Fairports - Now Be Thankful?

Subject: Fairports - Now Be Thankful?
From: Brakn
Date: 18 May 07 - 09:19 PM

I love this song. I bought this as a single and have often wondered what is it about.

Debate? Explain? Anyone.

Subject: RE: Fairports - Now Be Thankful?
From: Brakn
Date: 18 May 07 - 09:20 PM

From the DT

NOW BE THANKFUL(Dave Swarbrick & Richard Thompson)
When the stone is grown too cold to kneel
In crystal waters I'll be bound
Coldest stone weary to the sounds upon the wheel

Ch: Now be thankful for good things below
Now be thankful to your maker
For the rose, the red rose blooms for all to know

When the fire is grown too fierce to breathe
In burning irons I'll be bound
Fiercest fire weary to the sound upon the wheel

Subject: RE: Fairports - Now Be Thankful?
From: Brakn
Date: 20 May 07 - 03:02 PM

fresh

Subject: RE: Fairports - Now Be Thankful?
From: GUEST,edthefolkie
Date: 21 May 07 - 07:30 AM

I suppose we could always ask Richard but I think he doesn't do explanations unless he's in a really good mood. I believe it was written at Little Hadham during his "astrology/archery/William and the Outlaws" period

One person's interpretation is here:
http://www.shogem.co.uk/chuck/thanks.htm

which is OK but I suspect a bit too literal.

Anyway I want it at my funeral, not just yet though I hope!

Subject: RE: Fairports - Now Be Thankful?
From: Nick
Date: 21 May 07 - 12:20 PM

If you listen to the live Cropredy 3 cd set there is some description as to the circumstances in which it was written.

Subject: RE: Fairports - Now Be Thankful?
From: GUEST
Date: 21 May 07 - 02:25 PM

It's been a while, but I'm sure I remember:
"Cold the stone, weary too the sounds upon the wind"
and
Fierce the fire, etc.

Subject: RE: Fairports - Now Be Thankful?
From: GUEST
Date: 21 May 07 - 04:43 PM

I don't know if it's just me, but on this You Tube clip, Swarb is a dead ringer for Harry Enfield!