Subject: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: GUEST,mg Date: 28 Jul 06 - 11:22 PM Here is a new song. I don't know the tune yet. It sorts of wanders from theme to theme but basically she is calling other young women of the world to come and help her. mg FLOWER OF LEBANON There is a flower of Lebanon that blooms in days of woe It blooms in times and places where other flowers can't grow He plucked for me these flowers when the bombs began to fall He called me Flower of Lebanon the fairest flower of all He's buried in the rubble now I will not moan and weep I will not show you any tears my sorrow is too deep When your truest love is dead your home and family gone There's only one thing you can do and that's to carry on Flower of Afghanistan and Flower of Peru I bid you come to Lebanon and do what you can do Come with gauze to bind our wounds and dogs to dig us out I'll guide you all through Lebanon I know the safest route Flower of South Africa and Flower of Madrid When you come to Lebanon I'll show you where we hid I'll show you where we used to live the caves where we live now With food and water almost gone but help will come somehow Flower of America and Flower of Ukraine Please come here to Lebanon and help us to explain To young and old and wounded that peace will come again Oh Flower of Cambodia help us to begin So come here all ye nurses and come ye engineers Carpenters and teachers in spite of all your fears Come to this land of beauty where so many have been killed Come to help us live again and help us to rebuild Young women of the world attend and hear my solemn vow I'll help you in your trials to come if you will help us now Wherever people suffer they will not be alone And I the Flower of Lebanon will make this cause my own. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: Barry Finn Date: 28 Jul 06 - 11:30 PM Hi mg A very nice & moving song, well done. I hope we can hear the music for it soon. PS Thanks for the magazine too, I'm still eating it. LOL Barry |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: Q (Frank Staplin) Date: 29 Jul 06 - 12:57 AM I hope the world will listen. Source? |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: GUEST,mg Date: 29 Jul 06 - 02:26 PM me as transcriptionist. Her, whoever she is, as transmitter. mg |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 29 Jul 06 - 02:38 PM The tune used for the Wild Colonial Boy would serve pretty well in the meantime. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: C. Ham Date: 30 Jul 06 - 09:34 AM No references, of course, to the flowers of Israel. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: katlaughing Date: 30 Jul 06 - 11:02 AM Beautiful, mg. Thanks. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: katlaughing Date: 30 Jul 06 - 11:08 AM The way things are going, it'll be a wonder if any Flowers of Lebanon are left, my emphasis: Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was forced to cancel a trip to Beirut Sunday after an Israeli airstrike killed more than 50 people, mostly women and children... |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 30 Jul 06 - 04:08 PM What kind of chicken reason is that for cancelling that trip? |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: Roberto Date: 30 Jul 06 - 04:49 PM when the bombs began to fall... not when the rockets began to be fired nor when a state within the state grew and grew with the only aim to make war to his southern neighbour mg, I can't like your song. R |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: katlaughing Date: 30 Jul 06 - 04:50 PM Apparently the Lebanese government "advised" her to cancel it, |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: Q (Frank Staplin) Date: 30 Jul 06 - 05:04 PM Six hundred innocent Lebanese dead and a country torn up. The object is to destroy a country as well as the Hezbollah militants. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: katlaughing Date: 30 Jul 06 - 05:20 PM Yes, over two soldiers. There has to have been a BETTER way to negotiate their release than what we are seeing, now. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: jacqui.c Date: 30 Jul 06 - 05:21 PM What a great song and Kevin's right about Wild Colonial Boy. I would love to sing this one - would that be OK with you Mary? |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: Snuffy Date: 31 Jul 06 - 09:04 AM For me Wild Colonial Boy is just a bit too jaunty or dance-like for the subject matter. I'd go for something a bit more dignified, like Banks of Claudy. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: jacqui.c Date: 31 Jul 06 - 09:14 AM Snuffy - you can slow WCB down quite well and it then sounds OK. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 31 Jul 06 - 09:49 AM As for Roberto's point ("when the bombs began to fall...not "when the rockets began to be fired")- in this case the bombs actually started falling on Lebanon before Hezbollah started launching rockets in reprisal. (And pointing out that doesn't imply I think that kind of reprisal was any more justifiable than the bombing.) ...................... |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: Roberto Date: 31 Jul 06 - 10:04 AM The present crisis started on July 12th, with the killing and kidnapping of Israeli soldiers: an attack by Hizbullah from Libanon. The fact that the attack came from a territory from which Israel had withdrawn, the same as for Gaza few days before, is against the very idea of making peace through an exchange Peace-Territory. R |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: GUEST,mg Date: 31 Jul 06 - 10:38 AM I would be honored to have you sing it..I am not sure about WCB but whatever you like. I will give it its own tune which is going through my head and I think it might be Remember Skibereen, which I don't actually know unfortunately so I can't say for sure. mg |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 31 Jul 06 - 11:38 AM I suggest that the arguments about this stuff should preferably be kept to the BS section of the forum, where there are a couple of related threads going at present. It seemed a good idea to correct Roberto's implication that the rocket attacks preceded the bombing, but it probably wasn't. ............................. I know people tend to sing the Wild Colonial Boy all jaunty and even cheerful, but as jacqui says, it doesn't have to be sung that way, and obviously shouldn't be if used with this set of words. (That's why I said "the tune used for The Wild Colonial Boy" rather than "the tune of the Wild Colonial Boy") Another well known tune that would also fit would be the one used for Mary Hamilton - Last night the Queen had Four Maries... It doesn't have quite the same rather belligerent associations as the Wild Colonial Boy, but perhaps more fitting mournful ones. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: Q (Frank Staplin) Date: 31 Jul 06 - 01:06 PM An exciting Flower of Lebanon, the Libanese singer- Juana Mallaa. Recordings, clips, mp3 can be found at several internet sites. The tune for the verses of "Miserlou," the old Sephardic song (not the adaptations for dance or pop), might work. Needs a little revision, however. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: GUEST Date: 01 Aug 06 - 05:28 PM |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: GUEST,mg Date: 01 Aug 06 - 05:30 PM Ooops that was me. I had typed in an update earlier but don't see it. Anyway, we have a Palestinian family here in town..elderly father now...I gave the words to his wife yesterday. She said his sister called from Gaza and they were the area being bombed. His wife had not told him this yet. Also a niece runs a school for deaf right next to UN building that was stormed. Anyway, I gave his wife the lyrics to the song and she called and said he had been very moved by them and they were sending them to friends and family still there. So never worry about if a song is good or bad..because you never know when someone gets some sort of comfort from it. mg |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: Snuffy Date: 01 Aug 06 - 05:47 PM SKIBBEREEN is in the DT with a tune. I think that tune has just the right plaintive, minor-key feel to it |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: katlaughing Date: 01 Aug 06 - 11:39 PM mg, that is so good of you. Thanks for sharing with us. May they all know peace now. kat |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: GUEST Date: 02 Aug 06 - 09:19 AM "The tune for the verses of "Miserlou," the old Sephardic song (not the adaptations for dance or pop), might work. Needs a little revision, however." |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: Bill Hahn//\\ Date: 02 Aug 06 - 05:05 PM McG of Harlow: Sure---put the thread under BS, but then I suppose one should do the same with the song which is just pure political propoganda. I, for one, resent pieces of music that claim to be songs of peace but take sides. Seems to me that music when it is to have any effect at all on people has to be something that reaches the people for peace through words that can be sung----and BELIEVED IN BY THE RATIONAL PEOPLE and not the Partisans Bill Hahn |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 02 Aug 06 - 08:03 PM If you can see any hate in that song I think you must have brought it with you. The one thing this song isn't is a finger-pointing song. mg looked at something tragic that has happened and is still happening and was moved to write a song that responded to the reality of the suffering, and didn't even try to go into the whys and the wherefores. If it had been about the tsunami would you complain that it didn't go into the ins and outs of why earthquakes happen or discuss the inadequacies of early warning systems? There's a time and a place for arguing about why awful things happen, and there's a time for just recognising the tragedy, and seeking to help undo some of the hurt: : Young women of the world attend and hear my solemn vow I'll help you in your trials to come if you will help us now Wherever people suffer they will not be alone And I the Flower of Lebanon will make this cause my own. "This cause" pretty evidently being helping relieve suffering wherever it may have happened and whatever the reasons it happened. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: jacqui.c Date: 03 Aug 06 - 11:44 AM Too true Kevin - I will be making sure that this song gets sung and, hopefully, passed on to others. I will be in the UK in August and will make sure that this song is there at any singarounds I get to over there as well. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: Roberto Date: 03 Aug 06 - 04:02 PM will make sure that this song is there at any singarounds... very spontaneous, jacqui.c. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: Bill Hahn//\\ Date: 03 Aug 06 - 04:10 PM Well, let's see now---Tsanamis, Hurricane--well, I don't see man's hand in that. I did a little research into the song and the author and I find that it is no coincidence that this song is now re-surfacing. Written in 1985 just after the Israeli pullout (mostly) after the war of 1982. Coincidence---I doubt it. The author---loved by the IRA for his songs are analgous with and for peace---on their terms. If the "...the cedars of Lebanon are burning" let me ask ---how are the vineyards and farms of Israel doing? If you post all the lyrics you know that is also in the song---before the verse you quote. I am sure you can see how that changes the impression of the piece. Sort of like a NY THeater Review where the critic says " A truly interesting drama if you find boredom interesting"==then the producers run an ad that quotes the critic "..Truly interesting drama" . Happens all the time. Let me give an example of what I consider 2 songs for peace---or anti-war. They speak to all sides---Emmas Revolution's --"Peace, Saalam, Shalom" and also Holly Near's --- "I Ain't Afraid" (truly powerful and tells it like it is). Bill Hahn |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: GUEST,mg Date: 03 Aug 06 - 04:48 PM it is a new song. It has made it to Gaza. I have the utmost concern for everyone getting hurt in this war and do not wish harm to anyone. I talked to the wife of the Palestinian farmer (ex) today and she said that everyone (at least females) in the family over there suffers from migraines because of all the stress. She also said she has heard from several women over their who can somehow relate to the song. I find it not only inoffensive but actually quite noble that she is going to essentially be the next Mother Teresa after all that she has gone through. The tune is still vague....wants to be sort of Penny Evans (Flying Cloud), Bonny Laboring Boy, Star of Logy Bay..I move it away from one and it pops into the other....Jacqui..I told her you might sing it in England and she was really honored and would love a copy of you singing it. Bombs are bombs and wounds are wounds and everyone hurts the same folks. mg |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: Bill Hahn//\\ Date: 03 Aug 06 - 04:52 PM You will find that it is not a new song---by the composer's own liner notes. 1985 at the tail end of the Muslim/Christian altercation and Israel's departure from Lebanon---shades of Gaza. I repeat that this song's re- surfacing (emphasis on re-surfacing) is no coincidence. Want even handed meaningful pieces---stick with the two I posted earlier. Bill H |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: GUEST,mg Date: 03 Aug 06 - 04:56 PM The song is about a week or so old. mg |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: Q (Frank Staplin) Date: 03 Aug 06 - 06:26 PM Hahn's continued remarks prevent me from taking the rational approach of McGrath. The song (new or old) is doubly poignant since 'Palestine' has been left with insufficient water and arable land, no seaport, millions in refugee status. Lebanon was just getting on its feet again, but its citizens are being killed ten to Israel's one and its infrastructure is destroyed. Israel's objective in Lebanon is to prevent it from ever being a competitor, just another impotent relic of a formerly exciting and progressive country. Israel is insuring the growth of new Hezbollahs by creating more despair, more homeless people with no hope, only their resentment at their loss. Guerella and so-called terrorist action will continue many years into the future as a result. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: Lady Hillary Date: 03 Aug 06 - 08:15 PM OK, Q, everything you say is true. A lot of people are being killed. Are the Israelis supposed to ignore the missiles coming their way because the H's sit in the middle of a bunch of "civilians" and fire at Israeli civilians? What the miscellaneous apologists for the H's ignore is that they were firing missiles into Israel even before they kidnapped the soldiers. The kidnapping was just the casus bellum. [Read that as last straw.] Every one of the radical groups has sworn that they will drive the Israelis into the sea--any who survive their tender ministrations. The publicity has been relatively onesided but, as reasonably intelligent people we should be able to look past the publicity to the causes. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 03 Aug 06 - 08:31 PM Once again I suggest that arguing about the rights and wrongs of the war is more appropriately carried on in one of the BS threads. Talking specifically about the song and what it's trying to say, is another matter. Sometimes tragedies are manmade, sometimes they are natural disaster, sometimes they are both - but the suffering caused is common to all those. And that is what this song is about. Suffering in one small country, and how people in other countries can respond to it in a human and compassionate way. It's not about all the reasons this particular tragedy hapened, nor other terrible thinngs that happen in other countries. Why should it be? - there is always room for other songs that can be about that. .................... "very spontaneous, jacqui.c." Roberto for some idiosyncratic reason seems to find something to sneer at in jacqui saying that she intends to sing this song when the occasion arises (because that is what her words implied). I think most people in singarounds do have a few songs freshened up and ready to sing, rather than a blank slate in their mind, and an open mouth out of which anything might come. .................. Anyway I'm off for two weeks, so I can't carry on this discussion now. If it does carry on I hope it avoids spiralling into bigotry and hate. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: Bill Hahn//\\ Date: 03 Aug 06 - 08:49 PM FIrst---my apology. I was thinking of another song called The Island. That was written in 1985. Sorry for misunderstanding the original posting---my fault. Now to Q---Lebanon is not Palestine. Surely you realize that fact. If not please do get your facts and geography straight. I am not going to get into a history lesson here or a long diatribe but just a few facts---and the thought that would it not be wonderful if people all had some humanity and feelings for one another: 1) Comes down to power politics from the major players. U S being the major one and having caused an upheaval in the area with the misguided and inane invasion of Iraq---another artificialy created nation by the UK many moons ago. Even Churchill wrote (read this week's Time Magazine) ---".. a losing situation that will cause us bloodshed for no purpose. (paraphrase). 2)Israel's being in Lebanon came about because of the Hezbollah incursions--and they are a state within a state---taking advantage of the Gaza problems and being a proxy for Iran/Syria. 3) If the U S were attacked how would we react? As you know we went to Afghanistan---and under pretexts and lies to Iraq--prbably a type and they meant Iran---just a joke there. Let us face it---songs won;t bring peace. People bring peace and partiality and not looking at the history and the big picture ---such as Q --prevent that. Bill H |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: jacqui.c Date: 03 Aug 06 - 08:52 PM Robeto - I do not insult a group of singers by going in unprepared to sing. I make sure that I have rehearsed songs I wish to sing and that I do the best job I can with them. Spontaneity is not a prerequisite of a singaround, at least not those I have been part of. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: katlaughing Date: 03 Aug 06 - 09:08 PM Bill, songs may not create peace, but they can certainly inspire the people to do so. And, thanks for letting us know you had the wrong song in mind. Israel is insuring the growth of new Hezbollahs by creating more despair, more homeless people with no hope, only their resentment at their loss. Guerella and so-called terrorist action will continue many years into the future as a result. That is exactly what the US has done in Iraq. What a wonderful example it has set. Good for you, Jacqui and mg! My apologies to McGrath. I understand his point. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: Bill Hahn//\\ Date: 03 Aug 06 - 10:11 PM One problem here---if I am reading the note correctly---the one from KatLaughing---I was not the one who wrote what is in parentheses. That said---I have to say I jave top agree about the U S and Iraq. Not so with Israel---they were the ones attacked by the "state within the state" and that after leaving Gaza and getting attacked there as well. They (Israel) are not creating more terrorists---they are there. We, on the other hand, disturbed a balance in Iraq (an artificial nation created years back by the British). Sure, it was a horrible regime--so is Castro, so are many African ones. Problem is they don't have oil so we don't bother with them. Morality never entered into it. Bill H |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: Q (Frank Staplin) Date: 03 Aug 06 - 10:37 PM I am quite aware that Palestine and Lebanon are distinct but actions of the Israelis have reduced both to basket cases. There is no way that Bill Hahn and I could come to a common agreement, except to agree that the U. S. invasion and its subsequent actions were and are "misguided and inane." But so are the Israeli actions. Very briefly, Iraq had, and has, all of the problems of a country shaped by outside politicians. It was carved out of the Ottoman Empire and after WW1 became a mandate under the British. It ethnic and religious groups have never got along. The British installed Sunni leadership with Feisal as king. Turmoil in different areas persisted, the Kurds being gassed and bombed by the British in the early 1920's. The British Indian Army and Jordan Arab Legion invaded in 1941 to re-assert British domination. The Kurds again rebelled, unsuccessfully, in the 1940's. The Arab war against Israel came in 1948. With the support of Nasser of Egypt, the king (a Feisal) and important supporters were executed. Iraq became a 'republic' and general turmoil persisted until the Ba'ath takeover. Kuwait, penciled out of Iraq, continued to be a sore point. More trouble with the Kurds, etc., etc. Moderate stability in the 1970's. Saddam Hussein governed with a very heavy hand, leading to many Shia and Kurdish deaths. Only a dictator with a strong military can keep control of Iraq as a 'unit'. Should the country be split up? How will the oil money be apportioned? What is the solution for the unfortunate peoples of the region? I had friends among Iraqi students at university, but I have completely lost touch. How the educated Iraqis will survive the Sunni-Shia conflict which is coming, I don't know. I hope the Kurds can remain aloof, but Turkey may invade to keep a lid on Kurdish advances. This turned into a rant, but songs can inspire them. And this little song has hidden power. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: FLOWER OF LEBANON From: Bill Hahn//\\ Date: 04 Aug 06 - 12:08 AM Apparently it does---none which speaks of peace by that note. Your analysis of Iraq is right on. Admittedly. But, as I just saw on the Stephen Colbert program-truly funny with serious overtones---you cannot bring democracy with an M16. As Colbert said to his interviewee---only with a musket as we did. Seriously, that is the point--you cannot do this with guns. We have to realize different cultures exist. But--this is far afield or slightly anyway from the Lebanon/Israeli problem---or should I say Hezbollah/Israeli problem since Lebanon did not start this---Hezbollah started it as Hamas has in Gaza. Hamas, luckily, is a weak link in anything---Hezbollah is not. It is trying to be the leading party in a nation in which it is only a minority player. Guess at who's expense? Not only Israel---innocent Lebanese because the Israelis reacted as the name Sabra implies. Bill Hahn |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Flower of Lebanon (mg) From: Roberto Date: 04 Aug 06 - 03:36 AM McGrath of Harlow is worried that during his abscense, there can grow a spiral of bigotry and hate, but he seems totally unaware that the song he's defending from some criticism bears a one-sided vision. R |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Flower of Lebanon (mg) From: katlaughing Date: 04 Aug 06 - 05:32 PM Where in the hell does this song say to bring guns and try to solve anything with violence? Why in the hell can't one point of view stand as a song? The way I read it, she is empathising and asking for empathy from women of all nations against loss due to the stupidity of war/violence/guns/bombs, etc. Of COURSE we cannot solve this with guns. If you don't agree with the sentiments, write your own song and start a thread for it. As a woman, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, spouse and friend, I understand the empathy for all encompassed in this song. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Flower of Lebanon (mg) From: Q (Frank Staplin) Date: 04 Aug 06 - 06:58 PM Kat, I agree. It says it very well. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Flower of Lebanon (mg) From: jacqui.c Date: 04 Aug 06 - 08:28 PM And that's why I intend to sing it as often and as widely as I can. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Flower of Lebanon (mg) From: Jeri Date: 04 Aug 06 - 08:36 PM I like the song very much, Mary. You've got to know you've done something significant when you piss off those who seem to want to encourage other people to keep killing and dying. They don't want to stop fighting long enough to appreciate the fine things that may remain. The only side Mary's takes is to not hate the people you want her to hate. I applaud her for that. The tune that I thought of instantly was Go to Sea No More, slowed down a bit, no refrain. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Flower of Lebanon (mg) From: GUEST,mg Date: 04 Aug 06 - 09:30 PM I have an official tune to it now although it keeps slipping away from me. I think it is some Irish or Canadian tune I can't place or maybe two or three spliced together..a bit of Flying Cloud (Penny Evans), Peter Amberly, Bonny Laboring Boy..but maybe it is an intact song. Anyway, call me if you want the tune (PM me for my phone number)...before 8:45 in the morning Pacific time USA. Someone is calling tomorrow to sing me his version of Skibereen...I know the one that someone kindly linked me to is not the same tune..but perhaps he sings a different tune because it really sounds familiar. mg |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Flower of Lebanon (mg) From: Alba Date: 04 Aug 06 - 10:11 PM Thank you for sharing 'Flower of Lebanon' Mary. A very touching Song. Peace WILL triumph for she is more Powerfilled and Forgiving than hate. Jude |
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