A Folk Song A Day

We’re staying in a farming mood with another song from the considerable Copper family repertoire, of which Jon says, “This feels like one of the most genuine of agricultural songs. Many sound like they are consciously sentimentalising the halcyon days of manorial feudalism – which makes you doubt that such an idyll ever really existed. This is more workmanlike and matter of fact about the cycle of the agricultural year, which makes it all the more poignant.” You’ll find Bob and Ron Copper’s recording this on the Topic Records Come Write Me Down CD and can link to the lyrics here, while Mainly Norfolk again provides great reference for the various Copper recordings. Along with Bellamy’s Both Sides Then, Come Write… is another highly recommended acquisition for those that want to explore further and especially those that favour the unadorned vocal. This particular CD comes with two expansive booklets, one offers Reg Hall’s take on the family’s story, the other giving lyrics and notes on the 27 tracks included. Of The Two Young Brethren it notes that many of the early collectors note this song, mostly all in Sussex or Southern England and says, “In the absence of broadside versions, however, the earliest known printing is in [George Heywood] Sumner’s The Besom Maker.” Now here’s another fascinating character and well worth a few minutes Wiki-ing here if you don’t already know his story. Google images as well if you have a few minutes, it’s equally well worth while.

You can buy the August digital album now from all good download stores:

Although widely known as (Now)Westlin Winds, the alternate and (probably) more accurate title of Song Composed In August (it’s what Robertburns.org calls it) makes this an apt way to introduce the new month. Jon  attributes his inspiration here as, “Ian Giles, singer from Magpie lane and stalwart of the Oxford folk scene for many years, who introduced me to this song and his is, for my money, the alpha version, particularly at 2am in the Half Moon. Happy days.” There can be little doubting the anti blood sport message amidst this poetic roll call of natures bounty, as the summer gives way to the harvest season. I must say I’m much taken with this and realize I know precious little about Burns, something which even a cursory glance at this Wiki page makes me think I should do something about. Interestingly it suggest that the Peggy referred to in the verse is a Peggy Thompson, although dates seem at odds with the Burns website. Burns clearly lived a hard life, but as a farmer was in tune with the wildlife around him. I love the way he simply places the different birds in their preferred habitat, giving us an insight that is paradoxically profound. Lovely stuff.

You can buy the August digital album now from all good download stores: