We greet November with disheartening news but remember, we are of “the stout south country stuff” so I hope you are well and ready to find some cheer in singing a few more of our songs. Even if just to yourselves, accompanied by SDFS recordings, or with others in a ‘bubble’ (or with Tina and fellow Zoomers at the sessions she facilitates – see her posts on this site for details) – singing our songs helps to keep us in touch until we can gather again in the ‘real’ world. So what follows is a mix of seasonal songs to stretch your lungs and fill your hearts at home on Wednesday evening... or any time!
The autumnal mood and lingering memories of summer are fading to be replaced by remembrance, shortening days and thoughts of winter festivals to come. The songs below reflect this and a few may remind you of our past performances at the Weald and Downland Museum Christmas Market – roll on a happier new year and joining them again in 2021.
Let’s start with a familiar and reassuringly positive one, Thousands or More to warm our spirits.
Moving then to Ladies go Dancing for its gentle remembrance of lives lost. Thinking also of those who promised to return and did come home, The Turtle Dove.
The poignant images of sunsets after harvest in Home Lads Home leads us to the peaceful images of winter in The Fields Lie Silent and the comforting thought of spring returning.
The Copper's Christmas Song paints a more lively picture of winter with rural life and work continuing, and Christmas heralding the turn towards a new year.
The Holly and Ivy and The Holly Bears a Berry celebrate these ever-greens that endure in our landscape throughout the winter chill.
Child of Light and Hey Ho Winter Snow (as rounds if you can against a recording or within your ‘bubble’) – the first evokes the peace and mystery of winter and the second the reward of returning home to a warm fire, both enhanced by the presence of singing!
For a more upbeat finale, how about giving the not particularly seasonal Twankydillo a turn (everyone’s ‘favourite’!) – simply for its positive energy and the heat from the forge!
Stay safe and warm yourselves, enjoy the songs and if feeling any winter blues try singing them away!
Henny
Welcome to our website for singers who want to learn and sing traditional and new South Downs folk songs, sung in the traditional way. "Put another barrel on, landlord, and pull a pint for me! The ale here in Sussex is the best we all agree!"
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