Origins: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)

Subject: RE: Origins: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: GUEST,Hyperbole
Date: 25 Nov 22 - 01:20 PM

I contacted the English Civil War society about their reenactors singing the song, and the person who emailed me said that he believed it was an 1850s church hymn of American origin. He didn't seem to think there was any English Civil War connection besides the reenactors liking it.

Subject: RE: Origins: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 20 Dec 12 - 05:22 PM

Whoop-de-doo

Subject: RE: Origins: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 15 Dec 12 - 04:08 PM

Anything verifiable before 1813?

Subject: RE: Origins: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 14 Dec 12 - 08:53 PM

The only author I could find is "unknown." Millenial Praises, 1813, Hancock, Massachusetts.

A version of the lyrics may have been written during the English Civil War. I haven't checked on this.

Subject: RE: Origins: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 14 Dec 12 - 08:08 PM

Leeneia, the broadsheet tells one nothing about the date of origin of a song; only that someone (in this case Harkness) printed a cop[y in the period 1840---.

The hymn first appeared in hymnals in 1813. It was in the Latter Day Saints Hymnal in 1841.

Subject: RE: Origins: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Rumncoke
Date: 14 Dec 12 - 07:24 PM

There are two versions in the Bodlian collection that I found, but it could be that they are not picked up by your search. One I found was the J Harding of Preston which you must have found too, the other was printed by Wilson of Bideford.

Having finally put all the bits and variations I have found onto something more organised than my first jottings I have an A4 sheet of them now, verses and variations. It seems to have undergone various changes which seems strange - it is the only song I have which is so altered.

Unfortunately I have not kept any detailed notes of where the different bits came from - I have no great interest in sources I'm afraid. If asked 'Who's version was that?' my usual response is 'Mine.'

Subject: RE: Origins: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 14 Dec 12 - 11:57 AM

I looked up this song in the Bodleian collection, using the first line "Hail the day so long expected," and got this back:

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Printer: Harkness, J. (Preston)
Date: between 1840 and 1866
License note: Sec. 18. Printer's Series: (577).
Illus. Ballads on sheet: 2

    Copies: Harding B 11(1126)

    Ballads: 1. The fall of Babylon ("Hail the day so long expected ...")
Subject: Religion
---------------------
So by the time that broadsheet appeared, Americans had been singing the song at least 10 years.

I did a subject search on Babylon, and they said they had no broadsheets on Babylon. Which is a lie, because they had at least one, the one referred to above.

Anyhow, I have yet to be convinced that this is an old song from England.

On YouTube there is an enjoyable video of it being sung in the Harrod (or maybe Harrod Creek) Baptist Church. First they go through singing the syllables, then they start the actual words. It's very stirring.

Subject: RE: Origins: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: GUEST,Cristiano Ronaldo
Date: 14 Dec 12 - 07:09 AM

Jo crec que la cançó és una merda, perque es molt idiota i imbecil!!!!

Subject: RE: Origins: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: GUEST,JimI
Date: 29 Feb 12 - 07:31 PM

Swan Arcade on Youtube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmDwjDiDXb8

Subject: RE: Origins: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Jack Campin
Date: 28 Feb 12 - 09:17 PM

This help?

X:2
T:Babylon is Fallen
L:1/8
M:4/4
V:1
V:2
V:3 transpose -24
V:4 merge
K:EMin
[V:1] |:    B2B2 BGE2|   A2AF G2A2|    B2B2 GFEG|   F2 F/G/F E4 y:|
[V:2] |:    G2G2 E2G2|   F2F2 D2F2|    E2G2 BAG2|   D2 D2    B,4y:|
[V:3] |:    e2e2 B2e2|   d2d2 A2d2|    g2e2 e2e2|   B2 B2    e4 y:|
[V:4] |:"Em"x8       |"D"x8       |"Em"x8       |"D"x4   "Em"x4 y:|
%
[V:1]    B3 c dBd2|    e2   f2     ed B2|   B3 c dB d2|   e2     f2     e4|
[V:2]    E3 E G2G2|    G2   D2     E2 E2|   E3 E E2 E2|   G2     D2     E4|
[V:3]    g3 a b2g2|    e2   B2     e2 e2|   g3 a b2 g2|   e2     B2     e4|
[V:4] "G"x8       |"Em"x2"D"x2 "Em"x4   |"G"x8        |"Em"x2 "D"x2 "Em"x4|
%
[V:1] |:    B>BBB G2 GE|   A2AF G2A2|    B>BBB G2 EG|    F2 F/G/F  E4 y:|
[V:2] |:    G>GGG E2 EE|   F2FD D2F2|    G>GGG E2 GE|    D2 DE     B,4y:|
[V:3] |:    e>eee B2 BB|   d2dA A2d2|    e>eeB B2 eB|    B2 B2     e4 y:|
[V:4] |:"Em"x8         |"D"x8       |"Em"x8         |"D" x4   "Em" x4 y:|

Subject: RE: Origins: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: GUEST,Swan Arcade Version on youtube
Date: 28 Feb 12 - 09:00 PM

Ran across the Swan Arcade version of Babylon is Fallen on youtube- AMAZING TUNE now im hunting for the guitar chords for it.

Subject: RE: Origins: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: GUEST,Orville Eastland
Date: 26 Jun 07 - 06:09 PM

Wow. This is a fascinating thread. I've been researching the history of this hymn myself, and it's interesting to come back a few months later and find some entirely new information. (Can anyone give me some print sources to find the Jamaican and English versions?)

Oh, and in case anyone wants a parody, here's one involving the history of the Babylon Project from the "Babylon 5" TV series...
http://www.mewsic.com/Ed/music/original/BabylonIsFallen.html

Subject: RE: Origins: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: GUEST,Bill Hopkinson
Date: 10 Jan 07 - 07:27 AM

My understanding was that it dated from the English Civil War. I used it in my production of Caryl Churchill's play "Light SHining in Buckinghamshire. But the scholarship on the thread so far does seem to end with the Shakers. maybe it just feels right for apocalyptic millenial moments.

Subject: RE: Origins: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: sable
Date: 30 Nov 04 - 08:05 AM

This post might appear twice as my first attempt disappeared! I have had fond memories of the Swan Arcade version, heard in the dim and distant past, but I have never managed to trace a recording of it, in fact I have never come across "Nothing Blue" at all. Is there any chance of a copy? Please?

Subject: RE: Origins: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: GUEST,Sally
Date: 30 Nov 04 - 07:53 AM

I am so glad I found this thread! I knew I'd heard Swan Arcade sing this in the dim and distant past, but never managed to trace a recording. Is there any chance someone could sell me a copy?

Subject: RE: Origins: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 02:48 PM

The 17th-18th c. existence of the poem or its use as a hymn lacks verification. Interesting idea, but only speculation so far.

Subject: RE: Origins: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Chris Green
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 01:02 PM

The earliest I know of it is that was a hymn sung by the Ranters in the mid-seventeenth century in England. There's some info about them here

Subject: RE: Origins: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 12:59 PM

Gervase, Chris Atton of Edinburgh raised the possible English Civil War connection in the "Another 'Babylon'?" thread which was cut off.

We have here a hymn or poem which was revised more than once for different purposes, and for which more than one tune may exist. Its roots have not yet been exposed.

Subject: RE: Origins: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Gervase
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 06:57 AM

Whe I first heard this about 25 years ago I was told it was an Anabaptist hymn from the 17th Century. It was certainly popular among the Parliamentarian singers in the English Civil War Society and other 17th Century living history groups.

Subject: RE: Origins: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: NH Dave
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 03:09 AM

Howie Mitchel and his wife sing two parts of this song and play the other two parts on his Appalachian Dulcimer record (and book combo) exploring various things that can be done an a plucked dulcimer vice a hammered dulcimer. This was available from Folk Legacy on vinyl some years ago but I don't know if it ever made the transformation to CD.

This tune was used to demonstrate the "Twicimer" he had constructed, which was two dulcimers on a single body, perhaps made out of part of a hollow cored door. The Patons can probably tell you if they have any plans to reissue this work, or his work on hammmered dulcimers.

Dave

Subject: RE: Origins: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 12:49 AM

Is "The Fall of Babylon" English? Or has an American poem been revised for the emancipation of slaves (1834) in the British dominions?
The song is used in Emancipation celebrations in Jamaica and elsewhere. There are several versions, as shown in the posts here.

Lyr. Add: Emancipation Song (Jamaica)

Hail the day so long expected,
Hail the day of full release
Zion's walls are now erected
And her watchmen are at peace.
From the distant courts of Zion
Distant trumpets loudly roar
Slavery is fallen to rise no more!

August 1, 1834 is when some 750,000 slaves were freed by the Crown.
In Jamaica, the declaration was read in the square of Spanish Town. I have not found the tune.
Emancipation Song

The following mentions England rather than Shiloh or Shinar, and the scarlet whore is absent from the last verse. It is close to two versions in the Bodleian Collection (the third is a 'teetotal' parody), neither of which mention England. Probably best to post in full. "Author unknown."

Lyr. Add: The Fall of Babylon

Hail the day so long expected, hail the day of full release
Zion's walls are now erected, and her watchmen promise peace.
Throughout England's wide Dominion, shrill the trumpets loudly roar:
Babylon is fallen, is fallen, is fallen.
Babylon is fallen, to rise no more.

All her merchants stand with wonder, what is this has come to pass
Murmuring like a distant thunder, crying O alas, alas.
Swell the sound ye kings and nobles, priest and people rich and poor,
Babylon is fallen, is fallen, is fallen.
Babylon is fallen, to rise no more.

Blow the trumpet in Mount Zion, Christ shall come a second time
Ruling with a rod of iron, all who now as foes combine.
Babel's garments we've rejected and our fellowship is sure.
Babylon is fallen, is fallen, is fallen.
Babylon is fallen, to rise no more.

Tune your harps ye heavenly choirs, shout ye followers of the lamb.
See the city all on fire. Clap your hands and swell the flame.
Now's the day of compensation. Hope of mercy now is o'er.
Babylon is fallen, is fallen, is fallen.
Babylon is fallen, to rise no more.

Fall of Babylon

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 21 Nov 04 - 01:35 PM

Interesting "Negro spiritual" midi here: Spirituals
Good tune- a little faster than the usual tempo for the Work tune.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: davidmeredith
Date: 21 Nov 04 - 09:50 AM

The group Swan Arcade really used to belt this one out.I've never heard a better version.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: GUEST,Anne Croucher
Date: 10 Jul 04 - 02:14 PM

I am just trying to sort out the backs of envelopes and discarded printings -
Variations from that sent by Burke -30 March 04 above
watchmen live in peace.
From the distant courts of Zion

Lo they sink to rise no more.
Merchants who have brought her traffic

Lo her captains are returning
Up to Zion see them fly
Whist the Heavenly host rejoicing
Shout and echo through the sky
See the ancients of the city
Terrified at the uproar

Tune your harps ye heavenly choir
Shout ye followers of the lamb
see the city all on fire
clap your hands and fan the flame
Nows the day of compensation
Hope of mercy now is o'er

Blow the trumpet in Mount Zion
Christ shall come a second time
Ruling with a rod of iron
All who now as foes combine
Babels garments we've rejected
And our fellowship is o'er

I make that 7 verses in total
Anne

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Burke
Date: 09 Jul 04 - 07:01 PM

I've got both the Shaker hymnbook that it was originally published in and the article that I mentioned earlier. The words on p.50-51 of Millennial Praises are exactly as those I posted above. There is no music.

The rest of this is will be summary of the article:
G. W. Williams, "Babylon is Fallen: The Story of a North American Hymn" _The Hymn_ Volume 44, April 1993, pp 31-35.

I have a fax of a photocopy & all words were were in shaded blocks & are extremely difficult to read.

There is no author listed in Millenial Praises. The attribution of the hymn to Richard McNemar appears to be from an article by Daniel W. Patterson in Shaker Quarterly, v.18.

The first stanza of the text appears in a manuscript of tunes from the Enfield, Conn. community & may date to as early as 1810. The original 6 verses are clearly refering to images in Revelation 17-19. "It is clear ... that McNemar knew the Revelation passage thoroughly and was closely following its pattern and its precepts." The text was reprinted in an 1833 Shaker hymnal, but not in later ones.

It was reprinted in non-Shaker books, usually with variations on words, from the 1820's on. The first verse always remains substantially the same, except for the reference to 'the distant coasts of Shinar.' Shinar did not mean much more in the 19th cent. than it does to us today. It means "Babylon in its fullest extent" and is used in the O.T. to refer to Babylon. Always associated with impiety in some way, the substitution of "courts of Zion" or "our Shiloh" substantially changes the meaning of the 2nd part of the verse. It transforms "cries of despair from the citizens of the ravished city to shouts of triumph from God's favored people."

The 3rd verse from the Sacred Harp version was first published in William Houser's "The Olive Leaf" in 1878. This was also the book where Chute's tune was first published so the version most well know now traces most directly to it. Either Houser or Chute may have written the 3rd verse, there's not really any way to know. This new verse changes the tone of the hymn to emphasizing rejoicing in triumph rather than the desolation in destruction of the original.

Before 1878 at least 2 different tunes were paired with the words in different publications. All apparently suffered from the problem that the chorus does not follow the same 8,7 meter of the verses. The 12,10 of the chorus were somehow forced into the 8,7 pattern of the tunes used.

William Houser first published a 6 verse version with one of these problem tunes in The Hesperian Harp, 1852. When Houser published it in The Olive Leaf, 1878 with the now familiar tune he headed the entry with the attribution. "Prof. Wm.E. Chute, of Ontario. Prof. composed this tune out of an old theme, and is too modest to claim any originality, but I do it for him.--W.H." The 'old theme' may be Sons of Sorrow

The author makes no mention of any versions outside of the Western Hemisphere. It seems to have been quite popular if it managed to be parodied.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Burke
Date: 01 Apr 04 - 07:02 PM

Anne, I found the Bodelian sources. They only have 5 verses & you mentioned 6, so I was wondering about the 6th verse. The 3rd Sacred Harp verse is different from all the others, is that your 6th verse?

Now I'm wondering where it came from to start with. I can get to a copy of the Shaker original in micro & will do so when I have time.

Pete, please do post your Slobberchops is Hungry.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: GUEST,Anne Croucher
Date: 31 Mar 04 - 08:24 PM

The verses I have are fairly similar to those above and the ones in the digitrad, some are just one or two words different some have a couple of lines at variance for instance the shrill trumpets roar 'from the distant courts of Zion'and 'Nows the day of compensation, Hope of mercy now is o'er'

I think it is a case of people missing a couplet and confusing what came where.

I have captains returning, not captives - but easily confused if not written clearly.

Some of the rhymes don't, so as the song is still in my temporary folder I have added them for later consideration (OK I have written them in on the bottom of the envelope) but it looks as though most of the variation is 'the folk process' and the requirement to get something on the page.

I did note the printers J Harding of Preston and Wilson of Bideford as sources in the Bodelian.

Anne

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: GUEST,Pete Peterson
Date: 31 Mar 04 - 08:11 PM

Hi Barbara--
   I got out my copy of Canticle for Leibowitz today & re-read it. (Good excuse, THANKS!) The reference didn't appear until the 3rd part, where LUCIFER is fallen (not Babylon!) was used as a phrase beining that atomic bombs were agin being used in war. Not sure the theology of that one-- I take it to mean "Satan has fallen from Heaven to the earth, and is working his mischief." There is of course the secondary meaning of Lucifer = bringer of light, which is something an atomic explosion certainly does.
Midchuck-- if there is enough interest I will post Slobberchops is Hungry, which we set to guess what tune, using Sacred Harp harmonies. See you at NEFFA! (but not till Saturday afternoon)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Franz S.
Date: 31 Mar 04 - 12:52 PM

A group called Castlebay (Portland, Maine) recorded "Babylon is Falling" on a tape they put out in 1987. Considering there were only three in the group then they did a rousing version.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Michael
Date: 31 Mar 04 - 12:40 PM

Swan Arcade did a good version too on 'Nothing Blue',my copy is on casette recorded in May 1988.
Mike

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 31 Mar 04 - 11:20 AM

It's a wonderful song. The tune, incidentally, provides what must be the most stirring air available for "Clementine."

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Alio
Date: 31 Mar 04 - 04:57 AM

The song is on a Strawhead CD produced at Whitby Folk Week last year with a cast of thousands! As far as I know the words are the original ones as they also researched it. I've got the CD in the car - I think it's called Tyrants of England.

Ali

Subject: Lyr Add: BABYLON IS FALLEN (Richard McNemar)
From: Burke
Date: 30 Mar 04 - 08:04 PM

Anne, your words may be different from those below. If so, could you post them? The Bodleian versions I found only had 5 verses each.

My second hand information on this is that there is an article: G. W. Williams, "Babylon is Fallen: The Story of a North American Hymn" _The Hymn_ Volume 44, April 1993, pp 31-35.

In it is the information that "The original six-stanza text was by Richard McNemar and first appeared in the Shaker hymnal _Millennial Praises, Containing a Collection of Gospel Hymns ...Adapted to the Day of Christ's Second Appearing_ (Hancock, Mass.), 1813."

Here are the words

1.Hail the day so long expected!
Hail the year of full release!
Zion's walls are now erected,
And her watchmen publish peace:
From the distant coasts of Shinar,
The shrill trumpet loudly roars
   Refrain: Babylon is fallen! is fallen! is fallen!
             Babylon is fallen to rise no more.

2. Hark, and hear her people crying,
"See the city disappear!
Trade and traffic all are dying!
Lo, we sink and perish here!"
Sailors who have bought her traffic,
Crying from her distant shore,
   Refrain

3. All her merchants cry with wonder,
"What is this that's come to pass?"
Murm'ring like the distant thunder
Crying out, Alas! Alas!
Swell the sound, ye kings and nobles!
Priests and people, rich and poor!
   Refrain

4. Lo, the captives are returning!
Up to Zion see them fly!
While the smoke of Babel's burning
Rolls across the darken'd sky!
Days of mourning now are ended,
Years of bondage now are o'er,
   Refrain

5. Zion's children raise your voices,
And the joyful news proclaim!
How the heavenly host rejoices!
Shout and echo back the same!
See the ancients of the city,
Terrify'd at the uproar!
   Refrain

6. Tune your harps, ye heavenly choir!
Shout, ye foll'wers of the Lamb!
See the city all on fire!
Clap your hands and blow the flame!
Now's the day of compensation
On the scarlet colour'd whore;
   Refrain

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: GUEST,Anne Croucher
Date: 30 Mar 04 - 07:11 PM

I have a six verse version trawled from the Bodleian Library.

there are the three verses in the Digitrad, with minor variations in two of them, plus three more.

My favourite lines in the additions -'See the city all on fire Clap your hands and fan the flames'

not your average milk and water stuff.

The chorus used to be a favourite on the 'battlefield' of the roundhead association in the 70's - was it an anachronismfor the Civil war?

Anne

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Barbara
Date: 30 Mar 04 - 05:41 PM

Am I the only person who thinks of "Canticle for Leibowitz" By Walter Miller, I think that's right, when I hear this song? In this post nuclear war SF book, the song was used as a code to indicate that mankind had once again managed to set off yet another nuclear disaster. I always thought that Miller meant the hymn predicted the end of the world.
blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Mar 04 - 04:58 PM

Strawhead do a version of Babylon is Fallen witha graet tune, although it may not be the original.

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Burke
Date: 30 Mar 04 - 11:03 AM

I should have edited more carefully.

deleted message with errors - jc

Beginning in the early 1900's there were 3 different editions of the Sacred Harp in use: they were popularly called the James ed.; the Cooper ed. and the White Book (for J.L. White).

The James ed. was re-edited in the 1930's & became the Denson edition. Again re-edited & bound in maroon, it's now just called the 1991 ed. or the Red Book. This is the first edition that non-southerners are usually exposed to. The Cooper ed. is also widely used & is often called the Blue Book. Without the support of a group to keep the White Book in print, by the 1960's there were not a lot of groups still singing from it. There are now only a handful of singings devoted to singing from the White Book.

Babylon is Fallen is relatively late in composition (1878) and before 1991 had only been added to the White Book. It got somewhat wider distribution in photo-copies, but I think this is post 1970. (It might also be in the Christian Harmony, but I'm not sure.) Babylon is Fallen was added to the Red Book in 1991. I think the early 90's ed. of the Cooper Book also added it, but I'd have to check.

A field recording of Babylon is Fallen from the 1960's would almost have to be from a White Book singing. I've never heard of one, but would love to have it. There is no record of one in the extremely comprehensive Recordings Index. If you have details about it I'd like to know more about it.

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Stephen R.
Date: 29 Mar 04 - 10:59 PM

Surely someone can identify the documentary LP made at a shape-note singing convention in, I think, Georgia (the one in the Confederacy, not the one in the Caucasus) and released in the 1960s. This has a fine band of "Babylon is Fallen," but I don't have the reference. It ought to be reissued as a CD if it has not already been done. A great tune it is, and there is a lot of fine stuff on this.

Stephen

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Midchuck
Date: 29 Mar 04 - 10:45 PM

Has Pete Peterson posted the lyrics to Slobberchops Is Hungry anywhere? Anyone who knows this song and owns a (four-legged) Newfie tends to go into convulsions...

Peter

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Burke
Date: 29 Mar 04 - 11:00 AM

I have it in the 1991 Sacred Harp. I'll try to remember to bring the book to work & scan it for you. I suggest you get the whole book. Try to in touch with UK Shape-Note Singing.

You can hear it sung Here

Launch the mp3 directly Here

e-mail sent

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Peter T.
Date: 29 Mar 04 - 10:34 AM

It appears (or at least the chords) in Rise Up Singing.

Oak, Ash and Thorn do a version of this on one of their albums.

yours,

Peter T.

Subject: anyone found sheet music for this?
From:
Date: 29 Mar 04 - 08:29 AM

anyone found sheet music for this?

I'd love to teach my church this, its such a wicked song, with a great tune, very few these days are like it and can so ably handle scripture and the symbology in it.

many thanks

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Ingemar
Date: 22 Aug 99 - 11:03 AM

Just a sideline: The Golden Gate Quartet had a TTBB arrangement of a very different version of "Babylon's falling" in a song book in the early sixties, published by the Leeds Music Corporation. The only lyrics, except the "Babylon's.. rise no more" is the phrase " pure city", then "Babylon's.." again... and again...

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Jeri
Date: 18 Aug 99 - 08:37 AM

Thanks, harpgirl - it may turn out to be the only song I've ever finished.

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: harpgirl
Date: 18 Aug 99 - 08:04 AM

...clever song Jeri!!!

Subject: Lyr Add: HARDY'S FALLEN (parody BABYLON'S FALLEN)
From: Jane Bird
Date: 18 Aug 99 - 07:38 AM

As promised, here's the mid 19th century parody of "Babylon is Fallen". This is pretty much how it's set out on the broadside.

Cheers,
Jane

SONG

AIR,
BABYLON'S FALLEN

Hail the day so long expected,
Now's the hour of our release,
Badford's freedom is errected,
It's members now are friends of peace;
From the different Booths of polling,
The glad tidings loudly roar,
Hardy's fallen--fallen--fallen
Hardy's fallen to rise no more.

Hark, and hear the people crying,
See the Blue Lights disappear;
Despotism now it dying,
Yes, it dies to live no more;
Bribery, dishonest traffic,
Serves a villain now no more;
Carlow's fallen--fallen--fallen
Carlow's fallen to rise no more.

Liberty is now triumphant,
Bradford now may jump for joy;
It's Members now will act in concert,
And try corruptioin to destroy,
See fair freedom friends ascending,
See aloft their Banners soar;
But Hardy's fallen, fallen, fallen,
Hardy's fallen to rise no more.

John Dale, Printer, 4, Ivegate, Bradford.

Subject: Lyr Add: MICROSOFT IS FALLEN (tune: Babylon ...)
From: Jeri
Date: 04 Aug 99 - 01:18 PM

I think it's finished.
-------------------------

MICROSOFT IS FALLEN
(Tune: Babylon is Fallen)
Expiration Date: 00-01-02


Hail the day so long expected,
Hail the day computers crash,
My PC in ruins lying,
Just a pile of smoke and ash.
Sound the cry on 20/20,
Gates's empire is now o'er,
Microsoft is fallen, has fallen, has fallen,
Microsoft is fallen to rise no more.

All the merchants stand confus-ed,
At this monumental crash,
Credit cards are all refus-ed,
We can only take your cash,
Grab a pencil and some paper?
Do we remember what they're for?
Microsoft is fallen, has fallen, has fallen,
Microsoft is fallen to rise no more.

Hear the news from Silicon Valley,
Ol' Steve Jobs is coming back,
My friends all look at me with pity,
Say I should have bought a Mac.
Make mine green and purple tie-dyed,
I'll turn Apple to the core!
Microsoft is fallen, has fallen, has fallen,
Microsoft is fallen to rise no more.

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Jane Bird
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 08:54 AM

Thanks for the leads.

Dick, I'll try and post the "Hardy is Fallen" version asap. However, that might be a few weeks. I'm off to Sidmouth Folk Festival soon, so it might be after that.

Cheers,
Jane

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: GeorgeH
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 07:54 AM

Some way back someone asked about recordings of this song . . Home Service (the pinacle of Folk/Rock plus brass section) have recorded it on their "Alright Jack" album (available on CD from Fledg'ling records, FLED 3015, see: http://www.thebeesknees.com

This is an outstanding recording, which includes a rare and wonderful recording of Grainger's "A Lincolnshire Posey" - created from what is believed to be the only existing score of Grainger's original version of this work (for military band!), with the original words restored to two of the songs.

I thought Home Service had also recorded this on "The Mysteries", the CD version of which is available from the same place (FLED 3014) - but it doesn't appear in the track listing (guess I'll have to play the recording through when I get home!). However it's well worth a plug and should be of interest to the person looking for powerful religious music which doesn't attack anyone else! "The Mysteries" is an extract from the music used for the re-working by Tony Harrison of the medieaval mystery plays, for London's National Theatre. This was presented as a set of three plays totalling round about 6 hours (and occasionally all performed in one day), played in promenade, and possibly the greatest achievement of the National Theatre to date (it was also filmed for TV broadcast). The music was central to the production, and is a mixture of traditional, modern and specially-composed material. Those who have not seen the production say that the recording stands up well by itself . . I just find it brings back increadibly poingnant memories! Richard Thompson fans may wish to note it includes at least one Thompson song, and performances by Linda Thompson (AND she acts and dances on the video . . ).

G.

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Ferrara
Date: 22 Jul 99 - 06:12 PM

Many years ago, some yurts were built for the Folk Festival on the Mall, produced by the Smithsonian in DC. Not the felt type of yurts, but wooden ones with dirt-and-grass roofs. After the festival, the yurts were moved to Glen Echo Park and now house some of their artisans-in-residence. Some of the roofs are real works of art by now, with flowering mosses etc.

The following was co-written by Don Nichols (the concertina-repair wizard) and Tom McHenry, to the tune of the Chrisian Harmony/Sacred Harp version:

Hail the yurt so long neglected
Hail the roof in mowing's need
See the turf that falls from heaven
Never more to go to seed

Weeds upon the roof are sprouting
Ev'ry day there's more & more
And a goat is munching, is munching, is munching
And a goat is munching the yurt next door.
(Repeat last 2 lines)

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 22 Jul 99 - 03:41 PM

Click here for the Henry Clay Work song and here for the Sacred Harp song.

Click here to get to a terrific site with songs by 19th century songwriters, including Henry Clay Work. My personal opinion is that we should be free to have such a site for the great songwriters of the first half of the 20th century, but copyrights prohibit that. I wish there were a solution for that. Click here to get to a discussion on how to deal with copyrights in the study of music - that topic strays a bit to much from the discussion of "Babylon is Fallen."
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 22 Jul 99 - 11:07 AM

H.C. Work's "Babylon" is an entirely different song.

Jane- could you post the parody? sounds interesting,

For the experimental, If you want to give real solemn import to Clemintine, you can sing it to Babylon is Fallen.

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 22 Jul 99 - 10:02 AM

Jeri, that's great! I plan to use that, too (tho not in concert, I expect!)

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Nathan
Date: 22 Jul 99 - 09:26 AM

Great job, Jeri! "Babylon" is the song I always look forward to at Sacred Harp Singings. Now I'll always think of your parody.

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Jeri
Date: 21 Jul 99 - 10:11 AM

Getting ready for the "millennium bug":

Hail the day so long expected,
Hail the day computers crash,
My PC in ruins lying,
Just a pile of smoke and ash.
Sound the cry on 20/20,
Gates's empire is now o'er,
Microsoft has fallen, has fallen, has fallen,
Microsoft has fallen to rise no more.

(NOI, TIC, etc.)

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Jane Bird
Date: 21 Jul 99 - 08:32 AM

On a slight tangent: I came across a 19th century parody of "Babylon Is Fallen" the other day. I haven't got a date for it yet, but my guess is that's it's roughly 1840-70s.

It's on a political theme, written after an parliamentary election in Bradford (Yorkshire, UK). The Tory candidate (who's name is Hardy) has failed to be elected, in favour of the liberal candidate. Instead of Babylon, it's "Hardy's fallen, to rise no more".

Does anyone know about when the original version was written or printed? (Bruce O said it was Henry Clay Work, the first version of the song in DT.) And does anyone know when the version with the line "...to rise no more" (which isn't in Clay Work's) was published?

Cheers,
Jane

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Jeri
Date: 19 Jul 99 - 05:08 PM

Spencer the Rover (Is Alive and Living in Ithaca) I have it on vinyl - I don't think it ever came out on CD.

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 19 Jul 99 - 03:50 PM

Now you've got me wondering, Nogs. I've got "Dark Ships," and it isn't on that CD. What recordings of this great song are available? I'm sure I must have learned it from a recording, but now I can't find it.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Nogs
Date: 19 Jul 99 - 02:23 PM

A version is also done by John Roberts and Tony Barrand. I'm not sure of the album: "Dark Ships in the Forest" maybe?

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Animaterra
Date: 19 Jul 99 - 09:02 AM

So it sounds like a good song for the end of 1999 looking with hope toward the future. Many thanks, Joe and Jeri!
Allison

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 19 Jul 99 - 05:46 AM

I'd gather it's based on the 18th chapter of the Book of Revelation, especially the passage that begins with verse 21. Babylon was looked upon as the ultimate oppressor, since it destroyed Jerusalem in 597 BC, and kept the Jews captive for almost 60 years. The "day so long expected" is probably the "Day of the Lord," "Armageddon," "Judgment Day," or whatever you want to call it - "the very last day." Your standard eschatological theme, Alison. You've got the idea about right.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Jeri
Date: 18 Jul 99 - 12:52 PM

I think it's about Good winning over Evil. I wonder what exactly is seen as "Evil," and about the line "And our fellowship is o'er." (Not trying to provoke argument, just curious about opinions.)

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Animaterra
Date: 18 Jul 99 - 12:11 PM

I've been looking at this song for a possible inclusion im my group's next concert, but I'm not quite sure what it's about. I think it's about the triumph of good/God over evil, from the Christian perspective. I want to do an arrangement of powerful songs of faith from several religions but I also want to not include any songs that are directly agin any other group. So I guess what I'm asking is, does this contain any hidden meanings that could undermine the whole point I'm trying to make?
Thanks! Allison

Subject: Tune Add: BABYLON IS FALLEN (W. E. Chute)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 03 Oct 98 - 05:35 PM

Nathan Sarvis mailed me the tune. Thanks a lot, Nathan.
-Joe Offer-

ABC format:

X:1
T:Babylon Is Fallen
M:4/4
Q:1/4=120
K:G
B2B2GFE2|A2AFG2A2|B2B2GFEG|F2F2E4|B2B2GFE2|
A2AFG2A2|B2B2GFEG|F2F2E4|B3cdBd2|e2f2edB2|
B3cdBd2|e2f2e4|B3/2B/2BBG2GE|A2AFG2A2|B3/2B/2BBG2EG|
F2F2E7/2||

---

Click to play

To play or display ABC tunes, try concertina.net

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From:
Date: 23 Sep 98 - 01:10 PM

Home Service does a very dramatic version of Babylon on the Alright Jack recording. Lance

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From:
Date: 22 Sep 98 - 05:47 PM

As Charlie mentioned, it is in the 1991 Sacred Harp, as well as the Cooper Revision of the Sacred Harp. If you'd like me to make you a copy and send it by snail mail, send me your address.

Nathan

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 22 Sep 98 - 04:11 PM

Still looking for a tune to this song. Anyone?
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: chet w
Date: 13 Feb 98 - 07:38 PM

Thanks, all. Yes, it was indeed on an album from 1973 by Hickory Wind called "At the Wednesday Night Waltz", probably my first album of old time music by a contemporary group. Thanks also for the Sacred Harp link. It's been so long since I looked through all my records, I've found some amazing things.

As always, Chet W.

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Feb 98 - 01:28 AM

Charlie - are the tunes (MIDIs, or whatever) to these shape note hymns available online anywhere?
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 12 Feb 98 - 11:19 PM

Babylon Is Fallen may have been in an early edition of the Original Sacred Harp, but was removed, and only reinstituted in the latest (1991) edition of the book, p. 117, where the tune, or at least arrangement, is attributed to W.E. Chute, 1878. But a shape note harmony version of it has been in The Christian Harmony for years, which is where I first encountered the shape note harmonization of it in print.

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Ricky Rackin
Date: 12 Feb 98 - 10:56 PM

Wasn't it the DC/W.VA band Hickory Wind? Ricky

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Bill D
Date: 12 Feb 98 - 08:39 PM

the Sacred Harpies around here have been doing this ever since I can remember...I thought everyone knew it...don't know whether it is 'standard' but they also do a 'refrain' of the last line with a 'prepratory call' by the leader to begin the refrain...thus...

All who now as foes combine.
Babel's garments we've rejected,
And our fellowship is o'er,
Babylon is fallen to rise no more.
....Baaaaaa....(drawn out...with the rest following a half beat later
Babylon is fallen, fallen, fallen
Babylon is fallen, to rise no more.

Hope that is clear enough...it is obvious when you hear it once...

Subject: Lyr Add: BABYLON IS FALLEN (W. E. Chute)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 12 Feb 98 - 08:27 PM

Is this the song, Chet?

BABYLON IS FALLEN 117
Tune: W. E. Chute, 1878
Meter: Particular Meter: 8,7,8,7,8,7

Hail the day so long expected,
Hail the year of full release.
Zion's walls are now erected,
And her watchmen publish peace.
Through our Shiloh's wide dominion,
Hear the trumpet loudly roar,
Babylon is fallen to rise no more.

All her merchants stand with wonder,
What is this that comes to pass:
Murm'ring like the distant thunder,
Crying, "Oh alas, alas."
Swell the sound, ye kings and nobles,
Priest and people, rich and poor;
Babylon is fallen to rise no more.

Blow the trumpet in Mount Zion,
Christ shall come a second time;
Ruling with a rod of iron
All who now as foes combine.
Babel's garments we've rejected,
And our fellowship is o'er,
Babylon is fallen to rise no more.

I found it here. The site has complete lyrics to "Sacred Harp," but no tunes. Here is an excellent WAV recording of the song. I think it's the song you want, Chet, but not the exact recording. The McCutcheon recording may be the one you're thinking of.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 12 Feb 98 - 07:12 PM

Chet, I'm thinking the song you're talking about was recorded by Marley's Ghost, but I can't find it right now. I don't think it's related to the Henry Clay Work song. If you don't get an answer, bug me. It's a great song - wonderful for harmonizing.
Well, I looked, and it's not Marley's Ghost. John McCutcheon has a song called "Babylon Is Fallen" on his "Step By Step" album, but I don't have that album. I'll bet that album is where I heard it, though. Anybody who can confirm that?-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Bruce O.
Date: 12 Feb 98 - 07:06 PM

Sorry, I see the one I have is the first one in the DT. Too many songs with the same title.

Subject: RE: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: Bruce O.
Date: 12 Feb 98 - 06:59 PM

"Babylon is fallen" is by Henry Clay Work, but the 'to ris again no more' isn't part of the original words. It should be 'And we's agwine to occupy de land.' Song and tune start on p. 32 of 'Henry Clay Work: Songs', Da Capo Press (reprint), 1974

Subject: REQ: Babylon is Fallen (to Rise no More)
From: chet w.
Date: 12 Feb 98 - 06:28 PM

I once had a album by a stringband whose name I can't remember,(I may still have it, if only I could remember their name). I believe they had a hammered dulcimer (this was back in the 70's before they were widely known) and a couple of fiddles. They did an a capella spiritual (not the one in the Database) the chorus of which went: "Babylon is fallen, is fallen, is fallen Babylon is fallen to rise no more" It was done with real primitive harmonies, almost like a shape-note song. If anyone knows the song or the name of the band, I'd sure appreciate finding it.

Thanks, Chet W.