Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)

Subject: Lyr Add: THE SHORES OF NORMANDY (Jim Radford)
From: Jhim
Date: 16 Aug 07 - 12:01 PM

THE SHORES OF NORMANDY
(Jim Radford)

In the cold grey light of the sixth of June, in the year of forty-four,
The Empire Larch sailed out from Poole to join with thousands more.
The largest fleet the world had seen, we sailed in close array,
And we set our course for Normandy at the dawning of the day.

There was not one man in all our crew but knew what lay in store,
For we had waited for that day through five long years of war.
We knew that many would not return, yet all our hearts were true,
For we were bound for Normandy, where we had a job to do.

Now the Empire Larch was a deep-sea tug with a crew of thirty-three,
And I was just the galley-boy on my first trip to sea.
I little thought when I left home of the dreadful sights I'd see,
But I came to manhood on the day that I first saw Normandy.

At the Beach of Gold off Arromanches, 'neath the rockets' deadly glare,
We towed our blockships into place and we built a harbour there.
'Mid shot and shell we built it well, as history does agree,
While brave men died in the swirling tide on the shores of Normandy.

Like the Rodney and the Nelson, there were ships of great renown,
But rescue tugs all did their share as many a ship went down.
We ran our pontoons to the shore within the Mulberry's lee,
And we made safe berth for the tanks and guns that would set all Europe free.

For every hero's name that's known, a thousand died as well.
On stakes and wire their bodies hung, rocked in the ocean swell;
And many a mother wept that day for the sons they loved so well,
Men who cracked a joke and cadged a smoke as they stormed the gates of hell.

As the years pass by, I can still recall the men I saw that day
Who died upon that blood-soaked sand where now sweet children play;
And those of you who were unborn, who've lived in liberty,
Remember those who made it so on the shores of Normandy.
________________________________________


NOTES.

This is an original folk-song written around the time of the fiftieth anniversary of the D-Day invasion of Normandy in 1944. It is an account of the author's experience as a fifteen-year-old galley-boy on one of the Deep-Sea tugs that built the breakwater and the Mulberry Harbour at Arromanches (Gold Beach). The lyrics are original but the tune is Raglan Road (The Dawning of the Day). It was recorded by the late Rod Shearman on his album "Off to sea again" (http://chanteycabin.co.uk/Rod%20Shearman/Rod%20Shearman.htm) and also appears on a CD produced by the St Johns' (School) History Society and the Normandy Veterans Association. It is regularly performed in Folk Clubs and Maritime music festivals in the UK and won the 2007 Scarborough SeaFest "Song for the Sea" competition.

There are no copyright objections to reproduction of the lyrics for non-commercial purposes.

JR

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST,Observer
Date: 11 Feb 11 - 03:04 PM

Jim has followed up his "Shores of Normandy" with another great song of the sea. "The Merchant Seaman" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKl51RFZiVQ) is a tribute to the wartime Merchant Navy (and perhaps also to Jim's elder brother Jack, lost with all his shipmates when U123 sank the SS Cree in 1940) and won the Festival on the Moor Song of the Year award in 2009.

It is another original folk-song (even conforming to Ewan McColl's unreasonably stringent definition as Jim was a Merchant Seaman in 1944) but the origin of the tune is uncertain. Jim says it may be origianl, or perhaps a half remembered melody he heard somewhere. All in the best folk tradition.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: Mikey D
Date: 20 Jun 11 - 10:29 AM

It's also been recorded by a duo called Trim Rig and a Doxy on a CD called Ships That Wait No Tide. I heard them perform this song at the Middlewich Folk and Boat festival and I really liked it.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST,sailor ron
Date: 20 Jun 11 - 11:11 AM

I heard JIm sing SoN at Ellesmere Port over Easter. A brilliant song & well performed, defenitly in my 'top 10' composed nautical songs.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: Abdul The Bul Bul
Date: 20 Jun 11 - 07:10 PM

and the Merchant Seaman/ Merchant Navy Men is on utoob somewhere. Knocked me out when he stood up and sang it at Lower Stoke.

Hold on, I'll find it.
Ahoy

Al

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST,Chris R
Date: 06 Jun 14 - 04:59 PM

Just watched Jim sing this on TV for the D-Day remembrance at Albert Hall - it was very moving.
Thank you Jim, not just for the song but for everything you did that day.
We will never forget.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST,Peter Shores
Date: 06 Jun 14 - 05:14 PM

My dad john shores was there on sword beach ... Loved it :-)

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Jun 14 - 05:21 PM

Great lyrics and so poignantly performed on the 70th anniversary of D-Day. I just can't understand why I haven't heard this before. Having visited the Normandy shores it must have been so very frightening to be landed there and to face the enemy guns, and the depth of the sea at the Mulberry Harbour. We are all so grateful to you, and those who fought in WW2.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 06 Jun 14 - 05:26 PM

So moving. Here to all that ah been said

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST,Malcolm Wade
Date: 06 Jun 14 - 05:44 PM

Brilliant performance at the Albert Hall tonight at the D Day remembered 70 years on event.
Thank you for the wonderful performance and for what you all did in 1944. Always remembering and never forgetting.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST,Pete Caveney
Date: 06 Jun 14 - 05:47 PM

Saw the BBC broadcast and loved Jim's performance; ditto to all the comments from today. My late Dad was there at the age of 23, it must have terrifying for those lads. Thank you to all those guys from '44

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST,spud taylor
Date: 06 Jun 14 - 05:49 PM

I saw the performance on TV tonight from the Albert Hall, again i am one who has never heard this song before,but was so moved by the delivery of it, once aain i echo the thanks owed to all those brave men who secured our freedom by their sacrifice on that day and the days that followed,they will not be forgotten ever.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST,Mike Gething
Date: 06 Jun 14 - 06:10 PM

I, too, saw the performance tonight and heard this song for the first time. I was moved and humbled. I echo all the thanks voiced above.

As an ex-patriate East Yorkshireman from Bridlington now living "darn sarf", I have commended the whole concert on iPlayer to the members of Sussex Weald Branch, RBL, and posted the link to this site.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST,Pat Huxtable
Date: 06 Jun 14 - 06:15 PM

We're just back in from our local cinema.
Jim's singing of this song was the most moving performance, beautifully sung, just simply sung in a very relaxed manner, of course the sentiments were also profound...

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Jun 14 - 06:17 PM

Why can we not download this song with Jim radford singing , just saw it live in the cue cinema fantastic

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST,Mick Kirby
Date: 06 Jun 14 - 06:25 PM

Watched the program ion my ipad Jim need to record this number and release it ASAP!

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST,Patricia
Date: 06 Jun 14 - 06:26 PM

We have just returned from watching the Albert Hall 'live' at Watford Cinema and found SoN the most moving aspect and think it should be played on the radio for a long time to come.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST,Guest Alison
Date: 06 Jun 14 - 06:27 PM

Please tell me where I can download this song from - amazing!

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Jun 14 - 06:34 PM

alan from great Easton when will record this song it just moved me

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: Leadfingers
Date: 06 Jun 14 - 06:40 PM

Its on i player - D Day 70 years On

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST,Andy
Date: 06 Jun 14 - 06:48 PM

Thank You, Jim Radford.....for your service and this very moving song.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Jun 14 - 06:57 PM

Please get tonight's performance released, it would make the perfect Help for Heroes charity record. Jim Radford's rendition tonight perfectly summed up everything about this incredible piece of history to which we all owe so much.
Thanks Jim for such a great musical gift.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST,John, northwich.
Date: 06 Jun 14 - 07:56 PM

Just watched Jim on BBC . Wow, what a song, not a dry eye in the house. Makes you feel very humble for what you guys did for us all. God bless you.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST,John, northwich
Date: 06 Jun 14 - 08:11 PM

Please release this as a record and let's get it to number 1 with the money going to the vets,british legion and help for hero's. Come on, we can do this.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Jun 14 - 08:18 PM

I too thought Jim Radfords performance of the Song "Shores of Normandy" at tonights Albert Hall Concert for the 70th Anniversay of the Normany Landings was prfect for the occasion, hence the spontaneous audience applause. Please get this Song and othe similar Jim Radford Sea Songs release, even the Song as a Single. Many thanks

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST,david lee
Date: 06 Jun 14 - 09:35 PM

There are moments in life- and Jim's incredible tribure was one.Moved beyond belief.With guys like him you can see why the Allies prevailed.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST,Simon Griffiths
Date: 07 Jun 14 - 12:14 AM

Good Lord Jim that song has knocked me for six. My generation are so grateful for what your generation did during those terrible times. We shall never forget.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST,Jan and Nigel Richardson
Date: 07 Jun 14 - 02:57 AM

Wow !

An incredible performance which so perfectly captured the mood of the evening and, in fact the whole memorable day. Thank you Jim

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST,Stephanie Kirke & Ken Brunsden
Date: 07 Jun 14 - 04:40 AM

Dear Jim so grateful to have our hearts and minds washed over with
your words of this truth - a truly defining and moving moment for both of us -

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: Acorn4
Date: 07 Jun 14 - 04:44 AM

Chatting to Jim at Sussex Song and Ale a couple of years ago, I remember him saying, I'm pretty sure, that he is actually the youngest surviving D-Day veteran. Great that the song is reaching such a wide audience at the anniversary.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 07 Jun 14 - 04:56 AM

He was almost certainly the youngest there.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: breezy
Date: 07 Jun 14 - 05:51 AM

Thats a Folk song and his reference to 'Dawning of the day' very clever too.
like others I had not heard it and I was listening to the radio prog when it came on. Glad I was parked up.
Its a rarity when a composer sings his own songs superbly, and didnt he look relaxed? Liked the pony tail
Will it get airplay ?
The BBC ?
Congratulations Jim and Thank you.
I typed in Jim Radford Folk singer to arrive back on the mudcat
breezy

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: breezy
Date: 07 Jun 14 - 05:58 AM

and he's associated with the 'folk mob ' in s e london, !!

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST,Catherine THIBAUT
Date: 07 Jun 14 - 10:27 AM

I wish I had known about this shanty years ago, last night at the concert my heart was touched with such overwhelming emotion! My Father survived but his two brothers lost, so I never knew my uncles or the cousins I would have had as family !
I am stunned that Jim is only now getting the SO well deserved recognition, what a wonderful gentleman I hope one day I have the honour to meet him.
Shame he wasn't mentioned on the BBC as a preformer, but his modesty is noticeable.
THANK YOU
JIM from the bottom of my heart

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: bubblyrat
Date: 08 Jun 14 - 05:37 AM

Have just read all his beautiful words on this thread. I saw/heard him perform briefly a couple of times on BBC programmes related to D-Day ,but he was only seen performing two verses ,particularly at the banquet at Saint Pauls ; as usual,the BBC were more interested on what the guests were wearing than the veterans and their stories. But what a
great song and what an inspired tune to use !

Sadly , my Dad missed D-Day , but then he was over Berlin in a B17G at the time !!

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST,Guest, Ann Gilbertson
Date: 08 Jun 14 - 05:15 PM

My husband and I watched the BBC show at Dunfermline Odeon after helping with a collection for Poppy Scotland. It was very moving and Jim's performance just amazing. Where can I get a CD?
My late father ,John Spence, was a Seaborne Observer on loan to USS Charles Carroll at Omaha Beach. I have his written memories from 40 years after D Day.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 08 Jun 14 - 10:16 PM

Thanks for refreshing this thread.

The CD is still available from Chanteycabin in the UK.

Charlie Ipcar

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST,Lindsey Kerr
Date: 09 Jun 14 - 05:13 AM

I just heard your song on Chris Evans'radio 2 breakfast show. I stayed in my car outside work with tears streaming down my face. The part about caging a smoke really bought home the enormity of it all. Such a moving song. Thank you for everything.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST,Mike Russell
Date: 09 Jun 14 - 05:19 AM

Jim
What a great, poignant song. It was the highlight of my D-Day remembrance. My dear old Dad was on the Mulberry harbour so this brought it all back to me.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: Dennis the Elder
Date: 09 Jun 14 - 06:05 AM

I have just found this thread and thanks to Leadfinger, clicked on the link to Jim's rendition at the Albert Hall.
Now that what I call a folk song, written and sung by Jim himself from his experience on D Day, so moving. My Dad was in Lancashire bombers during the war, flying a great number of missions over Germany and the rest of Europe like Jim my dad was very lucky to survive.
Thanks Jim for your story and I intend to sing your song at the Wath Folk Club, here in Yorkshire at next sundays sing around. I sang Keith Marsden's St Aubin Sur Mer last night in remembrance, but wish I had discovered your song, Jim, a little earlier.
Thanks Jim for your song and for your brave actions on D Day and after.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 09 Jun 14 - 07:36 AM

It's on You Tube for those who cannot get BBC iplayer. Good because it makes it more available. Bad because Jim doesn't get anything for it :-( I have asked how I can make a donation to the Normandy Veterans Association. Let you know when I get a reply.

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST,Ian
Date: 09 Jun 14 - 07:38 AM

What a poignant song and what a superb performance!
Thank you ,Jim for a wonderful song and for everything you did.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 09 Jun 14 - 08:10 AM

Incredibly moving! Typing through tears. Great job, Jim.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST,Wee Jock
Date: 09 Jun 14 - 08:15 AM

I would urge all mudcatters to listen to Jim singing his fantastic song, it is amazing,and his performance was from the heart. The applause and the standing ovation given to him by the audience was richly deserved.      

We owe all these men who fought at Normandy and other great battles,our   heartfelt gratitude.

Cheers

Wee Jock

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST,Ian
Date: 09 Jun 14 - 10:33 AM

I don't know how to do fancy social media stuff.

Can someone with the know how get some sort of social media campaign together to get the BBC to release it and try to get it to number one.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Jun 14 - 12:33 PM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST,Deborah Barton
Date: 09 Jun 14 - 02:30 PM

I too was knocked sideways listening to this performance on Radio 2 this morning. Had to stop the car and pull over to wipe away all the tears. What a hero and what a truly moving tribute to all who played a part in the D day landings. Jim, the actions of you and your comrades will never ever be forgotten. I was born 25 years after the end of WW2 and have such respect and pride for you all. My 8 year old son loved your song too and keeps asking to hear it again and "why did that happen"? We all owe you more than mere words could ever express. Xxx

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST,Guest simon stone Fewings
Date: 11 Jun 14 - 03:07 PM

Just heard this again on Mark Radcliffe show.Ditto to all the above,thank you Jim and all those who fought for the freedom we so often take for granted,lest we forget.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 11 Jun 14 - 06:58 PM

The CD available from Chantycabin is probably the late Rod Shearman's "Off to Sea Again". It's a good album but his version of the Shores of Normandy is a little slow for my liking. 'Trim Rig & a Doxy' have also recorded this track on one of their albums (probably also available from Chantycabin) but I haven't heard it. The only version by Jim himself which might be available to purchase is on a CD by the St John's School History Society (produced in co-operation with the Normandy Veterans' Association) but I don't know if this is still available. For those who are also interested in naval or military history there is of course the 'Mayday Tugs of War' documentary film on DVD which features this song and which tells the little-known story of the Wartime rescue Tug Service.

Jim has made various other recordings of his song but none released commercially - he is not a professional singer after all.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Shores of Normandy (Jim Radford)
From: GUEST,Peter Scofield -Tideway
Date: 11 Jun 14 - 07:38 PM

What a great TV moment. They don't come along that often! Surely this will find a place on the folk circuit.