blanket of Night
I must away lads, I can no longer tarry,
This evening's tempest I have to cross,
I will be guided without a starlight,
into the arms I love the best.
I walked up to her bedroom window,
I leaned my back there against a stone.
I whispered softly into her window,
"My darlin' lassie do you lie alone?"
She raised her head from her snow white pillow,
and with her arm raised across her breast,
said, "Who is there at my bedroom window,
disturbing me from my long night's rest?"
I said "My true love, it is your own true lover,
open the door now and let me in,
for I have traveled a long long journey,
and I am drench-ed to the skin."
She opened the door then without a murmur,
opened the door then, and let me in.
We gently kissed and embraced each other
and in the morning we lay as one.
The day was dawning, the cocks were calling,
the birds were whistling in every tree.
Farewell my true love, for I must leave you,
now that the long night has turned to day.
I must away love, I can no longer tarry,
this morning's tempest I have to cross,
I will be guided without a starlight,
now that the long night has turned to day.
I must away love, I can no longer tarry,
this morning's tempest I have to cross,
I will be guided without a starlight,
Now that the long night has turned to day,
Now that the long night has turned to day,
Now that the long night has turned to day.
(Trad./Arr: Empty Hats)
2. All Around My Hat
All around my hat, I will wear the green willow,
All around my hat, for twelve months and a day,
and if anyone should ask me the reason why I'm wearin' it,
it's all for my true love who has led my life astray.
I pledged my heart with love songs,
I showered her with jewels.
I gave to her a red red rose,
but my own true love was cruel.
she spurned my sweet affections,
and truly caused my heart to bleed.
she's a false deluded young lass,
let her go, farewell she.
And it's all around my hat, I will wear the green willow,
All around my hat, for twelve months and a day,
and if anyone should ask me the reason why I'm wearin' it,
it's all for my true love who has led my life astray.
The other day he brought me
a fine diamond ring,
but he thought to deprive me
of a far far finer thing!
But I being careful, through him I did clearly see.
He's a false, deluded yound lad,
let him go, farewell he.
And it's all around my hat, I will wear the green willow,
All around my hat, for twelve months and a day,
and if anyone should ask me the reason why I'm wearin' it,
it's all for my true love who has led my life astray.
So lads come listen to me,
-Ladies heed my words,
and save yourselves much pain.
-it's no mystery.
You'll never know what a woman wants,
-and a man only wants one thing.
A pet is so much simpler,
-Get a plant!
and makes for better company.
-Just add water.
She's a false deluded young lass,
- false deluded young lad,
let her go, farewell she.
-let him go, farewell he.
And it's all around my hat, I will wear the green willow,
All around my hat, for twelve months and a day,
and if anyone should ask me the reason why I'm wearin' it,
it's all for my true love who has led my life astray.
(Trad./Arr: Empty Hats)
("We first heard this from "Steeleye Span" but felt it needed a bit of a lyric makeover.")
3. The Widow And The Devil
High upon a lonely moor, a widow lived alone
and in she kept, and as she slept, her pillow heard her moan,
"Of all the many travelers who spent the night with me,
there's not a man in all creation who gives content to me.
Some can manage once or twice, and some maybe three or four,
it seems to me a rarity is a man who can do more.
I'll do anything to find him, in heaven or in hell."
and as these words were spoken then she heard the front door bell.
For the wind blew cold and lonely across that widow's moor,
she never ever turned away trouble from the door.
The widow then ran to the door and it she opened wide,
and as she did a tall and handsome stranger stepped inside.
She gave him bread and brandy, and when he well was fed,
she said, "My dear, now have no fear, it's time to come to bed."
He said to her, "I've heard your call and I've come to do you right,
but you must come to hell with me if I can last the night."
She said, "You randy devil! To this bargain I'll agree,
for hell on earth, or hell in hell, it's all the same to me."
For the wind blew cold and lonely across that widow's moor,
she never ever turned away trouble from the door.
So when they both fell into bed and the devil was workin' well,
he thought before the night was through, she'd be in his hell.
But when they came to number nine, the widow cried out, "More!"
At twelve she said, "I don't believe he'll make it to twenty four."
At thirty five the devil felt compelled to take a rest.
The widow said, "Come lift your head and put me to the test!"
At sixty nine the widow laughed, "Again, again!" she cried.
The devil said, "Well I can see just how your husband died!"
For the wind blew cold and lonely across that widow's moor,
she never ever turned away trouble from the door.
At ninety nine the devil he began to cry and weep.
He said, "I'll give you ANYTHING if you let me go to sleep!"
Before the morning light was up, the devil hobbled home.
The widow still not satisfied, he left her soul alone.
And there she lay in anxious state at number ninety nine,
"If only that old devil could have made it one more time!
I'll call him up again tonight to see what can be done,
with a bit more application, he could've made it to one hundred and one!"
So when she called to him that night the devil did appear.
For the first time in eternity, satan shook with fear.
He said, "Of all the torment I've witnessed there in hell,
I never knew what pain was 'til I wrung your front door bell!"
For the wind blew cold and lonely across that widow's moor,
she never ever turned away trouble from the door.
(Trad./Arr: Empty Hats)
("Many thanks to Sarah for turning us on to this tune.")
4. Blacksmith Reel/Sailor On The Rock/Humors Of Tulla
(Trad./Arr: Empty Hats)
("Braham Stuart played these tunes together and it's been one of our favorites for years.")
5. Blind Fiddler
You know I lost my eyes in a blacksmith shop
in the year of forty eight
so I picked up a fiddle and I began to play
I am not sad and lonely, content am I to roam
'cause I am a blind fiddler and the world it is my home
well I went down to london
and I played for the king
I've learned that I am happiest when I can play and sing
I am not sad and lonely content am I to roam
'cause I am a blind fiddler and the world it is my home
I have no wife or children
no one depends on me
I've seen my share of sorrows, but I am truely free
I am not sad and lonely, content am I to roam
'cause I am a blind fiddler and the world it is my home
You know I lost my eyes in a blacksmith shop
in the year of forty eight
so I picked up a fiddle and I began to play
I am not sad and lonely, content am I to roam
'cause I am a blind fiddler and the world it is my home
(Trad./Arr: Empty Hats)
("This song was performed by the english group "Show of Hands". I loved the song but it had a very negative slant. So I changed it, as I am often wont to do.")
6. Dunnenkirk And The Gypsy
A grotesque babe was Dunnenkirk, a freak by nature's making
the priest pronounced him devil spawn, by his own he was forsaken
abandoned to a gypsy crone, never suckled by his mother
the old one fed him roots and bone, she loved him like no other
Dite cizi, I'll lie near you now, dite cizi I'll lie near you
the world will know a noble soul when you have found your way through.
She taught him how to read the stars, how to minister to the broken
to tolerate the ways of all, and know what has been spoken
He closed her eyes the day she died, looked back to remember
then made their hut a funeral pyre...
Oh, heaven rained down embers.
Dite cizi I be with you still, dite cizi I'm still with you,
You'll speak the truth in common tongue but few will understand you.
He lived among the townsfolk then, barefoot and misshapen,
his wisdom fell on fallow ground, from him they hid their children
he left them after seven years, wearied by their hatred,
Then he looked down from the highest cliff in seach of the exhaulted
A caravan of tangled bones lay tented in the distance
He heard the fates call out his name, his soul gave no resistence
The fringe folk and the wild seed, the freak with four arms flailing
welcomed him among their scores like a tincture to their ailing
Dite cizi you be near them now, dite cizi you be near them
Let this be the salve that sets their ancient gash to mending
They asked him how to heal their fears, he answered "Face the danger.
We'll build a stage up on the hill, a carnival of strangers.
Spectators gaze on oddity to be consoled that form is content,
but we were cast with beastly masks that we might learn the difference!"
Dite cizi you lie near them now, dite cizi you lie near them
They are all they need to be to satisfy their longing.
He traveled with them forty years, in his tent did they gather
To cry and singand speak their words, for he loved them like no other
Late one night when the stage was dark and the blue moon met the bent tree,
they heard him call to the gypsy crone, "Come find me, I am ready!"
Dite cizi, you go from them now, dite cizi you go from them,
Their twisted limbs are now their wings, your carnival is legend.
Dite cizi come lie near me now, dite cizi come lie near me,
The life you lived as Dunnenkirk is the myth you leave to history.
Dite cizi I'll lie near you now, dite cizi I'll lie near you,
the world has known a noble soul...who helped them find their way through.
(Trad./Arr: Empty Hats Lyrics: Ciara Carinci)
("As always, it is a pleasure to sing ciara's words. There will be lots more to come.")
7. Temperance Reel/Tam Lin
(Trad./Arr: Empty Hats)
8. Fisherman's Wife
By the storm-torn shoreline, a woman is standing
The spray strung like jewels in her hair
And the sea tore the rocks near that desolate landing
As though it had known she stood there
And white were the wave-caps and wild was their parting
So fierce is the warring of love
And she prayed to the gods, both of men and of sailors
Not to cast their cruel nets o'er her love
And she has come down to condemn that wild ocean
For the murderous loss of her man
His boat sailed out on Wednesday morning
And it's feared she's gone down with all hands
What force leads a man to a life filled with danger
When his heart yearns to dwell in her land
It's when need is his master and poverty's no stranger
That his love now must wait on the sand
And she has come down to condemn that wild ocean
For the murderous loss of her man
His boat sailed out on Wednesday morning
And it's feared she's gone down with all hands
And it's feared she's gone down with all hands
(Andy M. Stewart © strathmore music)
("We can't seem to get away from Andy Stewart's songs. He really is the best songwriter around. We've tried weaning ourselves, but it's not working.")
9. Lover's Heart
She was in a flow'ry garden when first she caught my eye
And I just a marching soldier, she smiled as I passed by
The flowers she held were fresh and fair, her lips were full and red
And as I passed that shady bower, these words to me she said
"Last night we spoke of love,
Now we're forced to part,
You leave to the sound of the marching drum,
And the beat of a lover's heart."
She was on the strand the next morning, when orders came to sail
And as we slipped our ropes away, I watched her from the rail
She threw me a rose, which fell between us, it floated on the bay
And as we pulled out from the shore, I heard her call and say,
"Last night we spoke of love,
Now we're forced to part,
You leave to the sound of the marching drum,
And the beat of a lover's heart."
Well the solder's life won't suit me, sweet music is my trade
For I'd rather melt the hardest heart than pierce it with a blade
May the time be short 'til I return to my home in the north of Skye
And that loving girl who stole my heart with these words as I passed by
"Last night we spoke of love,
Now we're forced to part,
You leave to the sound of the marching drum,
And the beat of a lover's heart."
"Last night we spoke of love,
Now we're forced to part,
You leave to the sound of the marching drum,
And the beat of a lover's heart."
(Andy M. Stewart © strathmore music)
("Contrary to Lynda's belief, no one dies during this song.")
10. Black Velvet Band
In a neat little town they call Belfast,
Apprenticed to trade I was bound
And many an hour of happiness
I spent in that sweet little town.
But suddenly misfortune befell me
And caused me to stray from my land
Far away from my friends and relations
All because of that black velvet band.
Well her eyes they shone like diamonds
You'd think she was queen of the land
With her hair hung over her shoulders
Tied up with a black velvet band
When I went out strolling one evening
Not meaning to go very far
well I spied a young damsel deciever
she was plying her trade in a bar.
Well I watched as she reached in the pocket
of a man who'd had too much to drink
Well she pulled from his pocked a fine gold watch
When she saw me, she gave me a wink
And her eyes they shone like diamonds
You'd think she was queen of the land
With her hair hung over her shoulders
Tied up with a black velvet band
When the man later found his watch missing
He called for the law of the land
But that lass just before she had fled the bar
she stuck that gold watch in me hand
Well the next thing you know I'm in prison
Me prospects don't look very grand
I spend me days a wishin' that I'd never seen
That girl with the black velvet band
And her eyes they shone like diamonds
You'd think she was queen of the land
With her hair hung over her shoulders
Tied up with a black velvet band
So come all ye jolly young fellows
And kindly take warning by me
For whenever you're out there in Belfast town,
Beware of this pretty colleen.
For she'll fill you with guiness and whiskey,
Until you're not able to stand
And the very next thing that you'll know, me lads,
You'll be cursin' that black velvet band
And her eyes they shone like diamonds
You'd think she was queen of the land
With her hair hung over her shoulders
Tied up with a black velvet band
And her eyes they shone like diamonds
You'd think she was queen of the land
With her hair hung over her shoulders
Tied up with a black velvet band
(Trad./Arr:Empty Hats)
("A while back we were asked to play this song at a pub for st. patty's day. We didn't really want to do it until Gary came up with the basis for this arrangement. Now we love playing it.")
11. Sheebeg and Sheemore/Banish Misfortune
(Trad./Arr:Empty Hats)
("first we're gonna start out soft, then we're gonna get rough. See if you can tell the difference!")
12. Blanket of Night
A blanket of night lays upon us tonight
the moon and the stars are a shining
it's time for our heads to rest in our beds
as we fly away, fly away in our dreams
How high we shall fly and encircle the sky
we wave hello to our homes below
our brothers and sister are a part of our whispers
as we fly away, fly away in our dreams
A blanket of night lays upon us tonight
the moon and the stars are a shining
it's time for our heads to rest in our beds
as we fly away, fly away in our dreams
As we fly away, fly away in our dreams
(Marina Vittoria)
("Marina asked me to sing this song with her on her wonderful album "For the People". I agreed only if she would allow me to sing this song as well. I'm glad she consented.")
Welcome. I've been thinking about doing this CD for some time. When I perform at renaissance festivals, sometimes I just walk around and sing for just small groups of people here and there. These are those very songs.
Each of these pieces mean a lot to me. Some I've known for twenty years or more and in many cases I still remember the person who introduced me to either the song or the artist. I think of them each and every time I play.
Harland Howard wrote some of the best country western songs for artists such as Waylon Jennings, Glen Campbell, Ray Charles, and Patsy Cline. He was once asked what it took to write a great country song. His reply was what is now the title of this album... "Three Chords and the Truth".
Thanks for giving this a listen. I hope you like it.
1. La Rossingnol
2. Willowwood
3. Return to Me
4. Simple Song
5. Island
6. Trio
7. Wild Things
8. Hewlett
9. I Will Lay You Down, Love
10. Julia Claire
11. Gymnopedie
12. Lately
1. La Rossingol
(anonymous, 17th century)
("Many years ago, my friend Mark Sganga and I played classical guital duets at the cathedral church of St. John the Divine in New York City. This was one of those pieces. Mark, thank you so much for your friendship and musical expertize over the years. The title means "The Nightingale".)
2. Willowwood
Each day you pass the village green, but seldom look my way
Each day I sit just in between the wo