Hello again singers in Lewes (or elsewhere). Hope you’re well and surviving the changeable weather as well as the overall situation. Uncertainty continues on all fronts, so this session is still “virtual” and these are my suggested songs for this month. As ever some old, some new, with recordings of starting notes, first verse and chorus, and some harmonies HERE. Recordings which were provided in previous months are marked: *.
I’ve included words for the 2 new songs. If you need full words for any of the others at any time, either because you were away when we did them or you’ve mislaid your folder, let me know and I will scan and send them to you.
If you would like to take part in a Zoom session on WEDNESDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER AT 7:30PM please let me know via my personal email or text. It may be difficult to sing together with synching issues and delays but we can give it a try and at least say hello and catch up. Maybe people will want to share something new solo or in small household groups. Let me know anyway.
- Let’s kick off with two of our best-known warm up songs: Fathom the Bowl* and The Farmer’s Toast*.
- Next we have two new songs about love which will be known to those who took part in the Belloc, Broadwood and Beyond Project. The first The Loyal Lover was collected by Lucy Broadwood and we have sung this before at Lewes. The other The Delicate Flower was written by Hilaire Belloc.
- Taking us to the comfort and drinks refill break, a trio of our more reflective songs: Life of a Man reminds us of the circle of life. All Things Are Quite Silent* tells of loved ones left behind when sailors are pressganged. Hard Times of Old England describes how those sailors (and soldiers) may later join others to tramp the streets but ends with the hope that good times may return to this country.
- We’ll get started again for the second half of the evening with two songs which cover all the seasons in turn. Country Life* is a rousing traditional number outlining different farming and rural tasks while Seasons Turn* is a more poetic description of nature throughout the year, written by local singer Sylvia Watts.
- Then a trip through the cooler but (hopefully!) still glorious Autumn woods and fields with The Magpie*, The Woodcutter’s Song and The Fields Lie Silent.
- And to round off the evening old favourites East Sussex Drinking Song* and Pleasant and Delightful*.
Stay safe, keep well and happy singing until we can meet again in person. Golier!
Tina
