Lyr Req: Ring of Bright Water

Subject: Lyric Req: for
From: Susan S.
Date: 24 Nov 96 - 07:25 PM

There's a song which begins:

I will marry you, with a ring of bright water
Whose ripples travel far from the heart of the sea
And marry you with a ring of light all on the swift river
I will marry you, with a ring of bright water.

I think it was written by Steve Gillette. Any possibility anyone knows the rest of the verses to this one? Would appreciate a response, or its inclusion in your data base. I'll keep checking this bulletin board. Thanks. Susan

Subject: Lyr Add: RING OF BRIGHT WATER (Gavin Maxwell)
From:
Date: 16 Sep 01 - 01:58 AM

Ring of Bright Water (Gavin Maxwell) He has married me with a ring, a ring of bright water Whose ripples travel from the heart of the sea, He has married me with a ring of light, the glitter Broadcast on the swift river. He has married me with the sun's circle Too dazzling to see, traced in summer sky. He has crowned me with the wreath of white cloud That gathers on the snowy summit of the mountain, Ringed me round with the world-circling wind, Bound me to the whirlwind's centre. He has married me with the orbit of the moon And with the boundless circle of stars, With the orbits that measure years, months, days, and nights, Set the tides flowing, Command the winds to travel or be at rest.   At the ring's centre, Spirit, or angel troubling the pool, Causality not in nature, Finger's touch that summons at a point, a moment Stars and planets, life and light Or gathers cloud about an apex of gold, Transcedent touch of love summons my world into being.

From a website which takes the above from the index page of a book called Ring of Bright Water by Gavin Maxwell. It's also been made into a movie of the same name.

It probably isn't the information Susan wanted, but it's a start

Subject: RE: Lyric Req:
From:
Date: 16 Sep 01 - 02:03 AM

I looked up Steve Gillette's web-page, and it didn't list such a song.

Subject: RE: Lyric Req:
From: Ferret
Date: 17 Sep 01 - 06:24 PM

Has any one got the lyric for 'Ring of Bright Water' by Betty Bolley. Music by Frank Gordell. recorded by Val Doonican in the 1960's. it's not the same as the one above.

all the best ferret

Subject: RE: Lyric Req: 'Ring of Bright Water'
From: beadie
Date: 18 Sep 01 - 12:05 PM

A somewhat different version (as I recall) was recorded by Glenn Yarborough, late of the Limelighters, in the mid 60's.

As the movie involved a river otter as one of the main characters, it seems entirely appropriate for you to be looking for this piece, Ferret.

Subject: RE: Lyric Req: 'Ring of Bright Water'
From: beadie
Date: 18 Sep 01 - 02:55 PM

The Yarbrough version appeared on the album, "It's Gonna Be Fine" in 1965. Its still available through collectible album websites, occasionally paired with another album, "Baby, the Rain Must Fall."

As I recall, the first line of this version was, "I will marry you with a ring of bright water."

Subject: RE: Lyric Req: 'Ring of Bright Water'
From: Ferret
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 04:41 PM

Beadie

Well is a kindred spirit.

All the best ferret

Subject: Lyr Add: RING OF BRIGHT WATER (Tom Campbell)
From: Lin in Kansas
Date: 24 Oct 01 - 03:16 PM

And here's Glenn Yarbrough's version of Ring of Bright Water, from my newly found stash of ancient LPs. Not by Steve Gillette, though, so wouldn't swear to this being the one originally requested...

Lin

RING OF BRIGHT WATER
by Tom Campbell; arranged & conducted by Perry Botkin, Jr.
Performed by Glenn Yarbrough on "It's Gonna Be Fine,"
RCA LSP 3472 (SPRS 4519)
© Radio Corporation of America 1965

I would marry you with a Ring of Bright Water,
Whose ripples travel from the heart of the sea.
I'd marry you with a ring of light along the swift river,
I would marry you with a Ring of Bright Water.

I would marry you with a boundless circle of stars,
To measure out the days and nights, the months and the years.
I'd ring you round with the moon above that sets the tides to glowin',
Oh I would marry you with a boundless circle of stars.

And I would marry you with the sun's bright circle,
And trace it in the summer sky, too dazzling to see,
And crown you with the clouds that gather round the snowy mountains,
Oh, I would marry you with the sun's bright circle.

I would marry you with a Ring of Bright Water,
Whose ripples travel from the heart of the sea.
I'd marry you with a ring of light along the swift river.
I would marry you with a Ring of Bright Water.

Subject: RE: Lyric Req: 'Ring of Bright Water'
From:
Date: 24 Oct 01 - 04:16 PM

That's beautiful. Thanks, Lin

Subject: RE: Lyric Req: 'Ring of Bright Water'
From: Lin in Kansas
Date: 24 Oct 01 - 07:47 PM

You're welcome, George--and it STILL sounds great in Glenn's gorgeous voice...

Lin

Subject: RE: Lyric Req: 'Ring of Bright Water'
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Mar 07 - 04:19 PM

Hello,
I`m looking for the lyrics of the song "Ring Of Bright Water" by Val Doonican. Hope someone can help me.
Thanx a lot!
Verena

Subject: RE: Lyric Req: 'Ring of Bright Water'
From: Peace
Date: 07 Mar 07 - 04:27 PM

How do they differ from what's posted above?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ring of Bright Water
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Mar 07 - 05:02 AM

The song-text by Val Doonican is different and starts with...

"Where sun and wind play...

and in the middle of the song..

"The deer on the hill
in the first snow of winter
that`s where my...

and I would like to have the song text.

Thanx
Verena

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ring of Bright Water
From: alison
Date: 12 Mar 07 - 12:10 AM

From memory

Ring of Bright Water (theme from the movie sung by Val Doonican)

Where sun and wind play on a ring of bright water
Thats where my heartland will be
The deer on the hill in the first snows of winter
the gull in the sky flying free

I wandered away from the dark crowded city,
Leaving my old life behind,
And I came to a place where a ring of bright water,
Dazzled all cares from my mind.

So I live with the wonder of the sky and the sea
And I'll always remember who revealed them to me

But now you are gone with your whirlpools of laughter
Leading me down to the sea
But I'll always smile when a ring of bright water
Echoes your laughter to me.

(key change)

But now you are gone with your whirlpools of laughter
Racing me down to the sea
But I'll always smile when a ring of bright water
Echoes your laughter to me.
Echoes your laughter to me

it may not be entirely accurate but its pretty close - a beautiful song

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ring of Bright Water
From: GUEST,Verena
Date: 18 Mar 07 - 06:53 AM

Thanx a lot Alison!!!

That`s are the lyrics I mean :-)

Best wishes...
Verena

Subject: Lyr Add: RING OF BRIGHT WATER (from Val Doonican)
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Apr 07 - 09:08 PM

I came across this thread whilst surfing and hope you don't mind my posting.

Further to the lyrics provided above;
these are the lyrics as I perceived them from a Val Doonican record and the film DVD. There are only minor changes to the version listed above, but they seem to scan better, and are the words I have been singing to my children.

RING OF BRIGHT WATER

Where sun and wind play on a ring of bright water
That's where my heartland will be
The deer on the hill in the first snow of winter
the gull in the sky winging free

I wandered away from the dark crowded city,
Leaving my old life behind,
And came to a place where a ring of bright water,
Dazzled the care from my mind.
So I live with the wonder of the sky and the sea
And I'll always remember who revealed them to me

But now you are gone with your whirlpools of laughter
Racing me down to the sea
But I always smile when a ring of bright water
Echoes your laughter to me.

(key change)

But now you are gone with your whirlpools of laughter
Racing me down to the sea
But I always smile when a ring of bright water
Echoes your laughter to me.
Echoes your laughter to me


This was the first film I remember seeing as a small boy (about 4 years old) and I still watch it now.

If anybody knows where I can get the music for the song from, please reply and send a email to [e-mail]

That would be much appreciated.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ring of Bright Water
From: alison
Date: 15 Apr 07 - 07:07 PM

I have it on a Val Doonican Songbook - Cd - I'm sure there are mp3s out there too

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ring of Bright Water
From: GUEST,Alan
Date: 17 Jul 07 - 11:18 AM

Hey the original lyrics posted here can be found in gavin maxwell's book as it is a poem written by one of his old flames

this poem seems to have formed the basis for the songs posted here

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ring of Bright Water
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 17 Jul 07 - 03:57 PM

The poem beginning this thread is titled "The Marriage of Psyche," Kathleen Raine CBE.
See her "Collected Poems," 1935-1980, p. 67. It is not by Gavin Maxwell, adventurer, etc., and the grandson of the Duke of Northumberland. He used it as a frontispiece to his book and used a line from the poem as title to his book.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ring of Bright Water
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Nov 07 - 06:51 AM

Found your query whilst surfing so hope you don't mind me butting in although I am several months late!

I have the Val Doonican recording of Ring of Bright Water on a very old tape of his greatest hits, bought specifically for this song. I've just played it again to double check the lyrics which I know so well. Tim ( your guest posting of 14th April) was spot on with the lyrics he has supplied. If anyone wants to purchase a copy of a CD with this song on it, then Amazon are currently selling 'His Special Years - Val Doonican', (released July 1999) a 2 disc set @ £7.98.It appears there are also several used and new copies available via their site @£4.65.

Happy listening!

Kate

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ring of Bright Water
From: Irene M
Date: 28 Nov 07 - 03:13 PM

Ring Of Bright Water is out on DVD too.

A friend and I once walked down to the cottage used in the film, at the foot of Loch Feochan. Such a lovely remote spot.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ring of Bright Water
From: GUEST,Laurie
Date: 30 Jan 08 - 11:10 PM

I've been asked to sing "Ring of Bright Water" for a 65th wedding anniversary party in a couple of weeks. I don't know the song at all. I've got the lyrics from online sites, but I can't find the printed music anywhere or a download of a recording. Any ideas?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ring of Bright Water
From: Melissa
Date: 30 Jan 08 - 11:24 PM

A couple posts above yours, Laurie, GuestKate lists a cd that was available through Amazon a couple months ago. Seems like a good place to look for a copy?

Did you try YouTube? If you're having an especially lucky day, you might find someone singing it there?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ring of Bright Water
From: GUEST,Caz
Date: 28 Mar 08 - 06:43 AM

I sat and watched Ring of Bright Water on tellie yesterday even though I have the film on video... oh again that music gets to me, thanksfully I now know where to start looking for a copy - Amazon, since youtube doesn't have a rendition of it nor does asklyrics have any lyrics to the song, thanks to Tim posting on 14 April, I now have at least that.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ring of Bright Water
From: Andrez
Date: 28 Mar 08 - 07:41 AM

Hi Folks,

OK so if I were looking for a song (which I'm not), I'd probably try a program like Limewire and simply type in the song title and let it do a search. If I were to do this (which I am not) I would probably come across around 20 sites referencing one version of the song and quite possibly at least one site referencing the Val Doonican version of the song (which I didnt). Of course it would be wise to check things out because the more readily available version may not play correctly of may be otherwise dangerous to your PC (I use a Mac) but there may be other versions of the song listed on Limewire and you could try downloading them in the spirit of scientific research (of course). If you found that there arent enough sources to download the file/s I suggest you try again tomorrow or in a day or two. Persistence will be its own reward (As I have discovered at other times looking for legit audio sources as recommended on Amazon etc)

Cheers,

Andrez

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ring of Bright Water
From: GUEST,Mike
Date: 13 Feb 09 - 09:45 AM

I have the 45 record which is a very rare copy as it has radio station copy only, if you would like it send me and email

Mike
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ring of Bright Water
From: GUEST,brenda
Date: 03 Aug 11 - 06:03 PM

try these chords
Am,C, Em, AM, C, D Am   for the first VERSE

Am C Em Am, F Em Am   for second verses - you'll have to play around with them as they don't go where you think they should

for the bridge try

F,G F C, F G F   G F Em

repeat verse 2 for 3rd verse

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ring of Bright Water
From: GUEST,Squidgy Bottom
Date: 03 Aug 11 - 06:29 PM

"Ring of Brown Water"

The wife told me not to eat those 'past sell by date' prawns.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ring of Bright Water
From: pdq
Date: 07 Sep 11 - 06:54 PM

The initial post asks if this song was written by Steve Gillette.

Tom Campbell was writing songs with Steve Gillette while working at Disneyland in the mid 1960s.

He gets partial credit fo "Darcy Farrow" and other Gillette songs, and was a major contributor of songs to early Stone Poneys records.

Tom Campbell wrote the song done by Glenn Yarbrough as mentioned in the first post.