Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ashokan Farewell From: Desert Dancer Date: 18 Oct 10 - 01:04 PM Jay Ungar has just confirmed what I posted on 11 Jul 10 (above)
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ashokan Farewell From: Jack Campin Date: 18 Oct 10 - 11:58 AM It just occurred to me that "The Mayor of Bayswater's Daughter" goes perfectly to this tune. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ashokan Farewell From: GUEST,Jay Ungar Date: 18 Oct 10 - 11:16 AM Grian (not Brian) MacGregor wrote the "original" set of lyrics for Ashokan Farewell that were subsequently recorded by Priscilla Herdman. Cleo Laine wrote and recorded a second set of lyrics for this same melody, which she recorded with her husband John Dankworth, under the title, "A Time For Farewell." These lyrics were also recorded by Thomas Hampson. Both of these lyrics are easily available at http://www.jayandmolly.com/ashokanlyrics.shtml I've since received more than 200 unsolicited sets of lyrics by mail and email, but have not given permission for any to be recorded or otherwise officially coupled with the tune. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ashokan Farewell From: Desert Dancer Date: 15 Jul 10 - 12:12 AM ollaimh, Ashokan is in the eastern Catskill Mountains of New York state (between New York City and Albany). ~ Becky in Tucson (originally with Catskill connections...) |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ashokan Farewell From: Artful Codger Date: 14 Jul 10 - 09:02 PM Leadfingers wrote: The problem is that SO Often the words DONT have any thing like the same quality as the tune That is a risk any songwriter takes, whether with his own tunes or with the tunes of others. And similarly when setting poetry to music. Tons of texts have been set to tunes which were originally instrumental, and produced terrific songs. Tons of poems have been set to tunes after the fact, and produced terrific songs. We would be greatly impoverished if this practice did not occur. Granted, mountains of mediocre or abysmal songs have been produced by the same process, but the songs which don't measure up tend to die away when others give them a tepid reception. Numerous such efforts are necessary if people are to produce the occasional gems. The only real errors occur when performers are so in love with everything they produce (or are so pushed by recording contracts) that they lose their ability to discern the potentially good from the merely derivative, and mostly sing the latter. On the other hand, think of how many best-loved songs were issued as B-sides, the A-sides now forgotten. In any case, "authorized" is a useful distinction, since you may run into legal woes with a version that isn't. So don't be dissuaded by knee-jerk purists (misconstruing the term) from asking this cogent question. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ashokan Farewell From: ollaimh Date: 14 Jul 10 - 03:39 PM yes ode to joy was intentionally used by beethoven with permission of schiller--who was of like politics to B. there are several english translations , some of which carry the spirit of the origional so where is ashokan? |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ashokan Farewell From: Leadfingers Date: 13 Jul 10 - 06:28 PM Tanny - The problem is that SO Often the words DONT have any thing like the same quality as the tune |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ashokan Farewell From: Jack Campin Date: 13 Jul 10 - 02:09 PM The words of "The Star-Spangled Banner" fit reasonably well. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ashokan Farewell From: Tannywheeler Date: 13 Jul 10 - 12:00 PM It's just that the lovelier a tune is the more a singer wants to sing it. It's frustrating that so many heartthrillingly beautiful tunes have no words. Tw |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ashokan Farewell From: The Fooles Troupe Date: 11 Jul 10 - 08:58 PM "I tend to get irritated about folks thinking that ALL tunes need words" ... but then again, not all words need tunes either... :-P :-) |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ashokan Farewell From: Desert Dancer Date: 11 Jul 10 - 08:50 PM According to Sing Out! magazine, Vol. 42 #2, page 48, Fall 1997 (bathroom reading recently), in an article about Jay and Molly, in a box entitled "The life of 'Ashokan Farewell'": ...lyrics pour in from people who have been so moved by the tune that they feel inspired to put words to their feelings. Over the years, Jay has approved only two sets of lyrics -- by Ashokan camper Grian MacGregor (recorded by Priscilla Herdman) and by British jazz singer Cleo Laine (recorded as "A Time for Farewell") -- and says he is unlikely to OK others. ~ Becky in Long Beach |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ashokan Farewell From: GUEST,LonesomeAl Date: 11 Jul 10 - 08:34 PM Singing this song requires a two octave range. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ashokan Farewell From: GUEST,Tattie Bogle Date: 06 May 10 - 11:36 AM Like "Get me Through December" to Neil Gow's "Lament for the Death of his second wife": THAT TUNE DOES NOT NEED WORDS! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ashokan Farewell From: Sorcha Date: 05 May 10 - 05:45 PM LOL...sorry for shouting. I tend to get irritated about folks thinking that ALL tunes need words. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ashokan Farewell From: Commander Crabbe Date: 05 May 10 - 05:43 PM Sorcha There is no need to shout. Even if you are annoyed that someone dared to write lyrics for a violin instrumental. Authorized or not! One of my all time favourites is "Da Slockit Light" and like many others think it needs no "improving" with lyrics as Tom got it right the first time. Unfortunately there will always be those who think a beautiful tune needs lyrics some of which can be beautiful too.(Others maybe not so) So there is no getting away from it. Personally I prefer Jay's tune as it is. That's if i'm allowed to play it on guitar of course. CC |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ashokan Farewell From: Sorcha Date: 05 May 10 - 04:58 PM There ARE NO 'authorized' lyrics. Unger wrote it as a violin instrumental!!!!! |
Subject: Lyr Add: ASHOKAN FAREWELL (McGregor/Ungar) From: Commander Crabbe Date: 05 May 10 - 04:35 PM Here's another set of lyrics but whether they are one of the authorized ones I don't know. I also don't know if the words are by Brian McGregor and the G is a typo as it is above and left of the B on a qwerty keyboard. That said I'm sure someone on the MC can enlighten us. ASHOKAN FAREWELL (Words: Grian McGregor, tune Jay Ungar) The sun is sinking low in the sky above Ashokan The pines and the willows know soon we will part There's a whisper in the wind of promises unspoken And a love that will always remain in my heart My thoughts will return to the sound of your laughter The magic of dancing, of moving as one And a time we will remember long ever after The moonlight, the music and dancing are done Will we climb the hills once more? Will we walk the woods together? Will I feel you holding me close once again? Will every song we have sung stay with us forever? Will you dance in my dreams or my arms until then? Under the moon the mountains lie sleeping Over the lake the stars shine They wonder if you and I will be keeping The magic and music, or leave them behind. Regards CC |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ashokan Farewell From: GUEST,Alexane Date: 04 May 10 - 08:02 PM This is a beautiful piece, and it is lovely played on the violin. |
Subject: RE: Ashokan Farewell From: GUEST,Cait McCall Date: 23 Feb 06 - 04:48 PM I believe that these are the other lyrics that you are looking for. ~Cait McCall Verse 1: Whenever I'm alone and hear that lonesome fiddle, it carries me back to a time long ago and to the days of our past when we were so happy each day was springtime we loved each other so. Chorus: There are songs about love, songs about beauty, songs with a story we all love so well, songs we love best are songs about sad times. The saddest of all is Ashoken Farewell. Verse 2: We can never go back to a time lost forever, I'm all alone with a sad memory. You found a new love, yet I still remember when you whispered softly you loved only me. Chorus: Now the music goes on as my tears start falling, telling of sad times we all know so well. My love is gone, my heart is broken. The fiddle keeps playing Ashoken Farewell. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ashokan Farewell From: skarpi Date: 21 Feb 06 - 02:53 PM Halló we do Ashokan Farewell and we it instrumental its a great tune, we play it with fiddler Called Dan Cassidy brother of late Eva Cassity him and Rós play this song in duo and I play guitar with it never heard with lyric. All the best Skarpi Iceland. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ashokan Farewell From: George Seto - af221@chebucto.ns.ca Date: 21 Feb 06 - 02:37 PM Nice slow airs like Hector the Hero, Beautiful Point Aconi, and the Yellow Rose Waltz are also great tunes. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ashokan Farewell From: fretless Date: 21 Feb 06 - 01:10 PM ".......like singing Amazing Grace to Gilligan's theme." My daughter learned that one at Bible camp, and then I taught her to sing AG to the tune of Take Me Out to the Ballgame, which I heard years ago from Ranger Steve. Her spiritual life has never been the same. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ashokan Farewell From: catspaw49 Date: 21 Feb 06 - 11:50 AM When you are totally fed up with this tune even though it has great beauty, just start singing dirty limericks to it. They aren't too hard to fit at all and give you a lot of perverse pleasure.......like singing Amazing Grace to Gilligan's theme. Spaw |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ashokan Farewell From: Willie-O Date: 21 Feb 06 - 08:58 AM Swear to God this seems to be the only slow tune most young players and "Celtic TV Special" performers know. Not that it ain't gorgeous but there are hundreds of other airs out there...I like the Chris Stuart lyric posted way up near the top. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ashokan Farewell From: GUEST Date: 21 Feb 06 - 08:09 AM A friend of mine always uses the ashokan farewell as an intro to and instrumental in Richard Thompson's 'Waltzing's for Dreamers' It works beautifully. Vince |
Subject: Tune Add: ASHOKAN FAREWELL (Jay Ungar) From: GUEST Date: 17 Sep 04 - 10:31 PM This is the abc tune of this tune.. X:9 T:Ashokan Farewell R:Waltz C:Jay Ungar, 1983. S:The Waltz Book M:3/4 L:1/4=145 K:D Ac|d3 cBA|F4EF|G3 FED|B,2D3B,| A,2D2F2|A2d2f2|f3 f2|e4Ac| d3 cBA|F4EF|G3 FED|B,2D3B,| A,2D2F2|A2d2f2|A2c2e2|d4FG| A3 FD2|d4A2|B3 cd2|AF3E2| F3 ED2|B,4G,2|A,6|A4FE| D2F2A2|=c6|B3 cd2|A2F2D2| A,2D2F2|A2d2F2|E3 DC2|D4|] fiddle4 jim mcauley. |
Subject: RE: Ashokan Farewell From: The Fooles Troupe Date: 17 Sep 04 - 09:22 PM It's become one of my 'Regular Party Pieces' as it can be used to show a particular style of playing the Piano Accordion and used to contrast with other pieces in different playing styles. Love these words... Robin |
Subject: RE: Ashokan Farewell From: Tattie Bogle Date: 17 Sep 04 - 04:05 PM No doubt it would be bodhrans next on the fire (surprisingly not first! and as a "bodhranista" I'm used to all the flack we get). I also wondered about instruments other than the fiddle playing the melody: I also play it on button accordion, and if I start up , sometimes there's a fiddler or 2 around that knows it and joins in, in which case I would let them take over and lead the tune, but then sometimes there's no-one else knows it, and you usually get asked afterwards, "What was that tune?" |
Subject: RE: Ashokan Farewell From: Teresa Date: 17 Sep 04 - 04:03 PM I love the tune, and personally, I love it as an instrumental. However, I love to think that it's evolving into a tune to set words to, becoming a "traditional song" as part of the folk process. How many tunes are set in different time signatures now, played as instrumentals, sung with lyrics? Very many. :) T |
Subject: RE: Ashokan Farewell From: Little Robyn Date: 17 Sep 04 - 03:46 PM Hey Peter, I love it! Robyn (who plays Ashoken Farewell on Northumbrian Small Pipes) |
Subject: RE: Ashokan Farewell From: Midchuck Date: 17 Sep 04 - 09:02 AM My preferred lyrics... Ashokan Farewell (music by Jay Ungar, words by Chris Stuart) O I never shall forget when we camped up at Ashokan, The fiddlers kept us up all through the night, It would not have been so bad if they hadn't kept a'playin', Over and over, "The Ashokan Farewell." The first time was sweet, the second was lovely, But the fiftieth got a tad old, So we built a bon fire... And threw the fiddles in it, As we all joined hands and sang, "The Ashokan Farewell." O I never shall regret that night up at Ashokan, But there was one more thing we should have done, For as the fire cooled and we danced in the ashes, I heard a distant banjo start "Fox on the Run." The first time was loud, the second was louder, Louder and faster it got, So we stoked up the fire... And threw the banjos in it, As we all joined hands and sang, "The Ashokan Farewell." I don't sing the last verse, though...I like to sort of trail off with "...Fox on the Run..." It makes it more tragic. Peter |
Subject: RE: Ashokan Farewell From: Mr Red Date: 17 Sep 04 - 08:06 AM come on Roy tell us you have seen it so I can rest easy |
Subject: RE: Ashokan Farewell From: GUEST,Mr Red in refresh mode Date: 13 Sep 04 - 08:14 AM Just for Roy Jones - he knows who he is. |
Subject: RE: Help: Ashokan Farewell From: Naemanson Date: 22 Nov 02 - 12:01 PM Rather than begin another thread I thought refreshing an older thread would make more sense. For the fiddle players: When I was at The Mermaid Inn down in Philly a few weeks ago I heard a fiddle player play Ashoken Farewell in an uptempo barn dance style. It works. Try it. I got a big kick out of it. |
Subject: RE: Help: Ashokan Farewell From: Bluegrass Girl Date: 12 Apr 01 - 05:11 PM Thanks to all. I now have the wonderful words I sought. I am a singer and virtually always believe that words add to the tune. I certainly feel that way in the case of the words you have supplied beginning "Whenever I'm alone ..." to the tune of 'Ashokan Farewell'. While I have been playing and performing bluegrass music exclusively since 1995, my background is deeply routed in folk music, and you never lose your roots. So thanks again to all! It would seem you "folks" are as nice as you always were ... |
Subject: RE: Help: Ashokan Farewell From: enkd Date: 10 Apr 01 - 12:54 PM I believe it was meant to accompany one of the Civil War "letters home" from the Ken Burns special...
Dearest Mum, I'm in a war |
Subject: RE: Help: Ashokan Farewell From: Joy Bennett Date: 10 Apr 01 - 12:04 PM George -- that's the way it usually works for me as well -- but for some reason the tune to this one always sticks in my head -- perhaps because I have heard it so often and have always loved it. I have always been a "words" person. |
Subject: RE: Help: Ashokan Farewell From: George Seto - af221@chebucto.ns.ca Date: 10 Apr 01 - 11:31 AM Sorcha, I know you knew that. I was mentioning it for Bluegrass Girl's benefit. She had been looking for one which wasn't among those authorized. I also did the same thing you did and had gotten the Cleo Laine words from the Ashokan web-site. When you mentioned it just now, I had a look and couldn't find them either. I couldn't originally find them, and e-mailed to Jay Ungar asking where those words might be found and he pointed me to the specific web-page out of his lot. I wonder if it is there, but there isn't an active link to it. It is nice to see these other words. I DO like the words. I don't remember tunes well, and saying the words a few times, gives me the tune again. So the words are useful to me. |
Subject: RE: Help: Ashokan Farewell From: Joy Bennett Date: 10 Apr 01 - 08:51 AM Ok, so it's just one person's opinion -- but I think Ashokan Farewell should be left as a tune and not sung -- the tune itself speaks to you and leaves the words to your own interpretation -- lets each listener/player bring his/her own meaning and experiences to the tune. I will say that I am primarily a singer and tend to want words to everything. I have heard several versions of words for the tune, and for me, the words lessen the impact of the tune. Another point is that the range of the melody is enormous by folk standards and few singers can carry it off well without drawing attention away from the tune and to the "voice". Now Lover's Waltz, which at times I love more than Ashokan Farewell -- would be really beautiful with the right words. But again, would the words do the tune justice? |
Subject: RE: Help: Ashokan Farewell From: Bob Bolton Date: 09 Apr 01 - 11:44 PM G'day Sorcha, Now that she has joined up, all you have to do is click on her name in the post that no longer starts "GUEST" and that will open a PM page from which you can post direct. Regards, Bob Bolton |
Subject: RE: Help: Ashokan Farewell From: Sorcha Date: 09 Apr 01 - 05:47 PM George, I knew that, but perhaps it wasn't clear in my post. The Cleo Laine lyrics used to be on Jay's web page, but when I went there the other night, I couldn't find them. That was where I got them originally, and printed them off.
Wonder if Bluegrass Girl gave up? Hope she comes back and gets the ones she wanted, even if they are not the authorized ones. She seems to be a member, so perhaps a JoeClone could e mail her???? I wish she had put the snippet in her first post; when I put a phrase in Google, the total lyric was the first hit. Google on people, google on. |
Subject: RE: Help: Ashokan Farewell From: George Seto - af221@chebucto.ns.ca Date: 09 Apr 01 - 05:23 PM The two authorized by Jay Ungar are the Cleo Laine version and the version by Grian McGregor |
Subject: RE: Help: Ashokan Farewell From: Irish sergeant Date: 09 Apr 01 - 08:07 AM I never heard the song with lyrics. The things you learn before your first cup of coffee. Kindest reguards, NEil |
Subject: RE: Help: Ashokan Farewell From: Whistle Stop Date: 09 Apr 01 - 08:06 AM Rich, Beethoven didn't have to authorize any lyrics for the "Ode To Joy" in the ninth symphony. The lyrics were actually a poem by Friedrich Schiller, which was written before the symphony was. Beethoven, who was a fervent believer in the brotherhood of man and republican government, decided to set the poem to music for his symphony's last movement. So now we are all somewhat familiar with a poem that would doubtless be forgotten otherwise. |
Subject: Lyr Add: ASHOKAN FAREWELL From: Sorcha Date: 08 Apr 01 - 09:47 PM Well, if you'd posted that to begin with.......here they are:
Ashokan Farewell(more alt.)
Whenever I'm alone and hear that lonesome fiddle,
(chorus)
(Verse 2)
(chorus)
from: http://members.aol.com/garydodee/RASONGS.HTML#A11
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Subject: RE: Help: Ashokan Farewell From: Bluegrass Girl Date: 08 Apr 01 - 09:12 PM Thanks again. The words I found through "nutty's" link are Grian McGregor's as mentioned at the beginning of this thread. The song I seek begins with the words "Whenever I'm alone, and I hear a lonesome fiddle, my thoughts wander back to a time long ago ..." set to Jay Ungar's haunting melody. Again, you've all been really nice to try. I just keep thinking the words I'm looking for are one of the two "authorized" by Jay Ungar (this notation appears at the end of the McGregor words on the Mudcat "A" list). I'll just keep on trying ... |
Subject: RE: Help: Ashokan Farewell From: raredance Date: 08 Apr 01 - 06:12 PM the Herdman version is the one you can get to above through nutty's link - click, click again on "A", scroll to "ashokan" and click again. I suppose we will all have to do this if Amazon.com wins there lawsuit regarding the patent for "one-click" ordering. rich r |
Subject: RE: Help: Ashokan Farewell From: GUEST,Kathie Lee Date: 08 Apr 01 - 05:54 PM Priscilla Herdman recorded Ashokan Farewell and the words are different from the ones written here. I have them if you'd like me to print them up for you. |
Subject: RE: Help: Ashokan Farewell From: nutty Date: 08 Apr 01 - 05:46 PM Sorry link didn't work out as I wanted - but just click the letter "A" and scroll through the list |
Subject: RE: Help: Ashokan Farewell From: nutty Date: 08 Apr 01 - 05:44 PM I came across these - they might be the lyrics you want |
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