The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #126443 Message #2843584
Posted By: VirginiaTam
18-Feb-10 - 05:32 PM
Thread Name: Singing with Kytrad-Jean Ritchie in nursing home
Subject: RE: Singing with Kytrad-Jean Ritchie in nursing home
I'd sing this. She is that minstrel specially when it comes to the last verse.
Minstrel Graham & Eileen Pratt
I sang my song at Hasting's Battle To praise the deeds of Charlemagne I sang of Arthur and of Roland That man remember their great fame I sang to rouse a sinking nation That king and man might never yield But when the battle cry was over We all lay dead on Hasting's field
I sang my song to conquer loved ones I sold my voice to him who paid To sing his lady gentle love songs And lend his passion subtle shade And when my silver throated praises At last did melt her heart of stone He paid me and they both departed And left me there to sing alone
I sang my song at fair and market A song much bawdier than before Amid the pigs and the geese and the cattle I sought to please the crown once more I sang to win applause and favour Songs of the cuckold and the whore And though I gladly took there money I missed the songs I'd sung before
I sang my song in times of anger And found new purpose in my rhyme At kings and queens I'd point the finger And bid them see the nation's crimes How bitterly did I condemn them All those the left the poor oppressed But the time was not yet ripe for changes We hung at Tyburne with the rest
I sang my song in mill and pulpit Me voice all cracked with dust and fume I took me tune from the factory siren And I took me rhythm from the loom And whether anybody listened Or paid attention I can't say But I couldn't stand the smoke in the chimney So I packed me bags and moved away
My eyes are tired my voice grows weary My aging memory nearly gone I've sung my song for lord and lady I've sung it too for common man Until there's no more time for singing Until we reach the story's end I'll always find the strength within To rise and sing my song again