The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #11647   Message #87710
Posted By: Barbara
18-Jun-99 - 01:11 PM
Thread Name: Big Mick needs a hand.
Subject: RE: Big Mick needs a hand.
Oh, that's right, Night Owl, and they're both fine songs. Funny, I can't keep the words to both of them in my head at the same time. Mick, something I always loved, both the song and the idea behind it, is "I Bid You Goodnight". It's a Bahamian song from Joseph Spence and the Pindar family that has a refrain sung by everyone and a couplet sung by the song leader. People often sing it these days at the end of an evening, but its purpose is to be a passing song for someone who is dying. Those present continue to sing as long as the person lives, and the leader keeps making up couplets.

Everyone sings: "And I bid you goodnight, goodnight, goodnight", and the occasional chorus:
"Won't you lay down my dear sister [brother; Brother Spence, etc],
Won't you lay and take your rest?
Won't you lay your head upon your savior's breast?
For I love you, but Jesus loves you the best,
And I bid you goodnight, goodnight, goodnight."

I can't imagine a more loving, supportive, nurturing way to leave the world.
Blessings,
Barbara