Lyr Add: Solstice songs!

Subject: Lyr Add: SOLSTICE ROUND
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 19 Dec 99 - 03:46 PM

I'm very happy to introduce you all to the music of my friend Alouette Iseling of Nelson, New Hampshire. She has written a few songs for the winter solstice, and has given me permission to post them here. Unfortunately, my computer is refusing to translate text to midi, so I'm going to have to send them the the Midi Guru and hope that they can be posted here soon. Otherwise, you can send me a personal message and I can either email you the Noteworthy Composer files, call you up and sing them to you, or send you a tape of the songs. Happy solstice!
Allison

SOLSTICE ROUND (Alouette Iselin)
Candles keep us from the dark, and fire from the cold.
Good friends, good food and music are light for the soul.

Subject: Lyr Add: UNTIL THE DARK TIME ENDS (Alouette Iselin
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 19 Dec 99 - 03:47 PM

UNTIL THE DARK TIME ENDS (Alouette Iselin)

1. Now is the dark time and the cold time too
(Gather round, circle of friends),
The comfort of singing voices will see us through
(Until the dark time ends).

REFRAIN: Until the dark time ends,
until the dark time ends.
We need the comfort of singing voices,
Until the dark time ends.

2. We give each other company
(Gather round...)
Singing in sweet harmony (Until...)
REFRAIN

3. In a cage of bone we keep our wings ....
If we would fly, then we all must sing... REFRAIN

---

Also known as "The Comfort of Singing Voices"

Subject: Lyr Add: SOLSTICE SONG (Alouette Iselin)
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 19 Dec 99 - 03:52 PM

Oops! Make that three songs!


SOLSTICE SONG
Alouette Iselin

REFRAIN: Let me come in and share your light,
For I am without a friend tonight.
Let me come in and share your light
And a warm place by your fire.

1. It looks so gold and warm within
Shelter from the winter wind.
Songs and laughter, friends and kin,
Have brought me to your door. REFRAIN

2. Open your door, for here I stand,
And my only gifts are my empty hands,
And my empty heart and my broken plans
For this dark day of the year. REFRAIN

3. I am without a home today
And soon I will be on my way,
I only ask you to let me stay,
For an hour by your fire. REFRAIN

(This last verse was written by a group of 5th graders who felt this song needed a happy ending!)

4. You can come in and share my light,
Eat all my pizza, drink all my Sprite.
We'll stay up and play all night-
You can stay for a year and a day!

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Two new Solstice songs!
From: MMario
Date: 30 Nov 00 - 10:10 AM

refresh - hmmmmmmm - you mentioned you had Noteworthy - any chance of tunes for these? Hmmm?

MMario - hewhoistunehungry

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Two new Solstice songs!
From: Peg
Date: 30 Nov 00 - 10:17 AM

Animaterra; thanks for posting those lyrics! I remember the tune from that last one from singing it at Barry's, and hope to share it with friends, soon; it is a great song!

peg

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Two new Solstice songs!
From: guinnesschik
Date: 30 Nov 00 - 11:38 AM

Lovely stuff, Animaterra! Wish I could hear the tunes.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Two new Solstice songs!
From: GUEST,micca at work.
Date: 01 Dec 00 - 04:46 AM

Thanks Allison, you know how much I enjoy and admire Alouettes workand that I love " 'til the dark time ends",Many thanks for the 3rd one too, I look forward to hearing it on the new CD, which is now out, I believe? You guys, the best way of appreciating these songs is to contact Animaterra and get the CDs..wonderful stuff..

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Two new Solstice songs!
From: Joe Offer
Date: 12 Dec 00 - 07:56 PM

So, Allison, the tunes??? Noteworthy format is fine.
-Joe Offer (click to e-mail)-

Subject: Lyr Add: LIGHT IS RETURNING (Charlie Murphy)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Dec 00 - 02:35 AM

Here's another one. Carol Holdstock sang it at our session last week. It's a good song, even for us non-pagans.

---

LIGHT IS RETURNING
(Charlie Murphy ??)

Light is returning, even though this is the darkest hour
No one can ho-o-o-old back the dawn.

Let's keep it burning. Let's keep the light of hope alive;
Make safe our journey.... through the storm.

One planet is turning, circling on her path around the sun;
Earth Mother is calling her children home.

(Carol thinks Charlie Murphy recorded it, doesn't know if he wrote it)


This song may be on a recording of women's music; also, it may be found in one of Starhawk's books.

---

A search of the Web (click) indicates that Charlie Murphy wrote the song in 1984, and it appears on an album titled "Canticles of Light," by Charlie Murphy, Jami Sieber and the Total Experience Choir (Out Front Music, P.O. Box 12188, Seattle, WA 98102)
You may also enjoy the songs here (click). -Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Two new Solstice songs!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 13 Dec 00 - 06:41 AM

OK, I'l get to it asap- gotta deal with a broken car and a work day today, but I'll get those files to Alan of Oz- and if I can figure out the miditext thingie I'll even post them here tonight or tomorrow...

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Two new Solstice songs!
From: Peg
Date: 13 Dec 00 - 11:41 AM

When I was in MotherTongue we recorded a CD called "This Winter's Night" and it contains a version of "Light is returning" as well as "The Wintry Queen", "Yule Carol," and "Come Solstuce Sun," among other winter solstice songs...some traditional some original.

I was not very happy with the quality of the CD (the mixing is terrible; we sang doubled up on mikes and my own voice is mixed out of just about every song except one tiny little duet--grrr---and I am not a bad singer) but it does have some good songs on it for reference purposes...

peg

Subject: Lyr Add: ROUND AND ROUND
From: Joe Offer
Date: 11 Dec 01 - 04:35 AM

You'll find a different version of this song in the Digital Tradition.

ROUND AND ROUND

Round and round the Earth is turning
Turning always round to morning
And from morning round to night

Round and round the Year is turning
Turning always round to darkness
And from darkness round to light.

Subject: Lyr Add: WINTER SOLSTICE ROUND (Wabi Sabi Singers)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 11 Dec 01 - 04:37 AM

WINTER SOLSTICE ROUND (Wabi Sabi Singers)

Deep down in the belly of the night
Dream deep winter dreams
And lie safe in your grandmother's arms
Still as a seed.
Still as a seed.

Subject: Lyr Add: HERNE
From: Joe Offer
Date: 11 Dec 01 - 04:39 AM

HERNE

Herne, Horned One. Hunter 'neath the Northern Sun.
Watcher at the gates of Winter; Flame on the Wind.

(tune:Hey, Ho. words: Circle in the Greenwood)

Subject: Lyr Add: SEE THE SUN ARISING (Deirdre P Arthen)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 11 Dec 01 - 04:41 AM

SEE THE SUN ARISING
(Deirdre Puigram Arthen)

(tune: Jubilate Deo)

See the sun arising, See the sun arising. Darkness is gone!

Subject: Lyr Add: BURN FIRE
From: Joe Offer
Date: 11 Dec 01 - 04:42 AM

BURN FIRE

Burn fire, Flame within me
Symbol of th'eternal Fire.
Of the people I do be
And the people part of me.
One flame, Many hearts.
A single fire of many parts.

(reputed to be a Druid Song)

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: new Solstice songs!
From: Joe Offer
Date: 11 Dec 01 - 04:50 AM

You'll find a number of Solstice songs on this page (click), but most seem to be not-very-clever parodies of Christmas carols - "Walkin' In A Wiccan Wonderland!" for example. The songs I posted above are from a workshop at San Francisco Folk Music Club's Camp Harmony.

-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Solstice songs!
From: CharlieA
Date: 11 Dec 01 - 06:11 AM

gorgeous - have been looking for songs like these for an age! thanx peeps. I'd love the tunes - was there a mention of a cd?

Cxxx

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Solstice songs!
From: Joe Offer
Date: 11 Dec 01 - 11:54 AM

Tunes are a problem, Charlie - I've sung them only once, so I didn't get the tunes down. I have some rounds books I'll check. Can anybody help?
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Solstice songs!
From: Noreen
Date: 11 Dec 01 - 03:53 PM

Yes, I'll be singing Allouette's Until the dark time ends at the singaround tonight. It is a wonderful song and has special significance for me.

Thank you, Allouette and Animaterra.

Noreen

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Solstice songs!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 11 Dec 01 - 04:16 PM

I would be happy to give anyone cd info if you PM me. And the offer still stands re calling me to have me sing you the song/s of your choice!
Joe, how do I get your tunes?

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Solstice songs!
From: Joe Offer
Date: 11 Dec 01 - 04:30 PM

Sorry, Animaterra - the only one I know how to sing is "Light Is Returning," and I can't transcribe by ear.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: Lyr Add: SOUL'S DELIGHT
From: GUEST,(MEJ)
Date: 11 Dec 01 - 05:58 PM

SOUL'S DELIGHT

There's a restless yearning in the sweet night.
There's a sacred flower that opens only in full moonlight.
Taste of her nectar if you would,
See your ancient soul's delight.

Does anyone know the author of this beautiful round? Peg, have you ever run across it?

Mary in Boston

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Solstice songs!
From: Genie
Date: 21 Dec 02 - 10:34 PM

Here's another good Solstice carol:
"Raise All Your Voices" by Ann Magill (CapriUni)

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Solstice songs!
From: Jeanie
Date: 22 Dec 02 - 09:06 AM

I was telling CapriUni about my song on Mudchat, and she's persuaded me to post it. I've waited til today, because today is the day when it is lighter again.

With love to everyone who's been through losses and sorrows this year. Here's to brighter days ahead.. and, to echo what was said on another Solstice/Yule thread: Thanks for so many new friends.

SOLSTICE SONG

As the sun stands frozen for an instant
And the dawn starts to make its steep climb
The seconds and minutes and hours try to melt
But are trapped here with me marking time

On the shortest day of the year
But the longest, longest day of my life

How I so wish it had been different
Oh how I hoped you would see
All of the dancing and laughing in store
If only you'd stayed here with me

But it's the shortest day of the year
And the longest, longest day of my life

Through the frost fern patchwork on the window
The trees paint a grey silhouette
Cradling their buds hiding Russian doll leaves
That are trying like me to forget

It's the shortest day of the year
But the longest, longest day of my life

They say everything has its season
And nothing's new under the sun
The universe wheel starts to turn once again
And my winding journey has begun

From the shortest day of the year
And the longest, longest day of my life

- jeanie

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Solstice songs!
From: CapriUni
Date: 22 Dec 02 - 10:54 AM

Beautiful, Jeanie!

Just beautiful!

Is there a tune for it?

Shall I alert the Gaelic Goddess?

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Solstice songs!
From: Jeanie
Date: 23 Dec 02 - 03:08 AM

Thanks, CapriUni! Yes, there is a tune, if I can find a way to post it, I will... And guess what, I can play it on my *new dulcimer* !

Wishing everyone a bright year ahead,

- jeanie

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Solstice songs!
From: CapriUni
Date: 23 Dec 02 - 10:59 AM

And guess what, I can play it on my *new dulcimer* !

Oh, happy, happy!

And here's a wish that next year, the shortest day of the year will only be a promise of brighter days to come!

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Solstice songs!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 09:28 AM

Refreshhhhhhhhhhhh


(If I'm pulling together a program of Solstice, Christmas and Chanukah songs, it must be August! Rehearsals start in 2 1/2 weeks!)





(anyone know how to get in touch with Charlie Murphy these days?)

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Solstice songs!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 09:30 AM

...I think I found him on Facebook- stay tuned...

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Solstice songs!
From: Barbara
Date: 21 Nov 11 - 11:47 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Solstice songs!
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 21 Nov 11 - 04:03 PM

Several of our Bittersweet Christmas Band songs are specifically solstice related. If you look up my youtube channel of tradfolky1 you can find the songs Dance in the Dark of the Year and Blessed Solstice Night for two specific examples.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Solstice songs!
From: breezy
Date: 28 Nov 11 - 06:19 AM

Noreen singing Till the dark time ends at the UK Mudcat cd launch is on you tube

entitled

'comfort of singing voices'

bradfordian got the title slightly changed !!!

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Solstice songs!
From: GUEST,Suibhne Astray
Date: 28 Nov 11 - 06:26 AM

I once set 'The Holly and the Ivy' to the air of 'Searching for Lambs' & then messed with the words in pagan emphasis...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7Un87fiduI

The Wren's Heart Carol

The holly and the ivy
Now they both full grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown.

The rising of the winter sun,
The running of the deer
The holy seed of the mistletoe
In the dawning of the year

In winter time I dance alone
And felt the growing cold
And lighting fires from fallen trees
I warmed my dying soul

I saw the sun reborn again
Melt through the winter snow
And drank afresh from holy streams
Swollen by the thaw

The holly bears a sharp prickle
As sharp as any thorn
The wren's heart pierced in the darkest night
Is healed before the dawn

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Solstice songs!
From: Barbara
Date: 05 Jan 12 - 06:42 PM

Phil, I tried listening to your songs that you recommended above, and there seems to be a glitch in the Blessed Solstice Night one at :59 that prevents the rest of the video from loading. Can that be fixed? I'd love to hear the songs.
Blessings
Barbara

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Solstice songs!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Dec 23 - 09:28 PM

A question came up on Facebook about a CD ‘Until the Dark Time Ends’.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/10793388576

Hi, I’ve meant to ask for many years—is the CD ‘Until the Dark Time Ends’ still available? I got my copy years ago and have enjoyed the first 13 tracks but 14-24 are defective and not playable. Each year I think, I’ll follow it up after the holidays, and I forget. I’d be happy to pay for another, or to pay someone to burn me a copy if it is no longer available, and donate to the ‘Cat once again of course.

The information is probably already here on Mudcat, or can be shared here if someone can answer the query.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Solstice songs!
From: Bill D
Date: 20 Dec 23 - 01:06 PM

I messaged her on FB.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Solstice songs!
From: My guru always said
Date: 21 Dec 23 - 06:50 AM

I've checked my copy and it doesn't work on PC or CD player now, so sad. I'm going to check all my other Mudcat CD's when I get a chance.