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Lyr Req: Lord of the Dance (tune: Simple Gifts)

29 Mar 97 - 12:48 PM (#3647)
Subject: ?lyrics-Lord of the Dance(tune-Simple Gifts)
From: Sharon Goldstein

Years ago I heard lyrics called "Lord of the Dance" to a melody I knew only as the Shaker Hymn "Simple Gifts." (I already know the words to that.) I'm pretty sure "Lord of the Dance" is Irish. I'd be eternally grateful for the lyrics.

Thanx much.


29 Mar 97 - 01:13 PM (#3648)
Subject: RE: ?lyrics-Lord of the Dance(tune-Simple Gifts)
From: Joe Offer

Hi, Sharon - the lyrics are available on the Digital Tradition database. Search under "Lord." I don't think there's any connection between this Sydney Carter song and the dance show that's currently making the rounds of public television pledge weeks.

We used to sing this song at folk masses in the 1960's, and I still know all the verses by heart. Carter published it in 1963, and now it seems a bit dated. I never could get comfortable with the verse that goes, "I danced on a Friday when the sky turned black/It's hard to dance with the devil on your back."

I don't know Carter's nationality. I think he's British, but I'm not sure of that.


29 Mar 97 - 03:12 PM (#3651)
Subject: RE: ?lyrics-Lord of the Dance(tune-Simple Gifts)
From: dick greenhaus

Sydney Carter is English. He recently passed his 80th birthday. For some of his other songs, try a search on Carter


30 Mar 97 - 07:58 AM (#3669)
Subject: RE: ?lyrics-Lord of the Dance(tune-Simple Gifts)
From: Bobby O'Brien

This song has been recorded in Ireland by many singers over the past few years. I'd be happy to send you a cassette with two versions of the song if you like.

Send $2 to cover postage, handling and tape to: Bobby O'Brien, 49 McCleary Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010-2816.


31 Mar 97 - 05:39 PM (#3697)
Subject: RE: ?lyrics-Lord of the Dance(tune-Simple Gifts)
From: Bob Schwarer

John Roberts & Tony Barrand do a nice version. I THINK it's on "Nowell Sing We Clear" #4, but I can't find it to check.

Bob S.


30 Apr 97 - 08:53 AM (#4702)
Subject: RE: ?lyrics-Lord of the Dance(tune-Simple Gifts)
From: szarak@writeme.com

How about the Dubliners, ughhh?

Nobody can beat their version.


10 May 97 - 11:43 PM (#5071)
Subject: RE: ?lyrics-Lord of the Dance(tune-Simple Gifts)
From: Sharon, the Originator of this Request

Thank you to all. In fact, I found three versions (Christian, Pagan & Parody) right in the Mudcat's database of songs.

There's also a Universal version, and if anyone's interested, I'll post them.