Lyr Req: History Lesson (Leon Rosselson)

Subject: Lyr Req: History lesson (L. Rosselson)
From: Wolfgang
Date: 02 Feb 04 - 10:46 AM

History lesson, it's time to remember...

I'm looking for the lyrics to this Leon Rosselson song.

Wolfgang

Subject: Lyr Add: HISTORY LESSON (L. Rosselson)
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 02 Feb 04 - 11:11 AM

HISTORY LESSON
As recorded by Leon Rosselson on "A Laugh a Song and a Hand-Grenade" (1968)

History lesson, it's time to remember
Time to remember the deeds of the great
Please pay attention, don't let your minds wander
Daydreams and playtime can wait.
Black the minnows that swarm in the water
White the butterfly flits in the sun
Red the blossom and pink the magnolia
History lesson's begun.

Joan of Arc ended up as a cinder
Henry the Eighth did for two of his wives
Wish I could dive in the pond where the ducks are
Having the time of their lives.
Red the blood on the axe of their headsman
Black the stake and the bodies that burn
White the face of the priest and the hangman
These are the facts you must learn

Pitt paid a packet to patch out an empire
Drake bowled the Spaniards out the first ball
Just want to lie in the sun by the water
Down where the rushes grow tall.
Red the lines of Wellington's army
White the ensign where Nelson held sway
Crimson the cavalry Marlborough commanded
History's heroes are they.

Which scrap of paper began the big bundle?
Which umbrella brought peace in our time?
Questions and answers dissolve in the sunshine
Wait for the school bell to chime.
Green the gas as it gutters the trenches
Black the smell of the smoke from a gun
White the pain of a bombshell exploding
History lesson's begun.

History lesson, please try to remember
Try to remember the deeds of the great
Theirs was the power, the glory, the honour
They were the chosen of fate.
Black the minnows that swarm in the water
White the butterfly flits in the sun
Red the blossom and pink the magnolia
History lesson is done.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: History lesson (L. Rosselson)
From: Wolfgang
Date: 02 Feb 04 - 11:29 AM

My God, that was quick. Thanks a lot, Countess Richard.

I grin when I recollect my own failed attempt to transcribe:

Joan of Arc ended up as a sinner...

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: History lesson (L. Rosselson)
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 02 Feb 04 - 11:45 AM

It's one of the first songs I ever learned (1965) but it wasn't, unfortunately, in my lyrics database as I haven't done it for ages. So I had to type it out :- ( but remembered it almost entirely. I checked them with "Look Here" (Harmony Music 1968), sadly out of print.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: History lesson (L. Rosselson)
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 02 Feb 04 - 12:14 PM

I've got it on the "Three City Four" LP - which besides Leon has Martin Carthy, Ralph Trainer, Marian McKenzie (now married to Pete Shutler of "The Yetties").

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: History lesson (L. Rosselson)
From: Folkiedave
Date: 02 Feb 04 - 02:58 PM

His book "Look Here" First published 1968, revised edition 1977. Although out of print is available at a very reasonable £8.50 from me (+postage).

Regards,

Dave
www.collectorsfolk.co.uk

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: History lesson (L. Rosselson)
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Feb 04 - 03:16 PM

It's also on page 252 of his songbook "Bringing the News from Nowhere" - 125 songs by Leon Rosselson published 1992.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: History lesson (L. Rosselson)
From: harpmaker
Date: 02 Feb 04 - 08:16 PM

Iam sorry to say this, but I have to get it of my chest. I once played with L.R, lots of years ago in a supporting act, & I thought he was an arrigant twat

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: History lesson (L. Rosselson)
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 02 Feb 04 - 08:31 PM

And I'm sure he thinks just as highly of you, harpmaker.

I saw Leon last week and found his wit and compassion as incisive and informed as it was 40 years ago when I first saw him. Not a trace of 'arrigance' nor even arrogance. But still able to put the boot into the pompous and self-important. Right where it hurts.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: History lesson (L. Rosselson)
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 03 Feb 04 - 05:37 PM

I still think Roy Bailey's recording of this is one of the best.... it's on his 'Writing on the Wall' tour with Tony Benn.

LTS

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: History lesson (L. Rosselson)
From: harpmaker
Date: 03 Feb 04 - 09:51 PM

Yeh- but HE was still an arrogant--

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: History Lesson (Leon Rosselson)
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Mar 11 - 03:25 PM

but what about the chords - there is an a7 run in there but can anybody help. Found the song on the excellent "all new electric muse" CD set. Also came across Martin Carthy's original "Scarborough Fair" - how could Paul Simon be such a twat - but as they say every fortune is based on a small theft at the start - or something like that anyway

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: History Lesson (Leon Rosselson)
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Mar 14 - 09:45 AM

Anyone worked out the chords yet? In E please.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: History Lesson (Leon Rosselson)
From: Brian Peters
Date: 20 Mar 14 - 10:10 AM

I always played:

[E] History lesson, it's time to re-[B]-member
[E] Time to remember the deeds of the [B] great
[A] Please pay attention, don't let you mind [E] wander
[E] Daydreams and playtime can wait
[E / E7] Black the minnows that [B] swarm in the [E] water
[E] White, the [B] butterfly [E] flits in the [B] sun
[E / E7] Red, the blossom, and [B] pink the mag-[E]-nolia
[E] History Lesson's be-[B]-gun...

A very basic arrangement - there may well be alternative chords.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: History Lesson (Leon Rosselson)
From: GUEST,Dayvaitch
Date: 31 Jul 14 - 02:54 PM

It's years since I sang this but i think the chords I used were:

[C] History lesson, it's time to re-[G7]-member
[C] Time to remember the deeds of the [G7] great
[F] Please pay attention, don't let you mind [C] wander
[C] Daydreams and playtime can [G7] wait
[Bb] Black the [C] minnows that [G7] swarm in the [C] water
[C] White, the butterfly flits in the [G7] sun
[Bb] Red, the [C] blossom, and [G7] pink the mag-[C]-nolia
[C] History Lesson's be-[G7]-gun...

E is a bit high for me though many might prefer to transpose into D which is just as good. I think Rosselson's genius is to use the modulation to grab your attention when the "colour" section starts.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: History Lesson (Leon Rosselson)
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Jul 14 - 07:31 PM

Brilliant song, a fine antidote to the flood of brainless triumphalist/ simplistic history ("remembrance not celebration") that's flooding the UK for the WW1 centenary.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: History Lesson (Leon Rosselson)
From: Sir Roger de Beverley
Date: 01 Aug 14 - 04:39 AM

This is from his songbook "Bringing the News From Nowhere":

(D)History (D add 4)Lesson it's time to (A)remember, time to (D add 4)remember the deeds of the (A)great. (G) Please pay (C) attention(G), don't (C) let(G) your minds(D) wander, daydreams and (D add 4)playtime can(A) wait.

(D7) Black the minnows that (A7) swarm in the (D) water, white the (A7) butterfly (D) flits in the (A7)sun, (D7) red the blossom and (A7) pink the (D) magnolia, (D) history (D add 4) lesson's (A7) begun.


R

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: History Lesson (Leon Rosselson)
From: GUEST,B.B. Cone
Date: 01 Aug 14 - 10:54 AM

(D) History (A)lesson it's (D) time to (A) remember
(D) time to ((G) remember the (D)deeds of the (A) great
(D) Please pay (A)attention don't (D)let your mind (A) wander
(D) Daydreams and (G) playtime can (A) wait

(F) Black the (C) minnows that (G) swarm in the (D) water
(G) White the (D) butterfly (G) flits in the (A)sun
(F) Red the (C) blossom and (G)pink the (D) magnolia
(G) History (D) lesson's be-(A)-gun

Works for me!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: History Lesson (Leon Rosselson)
From: GUEST,B.B. Cone
Date: 02 Aug 14 - 03:12 AM

I lied....

In the second part should be: C-G-A-D, not F-C-G-D. I woke up during the night thinking that there was something wrong with the chords I'd posted. Should have used a real guitar instead of an air one when originally I worked it out!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: History Lesson (Leon Rosselson)
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 02 Aug 14 - 07:34 PM

wha's the tune? (you can sing it to most single jigs)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: History Lesson (Leon Rosselson)
From: FreddyHeadey
Date: 07 Aug 14 - 05:18 AM

The tune...
Try here > Roy Bailey @ 2:50 www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHaDK8NGQg4

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: History Lesson (Leon Rosselson)
From: FreddyHeadey
Date: 07 Aug 14 - 05:23 AM

try again
Roy Bailey
History Lesson > 2:50

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: History Lesson (Leon Rosselson)
From: FreddyHeadey
Date: 21 Mar 15 - 05:31 AM

Or, even,
tune here
Roy Bailey at 2 50

Third time lucky?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: History Lesson (Leon Rosselson)
From: GUEST,Joe Moran
Date: 21 Mar 15 - 06:22 AM

A previous poster mentioned Leon's arrogance.
I remember talking to a folk club organiser and he was telling me that he booked Leon but on the night of the gig Leon made a big fuss about the poor audience turnout and blamed the organiser for not promoting the booking properly.

Leon never got another booking at that club!

And, it wouldn't surprise me if that scenario wasn't repeated country-wide,

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: History Lesson (Leon Rosselson)
From: GUEST,Gerry
Date: 21 Mar 15 - 09:12 PM

What does "the big bundle" in the first line of the 4th stanza refer to?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: History Lesson (Leon Rosselson)
From: GUEST,DaveRo
Date: 22 Mar 15 - 04:30 AM

What does "the big bundle" in the first line of the 4th stanza refer to?

I assume it means the first world war - 'bundle' meaning brawl, ruck, melee.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: History Lesson (Leon Rosselson)
From: GUEST,B.B. Cone
Date: 22 Mar 15 - 08:43 AM

Surely it's the Second World War, because of the 'umbrella' line and a 'piece of paper' bringing 'peace in our time' which I assume to be references to Neville Chamberlain.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: History Lesson (Leon Rosselson)
From: GUEST,DaveRo
Date: 22 Mar 15 - 08:57 AM

Surely it's the Second World War..

Of course it's the second the Chamberlain thought he'd prevented. Stupid me!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: History Lesson (Leon Rosselson)
From: GUEST,Warwick Slade
Date: 22 Mar 15 - 11:47 AM

Leon arrogant ?
I booked Leon for the Isles of Scilly folk club back in the 60s and, although a little difficult to engage in conversation, was very pleasant company and gave a set to mainly non folky holiday makers that was funny,warm and entertaining.
Not every guest cold do that.
Andhe writes some great songs.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: History Lesson (Leon Rosselson)
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Mar 15 - 03:14 PM

I suspect Rosselson originally sang "scrap of paper", referring to the international treaty guaranteeing Belgium's neutrality prior to World War 1.

The Scrap of Paper

So DaveRo was possibly right.

And although the song is beautiful, it impends of the "two part" songs that plagued the later part of his career.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: History Lesson (Leon Rosselson)
From: breezy
Date: 22 Mar 15 - 04:30 PM

I too booked him for the Windward club in St Albans.

One of the many 'names' of the scene

Very straight pro performance

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: History Lesson (Leon Rosselson)
From: GUEST,Gerry
Date: 22 Mar 15 - 09:26 PM

Many thanks to all for filling me in on "the big bundle"!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: History Lesson (Leon Rosselson)
From: FreddyHeadey
Date: 07 Jan 17 - 11:22 AM

Neville Chamberlain's Umbrella http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07mxt94

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: History Lesson (Leon Rosselson)
From: FreddyHeadey
Date: 18 Nov 17 - 08:36 AM

GUEST
Date: 22 Mar 15 linked to an article on the 'scrap of paper' phrase.

It was also used on a WW one recruitment poster.
A photo is on the Wikipedia link below & a bit more info.
It was a phrase used by German Chancellor Theobald von Bethmann Hollweg refering to
"The Treaty of London of 1839, also called the First Treaty of London, the Convention of 1839, the Treaty of Separation, the Quintuple Treaty of 1839, or the Treaty of the XXIV articles, was a treatysigned on 19 April 1839 between the Concert of Europe, the United Kingdom of the Netherlandsand the Kingdom of Belgium.
Under the treaty, the European powers recognized and guaranteed the independence and neutrality of Belgium and established the full independence of the German-speaking part of Luxembourg. Article VII required Belgium to remain perpetually neutral, and by implication committed the signatory powers to guard that neutrality in the event of invasion. "

"The "Scrap of Paper"

... On 31 July 1914 the mobilisation of the Belgian Army was ordered, and the Belgian King at the same time publicly called Europe's attention to the fact that Germany, Great Britain and France were solemnly bound to respect and to defend the neutrality of his country.

When the German Empire invaded Belgium in August 1914 in violation of the treaty, the British declared war on 4 August.

Informed by the British ambassador that Britain would go to war with Germany over the latter's violation of Belgian neutrality, German Chancellor Theobald von Bethmann Hollweg exclaimed that he could not believe that Britain and Germany would be going to war over a mere 'scrap of paper'...."

more : https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_London_(1839)#The_.22Scrap_of_Paper.22

~~~~~~

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: History Lesson (Leon Rosselson)
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Aug 18 - 05:48 AM

Leon Rosselson, YouTube

https://youtu.be/W6-AjA7SbJI

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: History Lesson (Leon Rosselson)
From: Brian Peters
Date: 04 Aug 18 - 11:13 AM

Coincidentally or not, my 1992 BBC recording of this turned up a couple of days ago on another Mudcat thread ('Folk on 2 Artists'). So I thought I'd share it. I remember an occasion when I went onstage at a festival immediately before Roy Bailey, and sang this song having no idea it was on his set list. Oops!

Brian Peters: History Lesson (Rosselson)