Lyr Req: song about proposing/wedding

Subject: Lyr Req: song about proposing/wedding
From: GUEST,bright young folk
Date: 30 Aug 09 - 06:24 PM

Hi there I was wondering if any of you wonderful mudcatters could help me find out about this song I heard last week in (the ever-brilliant) Whitby Folk Week at the Rugby Club late concert on tuesday (was the concert with Hissyfit/The Wilsons/Bill Whaley & Dave Fletcher etc). It was sung by the MC during an artist change over just before Bill Whaley & Dave Fletcher came on. It was a beautiful song and has been driving me mad ever since as I couldnt remember much about it!

I'm afraid I dont remember the title of the song but I do remember that it was about a wedding proposal (the MC said it was sang at weddings/anniversaries a lot). I also remember that the man in the song asked the woman to go the the bower and that her ring was covered in dew. There was also a kind of chorus that was like a conversation between the pair along the lines of 'Say you will, I will'

Sorry it isnt much to go on but any information on this song would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance x

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: song about proposing/wedding
From: Mick Pearce (MCP)
Date: 30 Aug 09 - 06:50 PM

I wasn't there, but it sounds like a version of Will You Come To The Bower. Have a look at this post: Lyr Add: WILL YOU COME TO THE BOWER (Thomas Moore) and see if it sounds familiar.

Mick

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: song about proposing/wedding
From: GUEST,Guest : Lesley
Date: 01 Sep 09 - 04:04 AM

I wasn't there either, but I see from the programme that the MC was Ian Russell, so the version he sang was almost certainly the one known as the 'Noah Dale Anthem'. Noah Dale is in the upper part of the Calder Valley in West Yorkshire, and the inhabitants obviously adopted the song as their own. The tune and first verse are as in the Thomas Moore version, though I think the second and third verses are Calderdale's own.

Bob Pegg played a recording of this version during his talk at the museum last week, sung by Harry Greenwood of Midgley, and it was also sung (sorry, can't remember by whom)at the concert in the Rifle Club entitled 'Music of the Moors and Lakes"

The Noah Dale Anthem is in print in 'Songs of the Ridings' by Mary and Nigel Hudleston.
Regards,
Lesley

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: song about proposing/wedding
From: GUEST,bright young folk
Date: 09 Sep 09 - 05:56 PM

thanks very much both of you :)

now i just need to get hold of a copy of that book...might have to wait before the old student loan comes in though!