Song Challenge! Part 20

Subject: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Áine
Date: 04 Apr 00 - 05:32 PM

As promised, here's a Challenge! suggestion from both Eluned and Bradypus. In Challenge 18, Eluned said "The woods would be silent indeed if only the best birds sang". What song can you Challenge!r write with that quote as the premise?

Thank you to both Eluned and Bradypus. Go for it, Challenge!rs!!

-- Áine

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Bradypus
Date: 04 Apr 00 - 06:28 PM

Well, as it was my idea, I suppose I can go first. Obviously I've had some time to think about this one, it's not just off the cuff.

Forest Sounds of Silence

Hello forest, my old friend
I've come to hear your voice again
Come to listen to the birds that sing
Sounds to fill my heart and make it ring
But the trees around stood sentry, all was quiet
In eerie light
There's just the sound of silence.

In restless dreams I walked alone
To the ancient standing stone
Where was carved in runes a tale to tell
Of how the forest into silence fell:
Once a single bird could sing so sweet and long
And its proud song
Begat the sound of silence

And with my dreamlit eye I saw
A thousand songbirds, maybe more
Birds were listening without a song
Harmony, melody, and tune were gone
None could match the bird that sang so clear and high
None even tried
And now the sound of silence

"Fools!" said I, "For now I know
How the silence came to grow
When that single songbird met his death
No other songbirds then would draw a breath
For with envy, shyness, fear, and lack of pride
The music died
There's nothing but the sound of silence"

Then a bullfrog croaked along
To the echo of my song
A jackdaw cawed, a crow gave voice
Common sounds that made my heart rejoice
And the song said "The music that we make is not full art
But it's a start
It will grow, and beat the sound of silence."

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Áine
Date: 04 Apr 00 - 06:39 PM

BRAVO BRADYPUS!

That actually made the hairs on the back of my neck dance! Oh please, tell me that there's a chance that I can hear your song! Could you put it on a tape and mail it to me? Could you send it to Max for the Mudcat Radio? Can I come to your house for a command performance??

Seriously, that's one I want to hear -- as I'm sure the other Challenge!rs will too. Well done, my friend.

-- Áine

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Bradypus
Date: 04 Apr 00 - 06:47 PM

Sorry, Aine, I don't do singing. (well, only when there are enough other people singing too, and my voice gets hidden). One of my friends told me that, even singing notes at random, I would get more right than I actually do. The tune is fairly obvious - The Sound of Silence, by Paul Simon. Perhaps you can persuade someone with a voice to sing it ??

Bradypus

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Kelida
Date: 04 Apr 00 - 10:58 PM

To the meter and rhyme of the poem "The Highwayman" by Alfred Noyes (1906, 1913), that was sung as a song on a Loreena McKennitt (sp?) album that I can't recall the name of right now.

=====================================================================

The Nightingale by Kelida

I.

The wood had a silence in the evening through which one birdsong rang;

The moon was rising in the distance, while only one bird sang;

The rest of the forest was quiet, respectful of the sound,

And the nightingale was singing--

Singing--singing--

The nightingale was singing for all who gather'd 'round.

II.

The song was clear as a mountain spring, as strong as an ancient tree;

As wild as the untamed forest, the bird seemed forever free;

With a voice the was part of the dusk, the nightingale sang for the sky--

She sang for her love of the evening,

Her voice was part of the evening,

She sang in the glowing evening, with a lovely but fleeting cry.

III

Over and over she warbled and sang from her lofty perch;

The tune of the song took a mournful turn, a sign of deep-down hurts.

She whistled a tune for her pain then, and who should have heard her cry,

But the early evening hunter,

The music-killing hunter,

Hunting for doves in the dusk, the man for whom she'd die.

IV

And out of the deep wood shadows, a shot rang out in the night,

The nightingale's song ended, her life went out like a light.

One last long note came from the lungs, a mournful sound indeed,

For the nightingale's life was ended,

Her song was finally ended--

Her song was finally ended, for the best of birds was dead.

=============================================================================

I'm not sure if I like this myself, but I guess I'll see what everyone else thinks. :^|

Peace-- Keli

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Mbo
Date: 04 Apr 00 - 11:02 PM

Good Lord, Kelida, that's absolutely BEAUTIFUL! Not like it? I LOVE it! Wait time my sister sees this! Major award, Aine!

--Mbo

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Kelida
Date: 04 Apr 00 - 11:09 PM

Thanx, Mbo. That means a lot to me. I don't think I've ever had anything I've written be called "beautiful" before. And ESPECIALLY not in caps.

Thanks again. I'm really glad you like it.

Peace-- Keli

**Kelida feels a little better about this song now**

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Spider Tom
Date: 04 Apr 00 - 11:20 PM

Who could be the judge
Of just what, sounds the best.
Each listening, so differently
Who'd rise to take the test?
We mortat things have got a voice,
To use, or to abuse,
Who'd shut their mouth,
Or hold their tongue
Is fear, their best excuse?

The birds, will sing upon some branch,
To green leaves as they hang,
The Cockatoo, will screach a scream,
The Bell-bird has just rang,
The Raven spoke its warning,as
The Sparrow just, tweet-tweeted,
They, each of them< would sing their song,
Not, one of them competed.

All equal in existance,
In song, The woodland rang,
The forrest,would be silant,
If, just, the "best bird",sang>

There's always a spider in the tree.

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Mbo
Date: 04 Apr 00 - 11:24 PM

As you should! Always be proud of your work! You should know that now you are a wordsmith as well as an artist. It may take hours or days of hard work and toil to get it to work right--but when it is finished, have pride in yourself AND your creation. Then as time goes by, the memory of the labor and sweat are disappear, and you can still look at what you have created and be filled with that pride again at the thing which sprung from your own mind and thought and was brought into creation by your own hands, and your hands alone. Like the man said: "You are the mighty creator!" Keep that pride and enthusiasm in what you do, for it is that which urges us on the create afresh. Sorry...I'm rambling...

--Mbo

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Hyperabid
Date: 05 Apr 00 - 08:16 AM

Oops! I've written something half serious – must have had a funny turn – normal service will resume as soon as possible... Hyp

Lifesteps

To the tune of Moondance – Van Morrison

V

Well it's a day and a night to go wandering
In the fields and the woods all around
It's not a time for you to be a pondering
Even when troubles for you abound

B

You-see-the swifts and the swallows up there tumble and dive
You-feel-the wind on your face it makes you feel - - - so alive

C

Go out and taste the life you waste today my son
You cannot change what has been only start what's begun

V

You see toadstools, the newts and the frogs out there
Mixed-with the birds and the trees and their leaves
You-get-to thinking why do they share the same air
There's good-and-bad no-matter what you believe

B

You-see-it's all part of the wheel that-turns-to keep you in touch
For-in-the end great or small well they both mean - - - just as much

C

Go out and burn as the world turns with life my friend
For what you do is what makes you be you in the end

(Kicking Jazz solo to polite ripples of applause…)

B

You-see-if you will just listen you'll-hear-the turn of the wheel
You'll-come-to understand that they feel just - - - how you feel

C

Run and out pray for rain today and see what life brings
For sun and breeze will follow sure as winter turns to spring

(Rallantando)

Go – out – and - burn – as – the - world - turns – for – you – my – friends

(Twiddly jazz play-out as the crowd goes wild)

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Áine
Date: 05 Apr 00 - 09:22 AM

My goodness gracious!! There y'all go again -- writing three extremely wonderful songs while my back is turneds!! (Does this mean that I should turn it more often? Mmmmm...)

Kelida -- I agree with every mushy thing that Mbo said (just kidding there Mbo *BG*) -- Even though I don't know the tune, your words are very beautiful -- You should be proud of it!

Spider Tom -- Am I correct in thinking that this is your very first Challenge! song? Well done, sir -- An excellent and evocative first time out. I do hope that you'll be returning to us and answering more Challenge!s. Always glad to have another wordsmith on board!

And my dear Hyp -- Who pushed your serious button? Well, thank whoever did it, because your song is just wonderful. I've always liked the tune that you set it to (even if I can't remember the chorus bit right now - haven't even had one full cup of coffee yet), and your poetry scans extremely well. Well done, my friend.

Geez, looks like I'll just have to find time to write one myself for this one -- But, don't expect anything serious. I've just finished writing a song about the recent tornado here and I need some comedic relief! Great work, everyone, and keep it up!

-- Áine

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Hyperabid
Date: 05 Apr 00 - 10:10 AM

Áine - gawsh!

I always try not to take myself toooooo seriously just in case anybody else does... **BG**

Look forward to your words of wisdom... or is that lyrics of levity?

Kind Regards

Hyp :-)

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: MMario
Date: 05 Apr 00 - 10:12 AM

I'm still back on challenge 18, and here you guys have submitted a bunch of songs I wanna learn. drat....so much music and so little time.

I know the tunes to the first two. Spider, you have a tune in mind? Hyp - I'll have to look yours up.....

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: SDShad
Date: 05 Apr 00 - 10:56 AM

Hyperabid--

Wow! "Moondance" is already a favorite of mine, and your words to that tune....marvelous! You do serious just fine.

Chris

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Áine
Date: 05 Apr 00 - 11:36 AM

Spider Tom -- As well as a tune, do you have a title in mind? It would be a shame to leave such a wonderful song unnamed.

-- Áine

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Hyperabid
Date: 05 Apr 00 - 11:42 AM

Cheers Chris - I'm genuinely touched and flattered

Are you gonna dip your toe in the SONG CHALLENGE water?

Hyp

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Bradypus
Date: 05 Apr 00 - 06:33 PM

Keli - I've always loved The Highwayman, but I've never heard it sung. Your version really works - it's good.

Hyper - Blame me for pressing your serious button - I suggested this Challenge because I thought a little bit of serious might be welcome for a change (just for a change, mind). Looks like I wasn't wrong.

Spider - welcome to the club. I like your song.

Bradypus

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Kelida
Date: 05 Apr 00 - 07:59 PM

Thank you so much everyone for your compliments. And to think I didn't like it at first my self!

Oh, stop, you're inflating my ego!

;^)

--Keli

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Spider Tom
Date: 06 Apr 00 - 06:42 AM

Good stuff we weave upon the web.
I like the reading as much as the writing.
A person could live for lines such as this,
Or be sorry I find It inviting
Thanks 'Aine. for the challenge and the words of encouragement.
The title for my song is a little long,
"Should a bird not sing,the wing would
whisper on the wind".

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: SDShad
Date: 06 Apr 00 - 09:05 AM

Hyp--

Gotta find the right challenge. I'm such a procrastinator as a songwriter, but I think the Song Challenges will be a good motivator to try stuff. The muse hasn't struck me on the current topic...but who knows!

C.

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Hyperabid
Date: 06 Apr 00 - 09:19 AM

Sympathies Chris.

If one could only bottle "the muse"...

I sufferred from a period of writers block so profound I had a creative famine across the board including the short plays and a little bit of journalism I used to do at the time.

It lasted one and a half years... !

Hope the muse grabs you on something else. I always took a relative ability to be prolific for granted until I had what I now term my "nightmare"...

Look forward to seeing something of yours soon

Hyp (David) ;-)

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Rob-IL
Date: 06 Apr 00 - 09:53 AM

Stand alone in the dark of night Looking for someone who can't see light Waiting for a love to find Passing of the person who drives your mind Stand and behold as the church bells ring Even the woods are silent when the best birds sing

I sought darkness that night I left Sorrow and sadness into my heart crept Longing for your love to see Was I alone in misery From a distance I heard the church bells ring The woods are quiet when the best birds sing

The bright orange light crept over the hills As the morning came with arctic chills The summer's eve had come again It was time to return to my buried friend From a distance I heard the church bells ring The woods are quiet when the best birds sing

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Hyperabid
Date: 06 Apr 00 - 10:05 AM

Ouch! That's both a touching and brave lyric!

Hyp

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Áine
Date: 06 Apr 00 - 10:05 AM

That's beautiful, GDTR! Sad and wistful, just the way I like 'em. Did you write that with a tune in mind? And what do you call it? Your lyrics are so lovely, I sure hope it's a tune I know. Thank you so much for your contribution to the Challenge!

And Chris -- motivating you Mudcatters to write songs was the reason I started the Challenge! threads in the first place. Even if the subject is silly (which it often is around here), just 'putting your seat in the seat' and working on one song might lead to another song, and another . . . Please jump in the pond with the rest of us when you see something that interests you, OK?

-- Áine

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: MMario
Date: 06 Apr 00 - 10:31 AM

And if inspiration strikes and it ISN'T on the subject of a challenge, then put it into the "additions to the MudCat songbook" thread.....

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Hyperabid
Date: 06 Apr 00 - 11:31 AM

Something more in my usual vein. If the imagery is a little too raucous it isn't meant to be it just came out that way.

Sing every song

To the tune of Whiskey in the Jar – Lynnard Skynard version

V

As I was heading home now
From a righteous night of drinking
"Need the pleasure of a woman"
My poor addled brain was thinking

C

I pulled her in to the back of my car
No care for looks you know
Just stoke the fire and go
This girl she will go far

V

She was no vestral virgin
She was no real good looker
If there were laws again rough looks
The police they would book her

C

But she is mine in the race from the bar
Can't all be roses friend
Weed's a flower in the end
And this girl is a star

V

I wake up in the morning
My trouble it is dawning
My best mate's mum is in my bed
And it's more she'll be a wanting

C

You got to try every song you can sing
Old, young, and thin and fat
The big busted and the flat
The pleasure they can bring

Hyp

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Áine
Date: 06 Apr 00 - 11:35 AM

Ain't you the little devil, Hyp! LMAO -- A very interesting tangent from the Challenge! subject (hehehe)!

-- Áine

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Hyperabid
Date: 06 Apr 00 - 11:51 AM

Well in England "bird" is I'm afraid a (little bit derogatory) slang term for the female of the species - perhaps even with the connotation of capable of being sexually active. Once I started thinking in that vein Áine I just couldn't stop myself.

With all these drinking songs you lot are going to think me a dipsomaniac.

(I was a serious boozer once - far more moderate these days).

Glad to hear it made you titter...!

Hyp (David)

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Áine
Date: 06 Apr 00 - 08:35 PM

Warning! This is NOT a serious song *BG*. I admit that it is a stretch -- but, I was in the park with kiddies today and I got well, inspired. Please put your sense of humour on before reading the following:

The Birdies Will Not Sing Today In The Forest
(Tune: The Teddy Bears' Picnic)

If you go looking for birds today
You're in for a big surprise.
For the birds they will not sing today,
For they didn't win the prize.

They had a contest, didn't you hear?
To choose the best bird, so lend an ear,
The birdies will not sing today in the forest!

It was all the hawk's idea,
He's very picky when it comes to noise, and hungry too.
He proposed the "Great Sing Off"
The grackle cackled and the owl said 'who?'

On each branch, the birdies sang
The woods they fairly rang
To heaven with every song.
At six o'clock the winner was named,
And taken 'out to dine,'
But the contest came out all wrong!

Ev'ry birdie was looking for
The winner to come back soon.
They watched and waited the whole night long,
Tittering under the moon.

But when the evening shadows had passed,
The bird who was 'first' had ended up 'last',
And the smug old hawk was full of himself and the winner!

All the birdies skipped their lunch,
And gathered in a bunch,
To see what was to be done today.
They agreed unanimously,
That their songs would take a holiday.

See the mad hawk fly around,
No sign upon the ground
Of any food for him.
No fish or fowl, no feather or tail
Will ever make a sound,
'Cuz if they do, the future's rather grim!

If you go looking for birds today
You're in for a big surprise.
For the birds they will not sing today,
For they didn't win the prize.

They had a contest, didn't you hear?
To choose the best bird, so lend an ear,
The birdies will not sing today in the forest!

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: MMario
Date: 06 Apr 00 - 08:39 PM

hee-hee! I'll have to refresh my memory of that tune....a good "morality tale" song....

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Amos
Date: 06 Apr 00 - 09:21 PM

That is brilliant, Áine. You just get better and better and better! And funny! A real twister on the original meaning. I love it!

A

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Áine
Date: 07 Apr 00 - 10:02 AM

I'm glad you guys liked it! Can't say the same for the grandmother who sat down beside on the park bench as I was singing the song over to myself -- She gave me a sideways glance, got up and hurried away. I still can't figure out whether it was the lyrics or my singing that upset her *BG*! However, 'writing in the park' turned out to be a big hit with the kids -- I kept sending them back to play some more until I finished the song.

-- Áine

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Eluned
Date: 07 Apr 00 - 11:47 AM

Wow!! (I seem to use that word a lot on this site). The first three were just lovely, and if I could figure the breaks, that bit by Goin'Down would just write itself into lovely music in my head! Hyper', your first one could become a popular anthem for the environmentalists it's so circle-of-life (and I really like it); may I sing it for some of my friends? Your second one takes me back to a friend I knew in Florida; "all women are godesses", he used to say, and then prove it. He chased them all, old or young, thin or fat, and truly worshipped the woman in them. Never seen the like before or since. The subject of this challenge is a bit close to the heart, but if I chew on it mentally for a while as I go through my days, something will present itself, I hope. I'm very flattered that my quote is being qouted as a song challenge; I wish I could remember the source!

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Amos
Date: 07 Apr 00 - 11:48 AM

Y'know, she was expecting you to talk to yourself, that's par for the course in public parks, but when ya started singing she got nervous! Or maybe she was afraid you were singing to her!

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Eluned
Date: 08 Apr 00 - 12:51 AM

Well, that song has always struck me as maniacally cheerful. I'd expect some Tom Lehrer lyrics to a tune like that, probably something about Cannibalism.

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Áine
Date: 08 Apr 00 - 02:10 PM

*******************THE WINNERS!*****************

I have to say, it was pretty easy handing out the Golden Cow Chips this time! Everyone did such a marvelous job. Congrats, Cudos and many, many Thanks to each of the Challenge!rs. There's a great new Challenge! coming today, so sharpen your pencils and get ready...

-- Áine

Winners of the Golden Cow Chip Award with Shamrock Cluster:
Lifesteps by Hyperabid

Winners of the Golden Cow Chip Award with Harp Ribbon:
Forest Sounds of Silence by Bradypus
Should A Bird Not Sing, The Wing Would Whisper On The Wind by Spider Tom
Sing Every Song by Hyperabid
The Nightingale by Kelida
The Woods Are Quiet by GoinDownTheRoadFeelin'Bad

Subject: The height of embarrasment
From: Hyperabid
Date: 10 Apr 00 - 03:52 AM

Oops it was Thin Lizzy that did a version of whiskey in the Jar.

Can we please correct the copy on the Song Challenege site please Aine so I don't look like too much of a muggle.

Hyp.

Subject: singing Songs
From: Hyperabid
Date: 10 Apr 00 - 03:57 AM

And some more...

Eluned... please feel free to sing any of my songs to friends. If you like 'em... that's great!

You never know you could be helping me into the bargain, I've always wanted to take writing in all forms mroe seriously.

Cheers n all that...

Hyp (David) ;-)

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Áine
Date: 10 Apr 00 - 08:18 AM

Dear Hyp,

Correction noted and made, dear muggle ;-)

-- Áine

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Hyperabid
Date: 10 Apr 00 - 10:09 AM

Am I to take it Aine that you have read J.K Rowling's Harry Potter books?

Hyp

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Áine
Date: 10 Apr 00 - 10:17 AM

Oh Yes! I have my Quidditch team here -- three Chasers, and I'm the Keeper. *BG*

-- Áine

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Hyperabid
Date: 10 Apr 00 - 10:27 AM

Bet I get the golden snitch first...

Now have you yet come up with a method of combining the rules of Quidditch and Song Challenge...

Instead of having bludgers you could have the opposing team inserting dodgy lines just when the writer was coming to a heart-string thrumming song climax...

It could be done.... Honest....

Hyp ;-)

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: GUEST,belter
Date: 10 Apr 00 - 01:45 PM

sorry about getting this in late. I had to work a couple of nights, and put the time to good use writing this.

Three Voices
Tune: Twa Corbies

As I did stroll the wooded lane
I heard three birdies as they sang
Each one sang so fair and long-o
But which one sang the sweetest song-o?
But which one sang the sweetest song?

No other song shall err be heard
From woods land creature, frog or bird
Let no lesser voice be raised-o
So that the best will be praised-o
So that the best will be praised

The nightingale did sweetly trill
With cheer the wood her voice soon filled
She sang so bright and fair-o
With swells so free of care-o
With swells so free of care

The whippoorwill called long and low
Its lonesome song so full of woe
To fill the wood with tones so sad-o
It broke the heart of many a lad-o
It broke the heart of many a lad

The owl raised its haunting call
That echoed through the trees so tall
It chills the heart of man and beast-o
Its question oft disturbs the peace-o-o
Its question oft disturbs the peace

Then each one claimed the victory
And on they sang in harmony
Now frog, wren and robin, and raven-o
All joyfully there voices send-o
All joyfully there voices send

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: MMario
Date: 10 Apr 00 - 01:53 PM

y'know, you guys are driving me crazy here, with songs I want to learn. I need more hours in the day. I need more days in the week. Anyone have a spare TARDIS they can loan me?

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Áine
Date: 10 Apr 00 - 02:07 PM

Dear belter,

That song was well worth the wait! It has been placed on the SONG CHALLENGE! WINNERS PAGE and has been awarded The Golden Cow Chip with Shamrock Cluster. Well done, belter!

And MMario -- I don't have a spare Tardis, but I could lend you my owl for a day or two...

-- Áine

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: KT
Date: 15 Apr 00 - 03:14 PM

Okay...Here is my first attempt at the song challenge.......I wrote this one over a week ago and am just now finding the time to post it. Hope this is the right place to post late ones....(I also hope I can figure out how to get the lines and paragraphs right...)

Woodland Chorus

As I went out one morning, a cacophony greeted me
The woods behind my house was in a din
The chirping, screeching, racket of a thousand feathered friends
Was enough to make me want to go back in.

But as I turned, I noticed a lone sparrow on the gate
Whose mournful call stood out above the fray
Said she, "The birds are quarreling; a most discordant sound
They've turned their tranquil home into disarray.

"'The woods would be a quiet place if just the best birds sang'
Are the words that brought the forest to the test
Before, each sang his own sweet song, unique in all the world
But now, each one is vying to be BEST.

If only they could realize the beauty each one brings
Their differences, would then, be their delight."
"Perhaps they need reminding," I suggested to the bird
"You can sing it to them as they sleep tonight."

With that, the sparrow chirped for joy, delighted with the plan
And flew off to await the hush of twilight
There in the stillness of the woods, new hope within her heart
Her sweetest song rang clear throughout the night.

"No song is the MOST beautiful; no bird alone is BEST
We are so many living side by side
It's only when each voice can blend, together, with the rest
True harmony can once again preside."

And as the darkness faded with the light of early dawn
A single sparrow's call awoke the forest
And one by one, each voice was raised to join the lovely song
Thus, giving his own best to the Woodland Chorus.

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Áine
Date: 16 Apr 00 - 10:43 AM

Dear KT,

That's a wonderful first song for the Challenge!! Do you have a tune for it? Sorry I was so late in responding to your entry; but, my oldest son is home from university this weekend and I've been busy getting my hugs and kisses in while I have a chance...*BG*

Since your beautiful song brought a tear to the eye, I'm awarding it the Golden Cow Chip with Harp Ribbon Award (very prestigous, I assure you!). I'll post your song in a little while on the Winners page. Thanks so much for your song, and I do hope we'll be seeing lots more of them in the future!

-- Áine

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: MMario
Date: 16 Apr 00 - 12:55 PM

Kt - id hope you have a tune for that and some way to distribute it...that is lovely...

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: KT
Date: 17 Apr 00 - 12:00 PM

Dear MMario and Aine, thanks for your kind words. Yes, there is a tune. As far as distributing it in this forum, I haven't a clue.( I was happy to get the lines and paragraphs right!) Aine...the Golden Cow CHip with Ribbon Harp....I'm honored! Hope you've had a wonderful time with your son!

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Áine
Date: 17 Apr 00 - 12:12 PM

Dear KT,

Can you tape your song on a regular audio tape? If you can, please, please, do so and send it to Max for the Mudcat Radio Show at this address:

Max D. Spiegel
The Mudcat Cafe
5 West Gay St. Suite A
West Chester, PA 19380

Be sure and mark the tape with the name of your song and your "Mudcat" name, so Max will know whose song it is!

I'm really looking forward to hearing you -- and I hope that it'll be very soon!!

-- Áine

(P.S. I had a wonderful time with No. 1 Son, thanks! We caught up on all his news, gave him money, fed him a lot of 'home-cooking' -- a weekend guaranteed to make any college student happy!!)

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: KT
Date: 18 Apr 00 - 01:59 AM

Hi, Aine. Yes I could put it on an audio tape, but it'll have to wait. I've just returned from a recent festival and I'm now suffering from a bad case of overdidititis. My voice has taken temporary leave ( as did the sense to stop jamming and get some rest) Oh well. It was worth it!!

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Amergin
Date: 22 Apr 00 - 03:36 PM

Kelida, the Highwayman is one of the best poems ever written. You did great justice to it. I love your piece.

Here's my song (the feeble attempt it is):

The Woods I Loved So Well (Tune: Town I Loved So Well)

In my memory I will always see
The woods I loved so well
Where I walked the green halls, in the spring and the fall
As I would sing through the green dusty smell
Running home by the rails, and down the dark trails
Past the dyke, and down by the river
Those were happy days, in so many ways
In the woods I loved so well

In the early morn with a sound so forlorn
The rooster would sing his grand wake up call
Would wake the farmers to work on their lands,
Milk the cows; feed their horses and hogs.
At the end of each day, I would roam my own way
Hear birds singing in the sunlight
Their chests puffed with pride, my heart swelled inside
In the woods I loved so well

There was music there in the wooded air
That made me want to sing my best
The birds danced in the trees and mingled with the bees
As I stopped to take my rest
Then I had to move and to tell you the truth
I never wanted to leave my home behind me
For I learned about love from the skies above
In the woods I loved so well

When I came back, how my eyes went black
To see all those trees razed to the floor
By the lumberjack and the tractor cat
The dust is blown onto every door
Now there are houses installed by the old cliffside wall
And the damn foundations get higher and higher
With their hammers and their trucks, oh my god what have they done?
To the woods I loved so well

Now the birds are gone, but I still sing on
Though nature is bruised, bruised but never broken
For my ears are ringing, with the silence of their singing
I look forward to their songs to come again
For the houses are bought, so are the empty lots
And the trees are lost and gone forever
I can only pray the birds come back someday
To the place they loved so well.

Amergin

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Áine
Date: 22 Apr 00 - 06:48 PM

Dear Amergin,

A very appropriate and lovely entry for this Challenge! and well timed for Earth Day, too. Your song has been posted on the SONG CHALLENGE! WINNERS PAGE as a Winner of the Golden Cow Chip with Harp Ribbon. Well done!

-- Áine

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 27 Aug 01 - 01:33 PM

I turned the topic on to one of the saddest things in today's society. I hope I've made a point.

"The woods would be silent indeed if only the best birds sang".

Only the best

My little bird is lying
Lying in her nest
My little bird is dying
Tying to be the best

If you could only hear her song
Then you would know that it's so wrong
Were creating a world where children don't belong

My little girl is starving
I worry bout her health
When the food is carving
she runs off by herself

Has to be so skinny
She cannot have meat
Has to wear that mini
So she just will not eat

If you could only hear her song
Then you would know that it's so wrong
Were creating a world where children don't belong

Make her wear some make up
Though she's only nine
So much ground to make up
to catch Leanne Rhymes

Put her through the grinder
Treat her like some meat
Take a key and wind her
Prime her for defeat

If you could only hear her song
Then you would know it's so wrong
We are creating a world where she doesn't belong

One winner will win
the rest will all lose
How can we begin
to choose

Beauty show drama
for entertainment
For most girls trauma
Their values bent

If you could only see the lie
Then you would know why young girls die
It's a sad sad world its a pain to see them cry

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: MMario
Date: 27 Aug 01 - 02:16 PM

you made your point well enough that I had to take a break halfway through reading it.

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 27 Aug 01 - 03:45 PM

I turned the topic on to one of the saddest things in today's society. I hope I've made a point. On reading I had some more ideas. Here is a rewrite.

"The woods would be silent indeed if only the best birds sang".

Only the best (second version)

My little bird is lying Lying in her nest My little bird is dying Trying to be the best

My little bird is Humming As she plays the game Work hard on becoming A truly famous name

Why won't my little bird sing Really, its such a simple thing What pressures and torments do we bring

My little girl is starving I worry bout her health When the food is carving she runs off by herself

Has to be so skinny She cannot have meat Has to wear that mini So she just will not eat

If you could only hear her true song Then you would know that it is so wrong Were creating a world where children don't belong

Make her wear some make up To catch Leanne Rhymes Perhaps its time to wake up because she's only nine

Put her through the grinder Treat her like some meat Take a key and wind her Prime her for defeat

If you could only listen to her heart Then you would know the hardest part Where do you begin, and where do you start

One winner will win the rest will all lose How can we begin to choose

Beauty show drama Fame and wealth Beckoned Imagine the trauma When they finish a mere second

If you could only see the lie Then you would know why young girls die In a sad sad world its a pain to see them cry

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 27 Aug 01 - 04:11 PM

I turned the topic on to one of the saddest things in today's society. I hope I've made a point. On reading I ahd some more ideas. Here is a rewrite with line breaks.

"The woods would be silent indeed if only the best birds sang".

Only the best

My little bird is lying
Lying in her nest
My little bird is dying
Trying to be the best

My little bird is Humming
As she plays the game
Work hard on becomming
A truly famous name

Why won't my little bird sing?
Really, its such a simple thing.
What pressures and torments do we bring?

My little girl is starving
I worry bout her health
When the food is carving
she runs off by herself

Has to be so skinny
She cannot have meat
Has to wear that mini
So she just will not eat

If you could only hear her true song
Then you would know that it is so wrong
Were creating a world where children don't belong

Make her wear some make up
To catch Leanne Rhymes
Perhaps its time to wake up
because she's only nine

Put her through the grinder
Treat her like some meat
Take a key and wind her
Prime her for defeat

If you could only listen to her heart
Then you would know the hardest part
Where do you begin, and where do you start

One winner will win
the rest will all lose
How can we begin
to choose

Beauty show drama
Fame and wealth Beckoned
Imagine the trauma
When they finish a mere second

If you could only see the lie
Then you would know why young girls die
In a sad sad world its a pain to see them cry

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Aidan Crossey
Date: 29 Aug 01 - 09:35 AM

A Challenge! that finds me replying in serious vein! Áine, you've found my Achilles heel. (Well - Achill heel actually as this song is based - loosely - on a real-life experience as a callow youth in that part of the world.)

It's to the tune "The Dawning Of The Day" as used for Raglan Road.

When first her eyes flashed fire at mine
My fate at once was sealed
Such a pretty face, such charm and grace
Were never before revealed
To one so green, so raw, so rough
That I looked the other way
And I watched the waves drown the prints she'd made
As she walked across the bay

To take the air in the dead of night
I walked along the strand
I didn't hear her drawing near
But felt her take my hand
And teasingly she asked if I
Had seen her face before
As she made her way along the bay
At the foot of the Slievemore

And I that flashed a smile at you
Would melt a sea of ice
But in return my look you spurned
And turned away your eyes
And now I'm thinking I've done wrong
To be so bold and free
To take a chance on an advance
Which you've thrown back at me

That's not the way, I then began
And bashful all the while
My heart leapt, I nearly wept
To be honoured by your smile
But I am rough and raw and green
And you're a jewel girl
And a spurned advance 'rising from that glance
Would have brought grief to my world

Oh Johnny, dear she smiled again
And I felt again the pang
The woods would be a quiet place
If the best birds only sang
The sky at night would give no light
If the bright stars only shone
And you shall shine and you shall sing
And I shall teach the song

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: GUEST,KT
Date: 29 Aug 01 - 10:42 AM

derrymacash, that is beautiful!!!! Especially, "And you shall shine and you shall sing And I shall teach the song." Exquisite!

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 29 Aug 01 - 02:27 PM

Nice one! you've captured some of the feeling of raglan road, but made it your own.

"As she walked across the bay"

It's a nice picture, a little sureal, what is the thought behind the line Derry?

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Aidan Crossey
Date: 30 Aug 01 - 03:41 AM

KT and Jack ... thanks for the kind words.

Jack ... the word "bay" is commonly used in my neck of the woods to refer not only to the body of water but its shore, hence the line refers to the lady in question walking across the sand (and the preceding line is about the waves washing away the resulting footprints). I never thought that it could be construed otherwise ... goes to show!

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: MMario
Date: 30 Aug 01 - 08:37 AM

ssilly me - I thought you were implying that she walked on water!

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! Part 20
From: Aidan Crossey
Date: 30 Aug 01 - 08:42 AM

MMario ...

I implied a degree of worship ... but not that much!