'Only remembered' Midlands ITV

Subject: 'Only remembered' Midlands ITV
From: GUEST,wordy
Date: 11 Nov 08 - 02:05 PM

ITV Midlands just finished their Rememberance Day tribute with a moving montage of photos of soldiers lost in recent wars. The soundtrack was an unnaccompanied group singing what I think would be called "Only remembered". It was beautiful! And English! I was amazed someone had actually thought to use it instead of the usual cliche songs or music. Can anyone tell me who it was and where I can get it? I think it had the stamp of the Watersons on it but I could be mistaken.

Subject: RE: 'Only remembered' Midlands ITV
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 11 Nov 08 - 02:56 PM

Could well be Coope, Boyes and Simpson, 'Only Remembered' from their album 'Funny Old World'. Try Amazon, or the guys' website?

Possibly the UK's finest acapella group. And very nice chaps.

Subject: RE: 'Only remembered' Midlands ITV
From: GUEST,Joe G
Date: 11 Nov 08 - 03:03 PM

Sounds very likely to be CBS - outstanding trio - appearing at Queensbury Folk Day (near Bradford, West Yorks) on 7 March 2009 by the way as one of a great line up of guests.

Subject: RE: 'Only remembered' Midlands ITV
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 11 Nov 08 - 03:09 PM

A clip of their version of the song can be found here. I notice they use a different tune - one by John Tams - than the traditional tune I've heard in the past. Lisa Null does a wonderful version of this song on her "American Primitive" album. She said she sang this song on the evening of Nixon's resignation - "only remembered for what he has done...." Perhaps in January it's time to revive it?

Dan

Subject: RE: 'Only remembered' Midlands ITV
From: GUEST,Golightly
Date: 11 Nov 08 - 04:50 PM

I first heard the John Tams version of this gorgeous song in a stage play called The Ship, written by Bill Bryden. I've just checked Wikipedia and it lists the play as being staged in 1990, though it seems longer ago to me. Anyway, 'The Ship' was about the decline of shipbuilding on the Clyde and the Union's fight to save the men's jobs. It was actually staged in the old Harland and Wolff shipyard in Glasgow. Each night, the part of the stage built like a ship was apparently launched into the dock. This song was a very poignant part of the play and I've never forgotten it. John Tams may have adapted the song specially for this play, but I don't know. Does anyone know if a recording of the play exists?

Incidentally, there were quite a few songs in the play and I think John Tams wrote most (or all) of them. The music was played live each night by the very best Scottish folk musicians of the time (Phil Cunningham etc). Another song from this play, Hold Back the Tide, was recorded by Battlefield Band. Alistair Russell sang lead vocal, with harmonies provided by a very young Kate Rusby, possibly her first known recording on an album?

Subject: RE: 'Only remembered' Midlands ITV
From: GUEST,cardboard cutout
Date: 11 Nov 08 - 05:17 PM

Yes, I heard it, it was definitely Coope, Boyes & Simpson (et al.) Unmistakeable from the first note...

Subject: RE: 'Only remembered' Midlands ITV
From: GUEST,Georgina Boyes
Date: 11 Nov 08 - 05:20 PM

The tune of 'Only Remembered' as sung by Coope Boyes & Simpson isn't by John Tams, it's by Ira D Sankey - though the trio adapted the timing. The attribution to John Tams is for his memorable last verse, which replaces the original written by Horatius Bonar.

Subject: RE: 'Only remembered' Midlands ITV
From: Joe G
Date: 11 Nov 08 - 05:47 PM

'The Ship' was a truly memorable production - it was shown on BBC2 (I think) and I am still waiting for a friend who still has a recordng of it to let me see it. If I had one wish relating to theatre it would be that this was recreated - the launch of 'the ship' was one of the most moving moments I have experienced.

A brilliant, brilliant work with great music from the doyens of the folk world.

Subject: RE: 'Only remembered' Midlands ITV
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 11 Nov 08 - 05:48 PM

It was probably taken from the CD 'We're here because we're here' - a collection of songs from the World War I era, from the trenches on both sides. It's performed by Coope, Boyes and Simpson, along with a chorale group from Paschendale whose name I don't have a record of. It's been performed across Europe and possibly in the US too.

It's an incredible album, well worth a listen or six, very moving and evocative.

LTS

Subject: RE: 'Only remembered' Midlands ITV
From: GUEST,wordy
Date: 11 Nov 08 - 06:05 PM

Thanks for the info all. That's a christmas present to be ordered.

Subject: RE: 'Only remembered' Midlands ITV
From: GUEST,Georgina Boyes
Date: 12 Nov 08 - 07:16 AM

There's now only one CD available which has Coope Boyes & Simpson singing 'Only Remembered', it's on 'Private Peaceful'.
Georgina

Subject: RE: 'Only remembered' Midlands ITV
From: gnomad
Date: 12 Nov 08 - 08:00 AM

A terrific song IMO, and the CBS performance on Funny Old World is the one for me, so far (I have yet to hear the Private Peaceful one, and look forward to doing so)

I imagine that Jim Boyes brought it to CBS from his old partnership with the Bradys, Swan Arcade. Their recording of the song is quite different and can be found on the Fellside CD Round Again. It is still available (FECD160) and well worth having.

John Tams aficionados are doubtless aware of the funeral scene in 'Sharpe's Justice' (the trouble at t'mill episode) in which we are treated to one verse and chorus. Nice plain performance, a shame it isn't full length.

Subject: RE: 'Only remembered' Midlands ITV
From: slowerairs
Date: 12 Nov 08 - 11:51 AM

An excellent version is on youtube by the Macalmans. to be found under Scottish Folk Germany.

Subject: RE: 'Only remembered' Midlands ITV
From: GUEST,Swifty
Date: 12 Nov 08 - 02:31 PM

If you click on this link you will hear it
You will have to listen to a 30 second advert then the programme will kick in, you will then have to move the curser to 27.20 mins and it will kick in

It got me hooked last night...so moving !

http://www.itvlocal.com/central/news/?player=CEN_News_15&void=256915

Subject: RE: 'Only remembered' Midlands ITV
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Nov 08 - 02:32 PM

Here it is in a "clicky"

http://www.itvlocal.com/central/news/?player=CEN_News_15&void=256915

Subject: RE: 'Only remembered' Midlands ITV
From: Noreen
Date: 13 Nov 08 - 01:03 PM

'Only remembered' the public response!

Subject: RE: 'Only remembered' Midlands ITV
From: Newport Boy
Date: 13 Nov 08 - 03:06 PM

'Only Remembered' by Coope, Boyes & Simpson is on 'What we sing is what we are'. Amazon.uk has 6 copies available.

Don't all rush at once - the cheapest is £19.99, and most are around £50.00. I'm hanging on to my copy until the bidding is much higher!

Phil

Subject: RE: 'Only remembered' Midlands ITV
From: GUEST,Georgina Boyes
Date: 13 Nov 08 - 06:29 PM

Or you could go for "Private Peaceful": The Concert (NMCD24) which is still available at a standard price and has a live version of "Only Remembered".
Georgina

Subject: RE: 'Only remembered' Midlands ITV
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 11 Nov 14 - 02:49 PM

Recently revived for the stage show of War Horse, using the arrangement by John Tams:

Only Remembered
From a Hymn by Horatius Bonar with music by Ira D Sankey
Arranged (and additional words)by John Tams

Fading away like the stars in the morning,
Losing their light in the glorious sun,
Thus would we pass from this earth and its toiling?
Only remembered for what we have done.
    Only remembered, only remembered,
    Only remembered for what we have done.
   Thus would we pass from this earth and its toiling?
   Only remembered for what we have done.

Horses and men, plowshares and traces,
The line on the land and the paths of the sun.
Season by season we mark nature's graces.
Only remembered for what we have done.
   Only remembered, only remembered,
   Only remembered for what we have done;
   Season by season we mark nature's graces.
   Only remembered for what we have done.

Only the truth in the life we have spoken,
Only the seed that in life we have sown:
These shall pass onwards when we are forgotten:
Only remembered for what we have done.
    Only remembered, only remembered,
    Only remembered for what we have done.
    These shall pass onwards when we are forgotten:
    Only remembered for what we have done.

Who'll sing the anthem, and who'll tell the story?
Will the line hold; will it scatter and run?
Shall we at last be united in glory?
Only remembered for what we have done?
    Only remembered, only remembered,
   and only remembered for what we have done.
   Shall we at last be united in glory?
   Only remembered for what we have done?

For a rendition by John Tams, see The Festival of Remembrance on BBC I-Player (introduction starts 33 minute in)

Subject: RE: 'Only remembered' Midlands ITV
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 11 Nov 14 - 02:52 PM

And, just for tonight, as the Folk Club is on 11/11, an extra verse inspired by the sight of the Tower of London:

Who's seen the poppies, in seas, at The Tower?
Causing a pause as the people rush by.
Grabbing the crowd with their beauty and power.
Heads drop in prayer, and grown men start to cry.
   Still they're remembered, still they're remembered.
   Still they're remembered with prayers and with tears.
   Though they were gone ere the world saw our fathers,
   Still they're remembered for one hundred years.

Subject: RE: 'Only remembered' Midlands ITV
From: Jack Campin
Date: 11 Nov 14 - 03:32 PM

I saw The Ship back then in Glasgow.

It's a long way down from that celebration of the work and struggles of the Clydesiders to sentimentalized religiose jingoism like that.

Subject: RE: 'Only remembered' Midlands ITV
From: GUEST,Ian Lambert's
Date: 11 Nov 14 - 04:23 PM

The Ship was truly memorable. Sadly my VHS has long gone. Would love a DVD if this.

Subject: RE: 'Only remembered' Midlands ITV
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 11 Nov 14 - 04:53 PM

Only Remembered from "The Ship"

Sung by Rod Paterson - recorded live 06/10/1990 at the Harland & Wolff

Subject: RE: 'Only remembered' Midlands ITV
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 11 Nov 14 - 04:55 PM

How amazing is that!!!

Subject: RE: 'Only remembered' Midlands ITV
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 11 Nov 14 - 05:01 PM

And 4 years later it was sung at the end of "The Big Picnic". also at Harland & Wolff in Glasgow!!

Only Remembered from "The Big Picnic"

Subject: RE: 'Only remembered' Midlands ITV
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 12 Nov 14 - 01:36 PM

It's about time those shows were revived!

Subject: RE: 'Only remembered' Midlands ITV
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 12 Nov 14 - 03:57 PM

I remember a production of something called 'The Ship' on the beach at Whitby FF. They set up a stage on some scaffolding. Must have been the 70s though. I think Taffy and the Salamis were involved. Could this have been the same 'The Ship' or was it something else?

Subject: RE: 'Only remembered' Midlands ITV
From: GUEST,Georgina Boyes
Date: 12 Nov 14 - 04:40 PM

It was entirely different Steve. The Ship in Glasgow was a play by Bill Bryden that was staged in Harland & Wolff's former engine shed in Govan during Glasgow's year as European City of Culture, 1990.

The production involved the creation of a 67-feet wide model of a ship inside the shed, to accommodate an audience of up to 1,200, and culminated each night in the spectacular recreation of a launch.

Subject: RE: 'Only remembered' Midlands ITV
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 13 Nov 14 - 02:11 PM

And my wife danced the Gay Gordons with Jimmy Logan after the launch at the end!!

Subject: RE: 'Only remembered' Midlands ITV
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 14 Nov 14 - 01:59 PM

I'm wondering if Only Remembered was used in "Son of Man" at the Pit Theatre in London Barbican??

Subject: RE: 'Only remembered' Midlands ITV
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 15 Nov 14 - 05:03 AM

Thanks, Georgina,
I think the show I saw was actually titled 'The Shipbuilders'.

Subject: RE: 'Only remembered' Midlands ITV
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 15 Nov 14 - 10:23 AM

It was sung by Coope Boyes & Simpson in the Private Peaceful Show! I can't find by Son of Man recording just now.

Subject: Lyr Add:Only remembered' : John Tamms
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 12 Jul 18 - 08:08 AM

As only the original hymn seems to appear in the database, could consideration be given to adding the John Tams version shown above (11/11/14 02:49pm)

Repeated here to make up for a line break problem:

ONLY REMEMBERED
From a Hymn by Horatius Bonar with music by Ira D Sankey
Arranged (and additional words)by John Tams

Fading away like the stars in the morning,
Losing their light in the glorious sun,
Thus would we pass from this earth and its toiling?
Only remembered for what we have done.
    Only remembered, only remembered,
    Only remembered for what we have done.
    Thus would we pass from this earth and its toiling?
    Only remembered for what we have done.

Horses and men, plowshares and traces,
The line on the land and the paths of the sun.
Season by season we mark nature's graces.
Only remembered for what we have done.
    Only remembered, only remembered,
    Only remembered for what we have done;
    Season by season we mark nature's graces.
    Only remembered for what we have done.

Only the truth in the life we have spoken,
Only the seed that in life we have sown:
These shall pass onwards when we are forgotten:
Only remembered for what we have done.
    Only remembered, only remembered,
    Only remembered for what we have done.
    These shall pass onwards when we are forgotten:
    Only remembered for what we have done.

Who'll sing the anthem, and who'll tell the story?
Will the line hold; will it scatter and run?
Shall we at last be united in glory?
Only remembered for what we have done?
    Only remembered, only remembered,
    and only remembered for what we have done.
    Shall we at last be united in glory?
    Only remembered for what we have done?


NP

Subject: RE: 'Only remembered' Midlands ITV
From: GUEST,Observer
Date: 12 Jul 18 - 01:41 PM

Horatius Bonar was a Church of Scotland Minister based in Edinburgh ( He was elected Moderator of the General Assembly in 1883). He wrote "Only Remembered" in 1870. The original version has only three verses. The last verse "Who'll sing the anthem..." was added by others for their own reasons. The song has absolutely nothing to do with ship building, trades unions or the First World War.

It has been sung in various modified forms covering different periods (1815 [Sharpe's Justice]; 1914-1918 [War Horse]; 1960s [The Ship])

Subject: RE: 'Only remembered' Midlands ITV
From: FreddyHeadey
Date: 14 Aug 18 - 01:09 PM

UK Folk Radio interview :
   
Only Remembered
JT "I trawled obsessively, the Moody and Sankey hymnbook seeking songs and anthems that might otherwise be overlooked.
Right or wrong I edited out many of the “Godly” references and made new verses in an attempt to add more to the portfolio of people’s anthems. I wasn’t trying to de-Christianise them, just to reappraise them, put them back to be sung out loud by anyone who took something from them, Christians and Non-Christians alike?
Maybe it’s about context and there’s none better for “Only Remembered,” than “War Horse.”

“Lest we forget,” runs deep in the play.
The melody, which I love, is not mine
– composed by American Methodist Ira D. Sankey
with original words by Horatius Bonar.
I remade most of the words to our “War Horse” needs."

http://www.folkradio.co.uk/2017/10/garland-for-joey-war-horse-songbook/ 


~~~~~~~~~~~
The words on this recording of Bob Fox with a brass band
A Garland for Joey - The War Horse Songbook(2017)
as above but

v1
Fading ...
Thus shall we pass ...
... etc

v2
Horses and men ... etc
(no refrain)

v3
Only the truth that in life we have spoken
Only the deeds when our journey is run
These shall pass onward when we are forgotten
etc

v4
Where are they running? Why are they falling?
Fewer still fewer than what was begun
Ghosts in the morning mist   voicelessly calling
etc

v5
Who'll sing the anthems ...
etc

SoundCloud
https://soundcloud.com/david-suff/only-remembered-bob-fox 


http://fledglingrecords.co.uk/a-garland-for-joey-the-war-horse-songbook/