Lyr Req: Hallowe'en

Subject: Hallowe'en
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 09 Apr 02 - 08:44 PM

Yeah, yeah, I know it's the wrong time of year, but at the rate I learn song words, I might just have grasped it by October!

Please does anyone have the words of "Hallowe'en" based on a poem by Violet Jacob and as sung on the "Scots Women" CD? I have searched the DT and Forum without success.

Thanks in anticipation

Tattie B

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Hallowe'en
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 10 Apr 02 - 03:18 PM

Tattie Bogle, you're a man of taste! I think this is what you're looking for, though as sung by Jean Redpath on 'Leaving the Land' (1989). I've always wondered whether there was a story to the song.

And maybe someone can help with the last verse that says
There's drink an' daf (?) an' sang an' dance
'daf' is what I hear, but I can't find any term fitting this line.

Subject: Lyr Add: HALLOWE'EN (Jim Reid/Violet Jacob)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 12 Apr 02 - 01:20 PM

Copied from http://mysongbook.de/msb/songs/h/hallowen.html

HALLOWE'EN
(Jim Reid/Violet Jacob)

The tattie-liftin's nearly through,
They're plooin' whaur the barley grew
And efter dark roond ilka stack
You'll see the horsemen stand and crack
O Lachlan, but I mind on you

I mind fu' aften we hae seen
Ten thoosand stars keek doon atween
The naked branches, and below
Baith fairm and bothy hae their show
A-low wi' lichts o' Hallowe'en

There's bairns wi' guys that's at their tail
Cloorin' the doors wi' runts o' kail
And fine you'll hear the screechs an' skirls
O' lassies wi' their drucked carles
Bobbin' for aipples i' the pail

The bothy fire is loupin' heat,
A new heid-horseman's kist is set
Richt's o'er the lamp whaur by the blaze
The auld yin stood that kept yer claes
I cannae thole tae see it yet

But gin the auld folks' tales are richt
An' ghaists cam hame on Hallow'n nicht
Oh freend, oh freends what would I gie
Tae feel yer axe yer hand tae me
Atween the dark an' coral licht

Awa' in France across the wave
The wee lichts burn on ilka grave
An' you an' me their lowes hae seen,
Ye'll maybe hae yer Hallowe'en
Yont whaur you're lyin' way the lave

There's drink an' daf (?) an' sang an' dance
An' ploys an' kisses get their chance
But Lachlan, man, the place I see
Is whaur the auld kist used tae be
An' the lichts o' Hallowe'en in France

(As sung by Jean Redpath)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Hallowe'en
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 12 Apr 02 - 06:26 PM

Many thanks to both of you for the words: can't help with the last verse but will try to find out. I think it goes back to when Scots men were sent to fight in France, but not sure if it's WW1 or Napoleonic times! Sorry to disappoint you Susanne, but Tattie B may have good taste, but a man she ain't! Tattie B

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Hallowe'en
From: ciarili
Date: 12 Apr 02 - 06:48 PM

The word with a ? is daff, meaning sportin' & playin'. I think some of the other words aren't right, though. Like "There's bairns wi' guys," which must be There's bairns wi' guisers." A guiser is a mask, related to disguise, in the guise of, etc.

I'll have to look it over and listen to what she sings. What is the source for what you've got, if I might ask? If you noted it yourself, you've got a decent ear! The words sound right even where the spelling is off.

ciarili

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Hallowe'en
From: GUEST,Susanne (skw) on holiday
Date: 20 Apr 02 - 05:10 PM

Tattie B, a heartfelt apology! It is sometimes difficult to know what gender the Mudcat name is hiding!
Ciarili, many thanks for your help. Would you please let me know if you find any other mistakes? I did write it down myself, from the singing of Jean Redpath, and Id very much like to get it right. Greetings from Glesga, Susanne

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Hallowe'en
From: ciarili
Date: 20 Apr 02 - 10:51 PM

Thanks for reminding me! I'd forgotten about listening to the song....

ciarili

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Hallowe'en
From: GUEST,susanne (skw) still on holiday
Date: 30 Apr 02 - 03:48 PM

Ive just bought the "Scots Women" double CD made after a Celtic Connections concert with some of the greatest women singers Scotland possesses. Halloween is on it, sung by ??? - sorry, Ive forgotten, but Ive only listened to the CD once so far. Its magical!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Hallowe'en
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 30 Apr 02 - 06:39 PM

I got it too - brilliant stuff! It's Sheena Wellington (she who sang for the opening of the Scottish parliament) and Karine Polwart (of Malinky, MacAlias and recently ex- Battlefield Band) : two great voices together. Tattie B