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Lyr Req: The Shape of a Girl (Ashley Hutchings)

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Joe Offer 12 Oct 11 - 03:04 AM
Joe Offer 13 Oct 11 - 01:32 AM
Joe Offer 14 Oct 11 - 01:32 AM
Joe Offer 14 Oct 11 - 02:23 PM
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Subject: Lyr Req: The Shape of a Girl (Ashley Hutchings)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 12 Oct 11 - 03:04 AM

Anybody have the lyrics to "The Shape of a Girl" sung by Dave Burland on the Ashley Hutchings Street Cries album? I'll post a transcription if nobody has it.
Here's the blurb on the album from Topic Records:
    An outstanding new album conceived and produced by one of the most significant creators in the folk music field. Traditional music has always changed and adapted to fit and respond to the society that it reflects. Ashley Hutchings has re-written a dozen traditional songs and set them in the present day – don’t be alarmed, the experiment has worked beautifully and the results may well pass into tradition themselves.
    Each song is based on a traditional work and has retained the original tune – only the words have been changed. A cast of major contemporary interpreters of traditional song was chosen, song by song, and each has contributed mightily – producing a program of outstanding performance. In addition to that, the sensitive arrangements and backings have enhanced the whole project still further – producing an album that is both adventurous and highly enjoyable.
It seems to me that this song is derived from "Foggy, Foggy Dew." But then again, maybe not.
There's a recording here (click).
-Joe-


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Subject: ADD: The Shape of a Girl (Ashley Hutchings)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Oct 11 - 01:32 AM

THE SHAPE OF A GIRL
(Ashley Hutchings)

When I was single, I lived alone,
And I worked at the fishing trade;
And to love a young girl who was scarce half my age,
Was the only mistake I made.
I loved her from the distance,
Through summer and winter, too;
And I often wished her into my arms, (?)
Though no one ever knew.

With her a bored and a restless girl,
Who took a reckless stance;
She soon became inquisitive,
And so I took my chance.
And I became her first love,
And she became my best;
And one dark night when the wind was up,
We snuggled in one nest.

For all the first part of the night,
How we enjoyed our play;
And all the latter part of the night,
She in my arms did lay.
And when the daylight did appear,
She cried for what was lost;
Our fun and games had pleased us both,
But oh, what a heavy cost.

Suppose that we should have a child,
I couldn't bear the looks;
To push a pram to school and back,
With baby and with books.
I tried all words to reassure,
But nothing could be found;
She retreated into a deep, dark place,
But I could not bring her 'round.

I sit and watch my fine young son,
As on the beach he plays;
And I see in his eyes, the eyes of the girl
Who lit my darkest days.
And the fog, it comes in from the headland,
And creeps up the hill to our door;
Sometimes it makes the shape of a girl
Who drowned off the northern shore.

Sometimes it makes the shape of a girl
Who drowned off the northern shore.


This is my transcription from the Ashley Hutchings Street Cries CD. The song has a very simple melody with a spooky feel to it. The string accompaniment adds to the spookiness. Great song.

Any corrections?

You can hear the song at MySpace


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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Shape of a Girl (Ashley Hutchings)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 14 Oct 11 - 01:32 AM

The online album notes say, "Each song is based on a traditional work and has retained the original tune." My guess is that this song follows "Foggy Foggy Dew," but the tune isn't one I know.
So, what song DOES it follow?

-Joe-


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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Shape of a Girl (Ashley Hutchings)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 14 Oct 11 - 02:23 PM

Reinhard Zierke tried to post to the thread, but his messages didn't "take." Here's what he said:The booklet of Street Cries has both the lyrics of the new songs (you did good, Joe, there are only minor differences like no-one for no one) and the lyrics of the traditional songs they are derived from. And yes, in this case it is The Foggy Dew.Thanks, Reinhard. I have the CD booklet packed away in a box somewhere. Guess I'll have to dig it out and study it.
-Joe-


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