Lyr Add: The Session-Widow's Lament

Subject: Lyr Add: The Session-Widow's Lament
From: Aidan Crossey
Date: 08 Feb 03 - 11:17 AM

The Session-Widow's Lament

A new song by Aidan Crossey. The tune is set out in abc format below.

I rarely ever see my man, he's always at the session
It didn't figure in my plans, when the priest he gave his blessing
Each night I lie alone in bed, he's off some other place instead
Then rolling home half-drunk, half-dead from playing at the session

I hardly see my man no more, since he's took to the session
He eats his tea, then out the door, like lightning he is dashing
Where pipers drone and fiddlers flail, in rosin-dust and flowing ale
Our marriage it is growing stale, because of the oul' session

Each night to God above I pray and seek his intercession
That he might with me one night stay, and forsake his oul' session
I'd take him gladly in my arms and offer up my ample charms
And soon he'd see he's been a barm to waste what he's been missing

If I was an oul' banjo, like he plays at the session
He'd have more time for me, I know - oh what a sad confession!
He'd pluck my strings both high and low, he'd play me fast and play me slow
And I'd sing every tune I know and make a quare impression

O woe betide the blushing bride that weds the trad musician
You'll sleep alone most every night while he's down at the session
Take my advice, don't wed in haste, the banjo-playing stop-out baste
Or else your life you'll surely waste, while he's down at the session

If I can't beat, I may well join, I'll get some music lessons
I'll learn the Kesh and the Mooncoin, and join in at the session
And when he hears me pipe a reel, his heart again once more I'll steal
His lips again I yet might feel, a-coortin' and a-kissin'

X:5134
T:The Session-Widow's Lament
M:6/8
L:1/8
C:Aidan Crossey
R:Jig
K:G
|:D|GFG A2G|F2G A2c|BAG A2F|DGF G2D|
GFG A2G|F2G A2c|BAG A2F|DGF G2B|
dcd e2d|c2B ABc|dcB cBA|BAG DEF|
GFG A2G|F2G A2c|BAG A2F|D2G G2:||

---

Click to play

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Session-Widow's Lament
From: Aidan Crossey
Date: 10 Feb 03 - 07:12 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Session-Widow's Lament
From: Charley Noble
Date: 10 Feb 03 - 08:18 AM

So sad to fret about banjo players, but hope springs eternal in the last verse.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Session-Widow's Lament
From: Joan from Wigan
Date: 10 Feb 03 - 12:49 PM

Aidan, that's a really good song, it's gone on my learning list. When I was married, it was always me going off to the folk club and hubby staying behind - but that was NOT what led to the divorce - honest!

Well done, and thanks for sharing it.

Joan

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Session-Widow's Lament
From: michaelr
Date: 10 Feb 03 - 09:23 PM

What is the procedure to get that ABC to play?

Cheers,
Michael

PS: Great song, Aidan!

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Session-Widow's Lament
From: Aidan Crossey
Date: 11 Feb 03 - 03:56 AM

Michael ...

There is a load of ABC freeware (or virtually free) "out there".

Depends on what system you use.

Check out the link which follows and select ...http://www.gre.ac.uk/~c.walshaw/abc/#software

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Session-Widow's Lament
From: Lanfranc
Date: 11 Feb 03 - 05:02 AM

Were it not for the difficulty of rhyming it, you could almost substitute "Mudcat" for "session" throughout!!

Fortunately, my wife nearly always comes with me to sessions, although she doesn't play. However she does often sit in a corner and write up her lesson preparation and timetables and even, sometimes, do her marking. The joys of being married to a teacher!

Alan

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Session-Widow's Lament
From: GUEST,T-boy
Date: 11 Feb 03 - 07:47 AM

Don't worry, the session will probably be illegal soon.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Session-Widow's Lament
From: Aidan Crossey
Date: 11 Feb 03 - 07:56 AM

Only in England!

(Mind you ... that's a horrible enough thought!)

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Session-Widow's Lament
From: CapriUni
Date: 11 Feb 03 - 10:18 PM

From michaelr: What is the procedure to get that ABC to play?
        
For a quick (temporary) way to hear ABC tunes, I like to copy and paste the code into the text window here: Concertina.Net's Tune-A-Tron and click "submit".


Really good song, Aiden!


Never had a romance myself, but I wouldn't have much hope for one if my partner couldn't join in with my songs -- or vice versa. So I really like the last verse!