Lyr Add: The Sun and the Moon (Bill Lowndes)

Subject: Lyr Add: THE SUN AND THE MOON (Bill Lowndes)^^
From: Gervase
Date: 10 Sep 00 - 05:41 AM

THE SUN AND THE MOON
(Bill Lowndes)

Wisht my babby, and dinna you cry,
For the Sun and the Moon's tumbled down from the sky.
Your da's away, and he will nae be back,
For he died in the mine when the timbering cracked.

And people who walk about never ask why,
The rich 'uns can live and your poor daddy died.
If they should ask me, I'd only reply,
That the Sun and the Moon's tumbled down from the sky.

Sometimes he was bad, sometimes he was good
But he'd sweat like a devil down there for our food.
Sometimes we were happy, sometimes we would sing,
And sometimes together our bodies would cling.

Wisht my babby, for now I must rest
From trying to think what to do for the best;
For the poorhouse is waiting if I can't pay the rent,
And the pittance I got when he died is near spent.

Come my babby, we'll up and away,
We will not stay here one more sad lonely day.
We'll go to your nan's; you'll grow up so tall,
And when you're a man you'll be wisest of all.

Then go out and teach all those foolish ones why
The rich 'uns can live and your poor daddy died.
Then stand up together with your heads held up high,
And put back the Sun and the Moon in the sky.

GW
From the singing of Don Shepherd ^^

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Sun and the Moon
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Sep 00 - 09:27 AM

This is a wonderful song, one I love to sing and one I wish I had written.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Sun and the Moon
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 10 Sep 00 - 05:26 PM

Gervase, the version I know (sung by Iain MacKintosh a long time ago) uses the same words but with your second verse as the chorus. Also, I got it from an album sleeve (I think) that it was actually written by Don Shepard. Where did you get Bill Lowndes's name from? And can you enlighten us as to the song's background or the reason why it was written?
I agree it's a beautiful song, and I share our guest's envy. - Thanks, Susanne

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Sun and the Moon
From: Gervase
Date: 11 Sep 00 - 10:05 AM

Don himself credits to Bill Lowndes on the sleeve notes for his LP TheSun and the Moon, recorded back in the late Seventies.
As to why Lowndes wrote it, I can't enlighten you. It comes across as a Scottish song, but Bill himself has had his roots in Cornwall or somewhere west for a good many years, as far as I know.
Whatever, it's one of my favourites...

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Sun and the Moon
From: Joe Offer
Date: 11 Sep 00 - 03:00 PM

Gervase, is that second verse a chorus, repeated after each verse? I assume that it is, because you had indented the text when you typed it. I added <blockquote> </blockquote> tags so your indents would show up. Nice song. Any way we can get the melody for it?
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Sun and the Moon
From: Gervase
Date: 12 Sep 00 - 05:54 AM

The second verse (and the last) is indeed supposed to be the chorus.
I'll try to work out the abc for the tune - but this is a man who can't read tadpoles, so it may take a day or so...

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Sun and the Moon
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 12 Sep 00 - 07:14 PM

Thanks, Gervase. One more error deleted! BTW, I don't think the song has a specially Scottish feel to it. This must have occurred in any coalfield. I suppose I have a soft spot for the song because it reminds me of my father, whom my mother lost after a 17-year, exceptionally close marriage when I was 14. And he wasn't even a miner! (A builder, in fact.) Does that say something about the song's power, or is that wishful thinking? - Susanne

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Sun and the Moon
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 21 Sep 00 - 05:13 PM

I have a Judy Dunlop CD 5023387010627 which includes a short version of this. She credits it as traditional. Joe Offer might be able to find the CD or perhaps Judy has a website so that he could hear it.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Sun and the Moon
From: GUEST,karen k - lost cookie
Date: 21 Sep 00 - 11:52 PM

Joe,
I can sing this for you at the Getaway if you want. It's a wonderful song.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Sun and the Moon
From: MMario
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 12:03 PM

Joe? Did you ever get a tune for this? If not, does anyone have it?

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Sun and the Moon
From: GUEST,Willa
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 05:44 PM

I have this on the Judy Dunlop album too. Can try to do you an abc, but be warned, I'm no expert at this.
X:1
T:Sun and the Moon
M:3/4
K:C

C2E IG3 IAcA IG2E IFEF IDGF IEFD IC2G IC2E IG2G IAcA I G2E IFEF IDGF IEFD IC2
Chorus
G IcBc IAdc IBcA IG2G IcBc IAdc IbcA IG2G ICCE IG2G IAcA IG2E IFEF IDGF IEFD IC2z
Can't do the bar lines, so they appear as Upper case I's
MMario, if this is of use to you, I'll be very glad, as I have had plenty of help from you before now.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Sun and the Moon
From: MMario
Date: 23 Jul 01 - 09:11 AM

Thanks willa, I should be able to take it from there....

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Sun and the Moon
From: MMario
Date: 23 Jul 01 - 11:10 AM

pulled it into NWC and this is what I ended up with....

MIDI file: pensharp.mid

Timebase: 192

Name: PENCIL SHARPENING SHANTY / Nude I Mention
Text: By Cresby - 2001
Key: D
TimeSig: 3/4 24 8
Start
0000 1 62 110 0094 0 62 000 0002 1 62 110 0094 0 62 000 0002 1 66 110 0256 0 66 000 0032 1 62 110 0094 0 62 000 0002 1 64 110 0094 0 64 000 0002 1 62 110 0432 0 62 000 0048 1 62 110 0094 0 62 000 0002 1 66 110 0094 0 66 000 0002 1 69 110 0256 0 69 000 0032 1 67 110 0094 0 67 000 0002 1 67 110 0094 0 67 000 0002 1 66 110 0432 0 66 000 0048 1 69 110 0094 0 69 000 0002 1 69 110 0094 0 69 000 0002 1 74 110 0256 0 74 000 0032 1 69 110 0094 0 69 000 0002 1 71 110 0094 0 71 000 0002 1 69 110 0256 0 69 000 0032 1 62 110 0094 0 62 000 0002 1 64 110 0094 0 64 000 0002 1 66 110 0336 0 66 000 0048 1 64 110 0160 0 64 000 0032 1 62 110 0528 0 62 000
End

This program is worth the effort of learning it.

To download the latest version of MIDItext and get instructions on how to use it click here

ABC format:

X:1
T:PENCIL SHARPENING SHANTY / Nude I Mention
M:3/4
Q:1/4=120
K:D
DDF3D|ED5|DFA3G|GF5|AAd3A|BA3DE|F4E2|D11/2||

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Sun and the Moon
From: MMario
Date: 23 Jul 01 - 11:11 AM

ignore the above - wrong thread...

Subject: Tune Add: THE SUN AND THE MOON (Bill Lowndes)
From: MMario
Date: 23 Jul 01 - 11:13 AM

THIS is what I meant to post above....

MIDI file: sunmoon.mid

Timebase: 192

Name: Sun and the Moon
Text: Generated by NoteWorthy Composer
TimeSig: 6/8 24 8
Start
0384 1 60 110 0160 0 60 000 0032 1 64 110 0094 0 64 000 0002 1 67 110 0160 0 67 000 0032 1 67 110 0094 0 67 000 0002 1 67 110 0094 0 67 000 0002 1 69 110 0094 0 69 000 0002 1 72 110 0094 0 72 000 0002 1 69 110 0094 0 69 000 0002 1 67 110 0160 0 67 000 0032 1 64 110 0094 0 64 000 0002 1 64 110 0094 0 64 000 0002 1 65 110 0094 0 65 000 0002 1 64 110 0094 0 64 000 0002 1 65 110 0094 0 65 000 0002 1 62 110 0094 0 62 000 0002 1 67 110 0094 0 67 000 0002 1 65 110 0094 0 65 000 0002 1 64 110 0094 0 64 000 0002 1 65 110 0094 0 65 000 0002 1 62 110 0094 0 62 000 0002 1 60 110 0160 0 60 000 0032 1 67 110 0094 0 67 000 0002 1 60 110 0160 0 60 000 0032 1 64 110 0094 0 64 000 0002 1 67 110 0160 0 67 000 0032 1 67 110 0094 0 67 000 0002 1 67 110 0094 0 67 000 0002 1 69 110 0094 0 69 000 0002 1 72 110 0094 0 72 000 0002 1 69 110 0094 0 69 000 0002 1 67 110 0160 0 67 000 0032 1 64 110 0094 0 64 000 0002 1 65 110 0094 0 65 000 0002 1 64 110 0094 0 64 000 0002 1 65 110 0094 0 65 000 0002 1 62 110 0094 0 62 000 0002 1 67 110 0094 0 67 000 0002 1 65 110 0094 0 65 000 0002 1 64 110 0094 0 64 000 0002 1 65 110 0094 0 65 000 0002 1 62 110 0094 0 62 000 0002 1 60 110 0160 0 60 000 0032 1 67 110 0094 0 67 000 0002 1 72 110 0094 0 72 000 0002 1 71 110 0094 0 71 000 0002 1 72 110 0094 0 72 000 0002 1 69 110 0094 0 69 000 0002 1 74 110 0094 0 74 000 0002 1 72 110 0094 0 72 000 0002 1 71 110 0094 0 71 000 0002 1 72 110 0094 0 72 000 0002 1 69 110 0094 0 69 000 0002 1 67 110 0160 0 67 000 0032 1 67 110 0094 0 67 000 0002 1 72 110 0094 0 72 000 0002 1 71 110 0094 0 71 000 0002 1 72 110 0094 0 72 000 0002 1 69 110 0094 0 69 000 0002 1 74 110 0094 0 74 000 0002 1 72 110 0094 0 72 000 0002 1 67 110 0094 0 67 000 0002 1 72 110 0094 0 72 000 0002 1 69 110 0094 0 69 000 0002 1 67 110 0160 0 67 000 0032 1 67 110 0094 0 67 000 0002 1 60 110 0094 0 60 000 0002 1 60 110 0094 0 60 000 0002 1 64 110 0094 0 64 000 0002 1 67 110 0160 0 67 000 0032 1 67 110 0094 0 67 000 0002 1 69 110 0094 0 69 000 0002 1 72 110 0094 0 72 000 0002 1 69 110 0094 0 69 000 0002 1 67 110 0160 0 67 000 0032 1 64 110 0094 0 64 000 0002 1 64 110 0094 0 64 000 0002 1 65 110 0094 0 65 000 0002 1 64 110 0094 0 64 000 0002 1 65 110 0094 0 65 000 0002 1 62 110 0094 0 62 000 0002 1 67 110 0094 0 67 000 0002 1 65 110 0094 0 65 000 0002 1 64 110 0094 0 64 000 0002 1 65 110 0094 0 65 000 0002 1 62 110 0094 0 62 000 0002 1 60 110 0160 0 60 000
End

This program is worth the effort of learning it.

To download the latest version of MIDItext and get instructions on how to use it click here

ABC format:

X:1
T:Sun and the Moon
M:6/8
Q:1/4=120
K:C
C6|EG2GGA|cAG2EE|FEFDGF|EFDC2G|C2EG2G|GAcAG2|
EFEFDG|FEFDC2|GcBcAd|cBcAG2|GcBcAd|cGcAG2|
GCCEG2|GAcAG2|EEFEFD|GFEFDC|-C5/8||

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Sun and the Moon
From:
Date: 12 Oct 05 - 05:23 PM

i am bill lowndes grandaughter and he is over the moon that his songs are still appriciated

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Sun and the Moon
From: treaties1
Date: 12 Oct 05 - 06:12 PM

Dear guest tamsyncoble, thankyou for your verification thet Bill Lowndes is the author of this great song. I learnt it a long time ago from Bram Taylor of Leigh, Lancs near where I live.I actually wrote to your grandfather asking if it was alright for me to sing it though I never received a reply. Please tell him it was always well received and still is. Did he ever live in Lancashire where pit disasters often happened?
Karen perhaps we can sing this together at the Getaway. I'm off in the morning and look forward to seeing you again and Mmario et al
Theresa

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Sun and the Moon (Bill Lowndes)
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Oct 05 - 07:59 AM

Lots of people thought it was a Don Shepherd song, because he recorded it and used to sing it a lot.

Whatever happened to Don Shepherd ?

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Sun and the Moon (Bill Lowndes)
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 13 Oct 05 - 07:29 PM

Guest, would your grandfather perhaps be willing to share a little background with us, such as where the idea for the song came from?

Subject: RE: Don Shepard
From: GUEST,Some information
Date: 07 Sep 08 - 06:47 PM

Don Shepard is from Suffolk where he had a vineyard.
He recorded 2 solo albums for Sweet Folk All(Joe Steads old label)
Don moved to ? I heard a rumour that he passed away can anyone
confirm it? Don stayed with me when he toured some of the eastern
states which i helped him get gigs his brother in law Richard
accompanied him because he had calipers because of his polio
and also used a wheelchair.

Please send any infomation to me at [e-mail]

Thanks
Bud Manning

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Sun and the Moon (Bill Lowndes)
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Sep 13 - 06:32 AM

where can I hear this song, heard in the early 70's, searched the www for it but only find it by Bill Lowndes, quite honestly that was not the version I heard and would prefer to hear again.
Best regards to all
Steve

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Sun and the Moon (Bill Lowndes)
From: GUEST,Ted
Date: 08 Dec 14 - 03:51 PM

Just back from folk festival, Skegness. They had a version of this song on their piped music in the restaurant sung by a woman whose voice I did not recognise but it must be on a CD somewhere!

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Sun and the Moon (Bill Lowndes)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 09 Dec 14 - 11:42 PM

THE SUN AND THE MOON is sung by Judy Dunlop on her album "My Arms Are a Cradle." She sings only the first 2 verses and 2 choruses.

This is the only recording of this song I could find on Spotify--although there are tons of other songs with the same title.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Sun and the Moon (Bill Lowndes)
From: michaelr
Date: 09 Dec 14 - 11:59 PM

I found these -- one seems familiar:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8DQzBM-B_M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDPu8I1cIGc
https://myspace.com/judydunlop/music/song/the-sun-and-the-moon-49119302-52833756
https://play.google.com/store/music/artist/Judy_Dunlop?id=Adykos4xphvke6fs76k3qbihy5y&hl=e

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Sun and the Moon (Bill Lowndes)
From: GUEST,Guest. Ray
Date: 08 Dec 15 - 08:17 AM

I've got a recording by Jacqui and Bridie if anyone wants it.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Sun and the Moon (Bill Lowndes)
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Dec 15 - 08:31 AM

I've been singing it for thirty odd years. I got it from Mick Peat as The Ripley Wayfarers used to sing it.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Sun and the Moon (Bill Lowndes)
From: The Doctor
Date: 09 Dec 15 - 07:22 AM

Judy Dunlop's recording is also on the double CD 'The Best of British Folk', on the Not Now label - www.notnowmusic.co.uk.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Sun and the Moon (Bill Lowndes)
From: GUEST,Chris Bennett
Date: 04 Feb 16 - 04:27 PM

This is a brilliant song which should be sung more

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Sun and the Moon (Bill Lowndes)
From: GUEST,Musket
Date: 05 Feb 16 - 01:36 AM

Been in my set for thirty five years now.

For a long time I thought Bill Lowndes was a distant relative, as my mum used to say she had a second cousin called Bill who wrote songs for the music hall. When I found he came from Cornwall, I realised I had been claiming it as a family song for twenty five years!

My version, as Bill's original, is in normal English rather than cod dialect. The words don't need to be "ethnicised" in order to be a beautiful if tragic song.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Sun and the Moon (Bill Lowndes)
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 02 Aug 16 - 07:03 PM

Just to refresh this thread - did anyone ever ascertain the definitive story of how and when this song came to be written by Bill Lowndes? (And folks keep telling me that the dialect hints at an origin in the north-east rather than Cornwall...)

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Sun and the Moon (Bill Lowndes)
From: GUEST,Dorcas
Date: 21 Sep 16 - 02:29 PM

Bill Lowndes definitely wrote this song and my father Donald Shepherd sung it on his album The Sun and the Moon.

To this day it is one of my favourite songs. Especially the version sung by dad. Another one is Old Fid, also written by Bill.

We sadly lost my father this week, he left behind his loving wife Deirdre, 3 children, 7 grandchildren and took all of our hearts with him. His music, however remains and I love it more than ever.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Sun and the Moon (Bill Lowndes)
From: maeve
Date: 21 Sep 16 - 04:18 PM

Thank you, Dorcas. I am sorry for your great loss and that of your family, and glad you have the music for a measure of comfort.

Gardenmaeve

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Sun and the Moon (Bill Lowndes)
From: The Sandman
Date: 21 May 19 - 03:01 AM

I SANG THIS SONG FOR MANY YEARS AT GIGS [ 1980S] , WRITTEN BY BILL LOWNDES

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Sun and the Moon (Bill Lowndes)
From: The Sandman
Date: 21 May 19 - 03:07 AM

And people who walk about never ask why,
The rich 'uns can live and your poor daddy died.
If they should ask me, I'd only reply,
That the Sun and the Moon's tumbled down from the sky.
I used to sing this as chorus

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Sun and the Moon (Bill Lowndes)
From: GUEST,PemburySinger
Date: 21 Jul 23 - 11:46 AM

This is how it seems to me. I've sung this song for many years.

X:1
T:Sun and the Moon
L:1/4
M:3/4
K:C
C2E |GG2 |FGA |G2E |FEF |DGF |EFD |C2G |C2E |G2G |FGA | G2E |FEF |DGF |EFD |C2
"^Chorus"G |cBc |Adc |BcA |G2G |cBc |Adc |BcA |G2G |CCE |G2G |FGA |G2E |FEF |DGF |EFD |C2z ::::|]

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Sun and the Moon (Bill Lowndes)
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 25 Jul 23 - 12:40 PM

reminds me of a storyfrom the Elliott family of BIRTLEY-

At dusk, two miners were arguing about whether they were looking up at the sun or the moon. They asked a passerby & he replied 'Divvent ask me, Aa divvent live aroond these parts'