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Fed up with happy fluffy holiday songs? Then you've come to the right place.
This is a sad song from the English tradition, about a sailor's parting from his sweetheart. There are dozens of English songs like this but this one always appealed to me with its beautiful melody.
And it's also taken on a special poignancy for me. I've been researching my ancestors for 9 years (I often feel I'm channelling them when I sing, so it's probably not surprising I have an interest in them) and I didn't think there were many surprises left. But while I was in the middle of recording this song I took a five minute break to do a routine search and suddenly discovered my grandfather's "lost" uncle. He was a sailor on board HMS Hermes and was killed in action in the early months of the first world war. The ship had been adapted as an aircraft carrier and was ferrying aeroplanes across the English channel to Dunkirk when she was torpedoed by a German U-boat, and sank with the loss of 22 lives (including uncle Claude).
When I went back to the song I was so choked up with tears I could hardly get the words out, but here it is anyway.
The picture above is an actual photo of HMS Hermes going down, with lifeboats attempting to rescue the crew.
So, at the risk of getting all sentimental, this one ought to have a dedication - to Leading Seaman Claude Jeffers, 1883-1914.
This is a sad song from the English tradition, about a sailor's parting from his sweetheart. There are dozens of English songs like this but this one always appealed to me with its beautiful melody.
And it's also taken on a special poignancy for me. I've been researching my ancestors for 9 years (I often feel I'm channelling them when I sing, so it's probably not surprising I have an interest in them) and I didn't think there were many surprises left. But while I was in the middle of recording this song I took a five minute break to do a routine search and suddenly discovered my grandfather's "lost" uncle. He was a sailor on board HMS Hermes and was killed in action in the early months of the first world war. The ship had been adapted as an aircraft carrier and was ferrying aeroplanes across the English channel to Dunkirk when she was torpedoed by a German U-boat, and sank with the loss of 22 lives (including uncle Claude).
When I went back to the song I was so choked up with tears I could hardly get the words out, but here it is anyway.
The picture above is an actual photo of HMS Hermes going down, with lifeboats attempting to rescue the crew.
So, at the risk of getting all sentimental, this one ought to have a dedication - to Leading Seaman Claude Jeffers, 1883-1914.
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Lyrics
Our captain cried all hands away tomorrow
Leaving us girls behind in grief and sorrow
What makes you go abroad fighting for strangers
When you could stay at home and free from dangers
You courted me a while just to deceive me
And now you've gained my heart you mean to leave me
Oh there's no trusting men, not my own brother
So girls if you would love, love one another
I'd roll you in my arms my dearest jewel
So stay at home with me and don't be cruel
Down on the floor she fell like one that was dying
The house was filled with grief sighing and crying
The drums are beating love the pipes are playing
I must be on my way no longer staying
Dry off those briny tears and leave off weeping
And happy we shall be at our next meeting
Traditional, arranged by Rebsie Fairholm © 2007
Leaving us girls behind in grief and sorrow
What makes you go abroad fighting for strangers
When you could stay at home and free from dangers
You courted me a while just to deceive me
And now you've gained my heart you mean to leave me
Oh there's no trusting men, not my own brother
So girls if you would love, love one another
I'd roll you in my arms my dearest jewel
So stay at home with me and don't be cruel
Down on the floor she fell like one that was dying
The house was filled with grief sighing and crying
The drums are beating love the pipes are playing
I must be on my way no longer staying
Dry off those briny tears and leave off weeping
And happy we shall be at our next meeting
Traditional, arranged by Rebsie Fairholm © 2007
davisamerica
sadly touching. what an incredible back story. your voice is wonderful as always. very nice production and to Leading Seaman Claude Jeffers..peace.