ADD: The Last Leviathan (Andy Barnes)

Subject: The Last Leviathon
From: Allan C.
Date: 24 Sep 98 - 09:36 AM

I've been trying to transcribe the lyrics to this song performed by Golden Bough. I think I have most of it but can't seem to fill in a couple of blanks. Can someone help me please?

The Last Leviathon

(Chorus) My soul had been torn from me And I am bleeding My heart it has been rent And I am crying

For the beauty around me pales And I am screaming I am the last of the great whales And I am dying

(1st verse) Last night I hear the cry Of my life's companion A blast from a harpoon gun And I was alone

I reflected on days gone by When we were ??????? But I know I soon must die The last leviathon

Chorus: My soul has been ....

(2nd verse) This morning the sun did rise In the crimson north sky The ice was the color of blood And the wind did sigh

I arose to take a breath It was my last one From a gun came the roar of death And I am undone

Instrumental Chorus

And now that we are all gone There'll be no more hunting The big fellow is no more And there's no use lamenting

What race will be next in line All for the slaughter The ??????? the seal Or your sons and daughters?

Subject: Lyr Add: THE LAST LEVIATHAN (Andy Barnes)^^
From: Joe Offer
Date: 24 Sep 98 - 01:09 PM

THE LAST LEVIATHAN
(Andy Barnes)

My soul had been torn from me
And I am bleeding
My heart it has been rent
And I am crying
All beauty around me fades (for the beauty around me pales)
And I am screaming
I am the last of the great whales
And I am dying

Last night I heard the cry
Of my last companion
The roar of the (A blast from a) harpoon gun
And I was alone
I reflect on the days gone by (I reflected on days gone by)
When we were thousands
And (but) I know I soon shall die
The last leviathan

This morning the sun arose (did rise)
Crimson in the sky
The ice was the color of blood
And the wind it did sigh
I rose up to take a breath
It was my last one
From the burn (from a gun) came the roar of death
And I am undone

Now that we’re all gone
And there's (there’ll be) no more hunting
The big fellow is no more
There's no use lamenting
Which (what) race will be next in line
All for the slaughter
The elephant or the seal
Or your sons and daughters?

(Rory Block version - major differences of the Golden Bough version in parentheses. Golden Bough tends to take liberties with lyrics, making minor changes here and there.)

Recorded by Golden Bough, Rory Block, Patty Larkin^^
© 1986 Friendly Overtures

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathon
From: Allan C.
Date: 24 Sep 98 - 02:11 PM

Thanks! Who could ask for more? The song has totally captured my imagination. I hope I can do it justice. P.S. Thanks for teaching me the correct spelling of "leviathan". Just a word I haven't worked into very many conversations, I guess.

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathon
From:
Date: 24 Sep 98 - 05:11 PM

Archie Fisher does a lovely version, backed up by Garnet Rogers, on Off The Map Live. Good luck finding it. Of all the versions I have heard (I haven't heard Golden Bough's) I think his is the best.

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathon
From: rich r
Date: 24 Sep 98 - 05:47 PM

Search the Forum for "leviathan" will give you a couple 1997 threads that list some additional recordings. The words and music are in: "For The Beauty of the Earth, An environmental songbook to benefit Hudson River sloop Clearwater". the book is available from Singout!

rich r

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathon
From: kevin ryan
Date: 24 Sep 98 - 08:22 PM

Another fine version is by Sheena Wellington on her recording, "Kerlaw". And I've heard that Jean Redpath has a wonderful version, too.

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathon
From:
Date: 16 Jul 00 - 04:05 PM

I have two recordings of this song - one by "Water Sign" and one by "Ancient Mariners Chanteymen."

Does anyone know if the author, Andy Barnes, has made a recording of this song?

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathon
From: Sorcha
Date: 16 Jul 00 - 04:10 PM

It's not really relevant to this thread, but Tom Chapin does a "Whale Song" that uses whale noises he makes into the microphone. Get real close to the mike, and softly (so you don't break eardrums)go--whoooooooo sliding up, then down. When he does it, it sounds really neat.

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathon
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 16 Jul 00 - 04:11 PM

A Canadian Group called The Irish Descendants did a very nice version of this song... Yours,(almost as good as my own verion anyway) Aye. Dave

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathon
From: Jeremiah McCaw
Date: 17 Jul 00 - 12:28 AM

As well, the defunct Irish group "Wolfstone" has recorded this song combined with "The Bonnie Ship, The Diamond". Sort of a whale/whaler point and counterpoint.

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathon
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Jul 00 - 12:34 AM

"Defunct"? "Irish"?

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathon
From: GUEST,Alan F at Office
Date: 17 Jul 00 - 08:39 AM

Melanie Harrold's version was pretty amazing. She sang it over a really haunting bass continuo played by Ollie Blanchflower, and it still raises the hairs on the back of my neck to listen to it.

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathon
From: Jeremiah McCaw
Date: 17 Jul 00 - 11:39 AM

"Defunct"? "Irish"? Is my information incorrect? I'd heard they'd broken up. Having heard of them only by reputation, I'd love to find myself in error.

(Sorry 'bout the thread creep, BTW)

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathon
From: Catlin
Date: 17 Jul 00 - 01:18 PM

Er I have this song recorded by The Dubliners.... and in never fails to make me cry.
*Hugs*
Catlin

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathon
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 17 Jul 00 - 02:13 PM

Does anyone know if the author, Andy Barnes, has made a recording of this song?

Go to Towersey festival and for a small consideration (and several pints) you can hear the author do this himself. He is small in stature, quite often people don't even know what he wrote, but when he sings this, it is with all his heart, soul and voice. The barn is a noisy place always, except when Andy sings this. I don't know if he has recorded it, but he bloody well ought to!

LTS

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathon
From: Morticia
Date: 17 Jul 00 - 02:47 PM

Caitlin, you aren't the only one........when Andy does it at Towersey, it's a rare opportunity to see many people sing and sob at the same time.....including me.

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathon
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 17 Jul 00 - 06:39 PM

Ah, not a dry seat in the house.....

LTS

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathon
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 17 Jul 00 - 07:01 PM

Cindy Kallet, Michael Cicone, and Ellen Epstein do this on their lovely "Angels In Daring" cd, available at Folk Legacy.
And Dave the Ancient Mariner did a wonderful rendition last night on Hearme!

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathon
From: Lena
Date: 18 Jul 00 - 02:12 PM

Ooops!I started a new topic on that song!! However,as i said there,Roy Bayley performed beautifully that song a couple of months ago at the Australian National Folk Festival. He said that some years ago,before going to perform at the Vancouver children festival,he went on a boat with a friend.They suddenly spotted a Whale,and he nervously thought:"Jona".But the whale,gracefully,without a sound,slipped under their boat leaving them with tears in their eyes."Everyone has done a cover of this,but I don't care..." And he sang us this song at ten o'clock in the morning.I cried on my cornflakes. I'll be eternally grateful to Roy Bayley for coming over at the festival.His performances where such a big gift. Besides,it's whale season here on the coast in Australia.

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathon
From: Brendy
Date: 19 Jul 00 - 01:35 AM

Yo, there Jer. The rhetorical question asked by the guest further up the page was never really answered. If you can get through the Danish Language (I'm fortunate enough, as I can 'transpose' into Danish from Norwegian), you will find that Wolfstone are playing at this year's Tønder Festival

We have tripped over each other many times in pubs *BG*, and although I haven't seen them around in a while, here they are again. Here's another piece on them

B

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathon
From: GUEST,Michael Batory
Date: 06 Oct 00 - 07:25 AM

Hello all " Last Leviathan "correspondents.

I've accessed this thread and would like to make the following contributions.

But first, in case you are wondering "Why". I am following the progress of this song, in the context of my research into the modern oral tradition here at Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College and would welcome as much information about performances, locations of these, recordings etc. This information would help my in my research and I can be reached on
[e-mail]

Anyway here goes.

1. Re: Allan C and Joe Offer: You should be aware that the worldwide publisher of The Last Leviathan (also and originally known as The Last of the Great Whales) is Friendly Overtures Ltd. The copyright credit is (c) 1986 Friendly Overtures and should be attached to any transcription of the lyric together with the composer's name, which Joe has done.

It's interesting that you quote from the Rory Block version and from Golden Bough. Rory Block's is one of the most different and superb. However she makes the one mistake that really annoys Andy. That is she substitutes the word "Gun" for "Burn". This happened I believe because UK Artist Melanie Harrold who also has a briliiant recording with Ollie Blanchflower first did so and it was heard not only by Rory but also by Scottish band Disney Moon. Whether Rory heard Melanie's or Disney Moon's recording, I do not know. If any one does I would be keen to have that information.

What is also interesting is that Joe offers the incomplete lyrics. This is probably because there are very few complete recordings. The missing verse is verse 4 and goes as follows:-

And so since time began, we have been hunted
Through oceans that were our home, we have been haunted.
From Eskimoes in canoes, to mighty whalers,
Still you ignored our plea,
None came to save us.
(c) 1986 Friendly Overtures

There are altogether some 35 recorded versions of the song, more if I include those I've learned of by reading the various messages herein. If anyone wants a complete list please e-mail me on [e-mail]

2. Re: rich r: The song is also available in a small songbook entitled The World Turns ( Earth Movements in Contemporary Folk Song ) Published by Friendly Overtures. This also includes another of Andy's songs " Nut Brown Ale" and several other good songs.

3. Re:Kevin Ryan: I agree about Sheena Wellington's version. This appeared shortly after the first recording and the only totally complete one by Bryony on Dragon records. Both in 1986.

Do you have any further information about Jean Redpath's version? I've not heard about this one

4. Re: GUEST [e-mail]: You mention two recordings that you have. "Water Sign" and "Ancient Mariners" I've not heard about these either. Can you give me any further info. i.e label, release dates, album title, etc.

Andy has not made a commercial release of his song.

5. Re:Dave (the ancient Mariner): I'd love to have a copy of your recording. Could you please e-mail me [e-mail] and let me know how I can acquire one.

6. Re: Jeremiah McCaw: Wolfestone eh? Do you have any other detail? ie. release date, label. album title etc.

7. Re: Liz the Squeak: Andy has not made a commercial recording but you are right about Towersey ( Near Thame in Oxfordshire, UK) This brilliant international festival runs every August Bank Holiday and Andy is usually there. So are many people with hand-held recorders, so I guess there are quite a few "private" recordings around.

8. Re Animaterra: The release by Angels in Daring in 1986 was the first US one that I came across and I agree it is great and set the scene in terms of there arrangement for others that followed.

Forgive me, but can you please explain Hearme?

9.Re: Lena: How intersting to hear of Roy Bailey's performance in Australia. Do you know of any other performers' versions. Are there other recordings available?

Well dear readers, I hope I have not bored you senseless. I'd love to hear from anyone who can help with my research.

All the best,

Michael Batory.^^

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathon
From: Allan C.
Date: 06 Oct 00 - 07:42 AM

Welcome to the Mudcat, Michael!

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathon
From: GUEST,Michael Batory
Date: 06 Oct 00 - 07:49 AM

Thanks Alan. I look forward to an interesting association.

Miahael.

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathon
From: Jock Morris
Date: 06 Oct 00 - 10:31 AM

Wolfstone are a Scottish Band, not Irish. After a brief spell of a breakup they are back, but I believe they are without Ivan Drever now. I've heard them live doing the Last Leviathan and it's brilliant.

Scott Davies

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathon
From: Morticia
Date: 06 Oct 00 - 10:36 AM

Michael, welcome....I've been listening to Andy do this song for the last... I dunno,... 8 or 9 years I guess, never heard him do the last verse, why is that?

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathon
From: WyoWoman
Date: 06 Oct 00 - 10:46 AM

I had been planning on doing this on my Mudcat concert on Hearme Oct. 19. I learned it from the Rory Block CD, and I thought she said "burn" as well. In fact, I was going to find this thread to see if anyone explained what the "burn" reference meant. I'll listen to it again, but I honestly believe she says "burn." Maybe whoever wrote the lyrics on the CD cover thought it was "gun?" Just a thought.

I'm not going to be running afoul of any copyright issues if I sing it for a small, albeit world-wide, audience and don't make a penny on it, am I?

Welcome to the Mudcat, Michael, and thanks for your information and questions.

Regards,

WyoWoman

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathon
From: Peg
Date: 06 Oct 00 - 12:38 PM

also, for those interested, the new Solas CD has a recording of this song, sung by their new singer Deidre Scanlon (she sang it beautifully in concert, too!)

They call it "The Last of the Great Whales."

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathon
From: Joe Offer
Date: 06 Oct 00 - 03:39 PM

Hi, Michael - HearMe is a slick little program that allows us to sing to each other. It's not an actual part of Mudcat, but we have some clever people who have set things up so we can easily make use of it. You'll find links to HearMe in our FAQ thread, and in the QuickLinks you'll find on most Mudcat pages. When there's a session going on, you'll see a thread about it in the Forum. You have to download the HearMe program the first time you log on, but it's a fairly simple process.
-Joe Offer (also sent by e-mail)-

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathon
From: GUEST,Bardford
Date: 06 Oct 00 - 04:23 PM

This may qualify as thread creep, but even the whales we still have are still under attack. Its seems the U.S. Navy is going ahead with plans to deploy low frequency active sonar for submarine detection. 235 decibels. This is sad and scary. Here's a link (hope it works):

Click here

Bardford

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathon
From: richardw
Date: 06 Oct 00 - 05:33 PM

The first time I heard this song it was sung by the late great David Perry at a Toronto Story Telling Festival about 5 years ago. David included in an hour-long program where he quoted a early whaler's journal, told a few other whale stories and returned to this song as the link or theme. It was stunning. I wept. I could not move at the end. I believe he used the oft-missing verse 4.

I don't know if David ever recorded the program. I wish he had.

Ricahrd Wright

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathon
From: Barbara
Date: 06 Oct 00 - 09:25 PM

Anyone care to have a go at posting the tune?
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: ANENT: Whale songs
From: Haruo
Date: 06 Oct 00 - 09:42 PM

Father Mapple's hymn The Ribs and Terrors in the Whale from chapter 9 of Moby-Dick is in my online hymnal, as is the Dutch Reformed metrical psalm text Death and the Terrors of the Grave it was modeled on. I have set both to Old 100th — we have sung Melville's text to that tune at Fremont Baptist, and it's in my Jonah "comic worship oratorio", Jonah was a Prophet (Minor) — but would welcome suggestions of more authentic and/or potentially authentic plus more interesting settings. I'd especially like to find something of Billings's to sing them to. PM me if you want. And while I've got Billings on the brain, I might as well mention my version of his "When Jesus Wept" canon, with links to both one-voice and four-voice MIDIs. No Leviathanic connections there, just an aside.

Liland
Busy preparing my Esperanto translation
of MD for next year's centennial

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathon
From: GUEST,Joseph
Date: 07 Oct 00 - 12:46 AM

As a Greenie and preservationist, I applaud the motivation of the song. But as a folkie and a musician, I am sorry to disagree with the majority of posts here. I find the song to be mediocre, badly written and overly sentimental. Kenny Rogers should record it, collect his CWA award and put a final nail in it.

Subject: Tune Add: LAST LEVIATHAN /LAST OF THE GREAT WHALES
From: GUEST,Kernow Jon
Date: 07 Oct 00 - 03:17 PM

Barbara I have mailed you a .gif I know you have problems with you ABC.
X:1
T:THE LAST OF THE GREAT WHALES
M:4/4
L:1/4
K:D
D/-A|AG/F/G3/2A/|A3z/D/|G3/2F/E3/2-F/-|D3D|
A3/2F/G3/2A/|A3z/D/|G3/2F/E2-
|D3A6/8A/4|A3/2A/4A/4B3/2G/|
A3d|=c3/2B/A2-|B2-B6/8D/4 D6/8D/4|A-A6/8F/4
G3/2A/|A3D|G3/2F/E2-|D2||

% Output from ABC2Win Version 2.1 h on 10/7/2000
KJ ^^

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: GUEST,michael batory
Date: 09 Oct 00 - 11:57 AM

Thanks to everyone for the superb response, please keep the information flowing. A few replies:-

1. Morticia:

When you say last verse do you mean the repeat of the first? I can't imagine Andy not singing the Sons and Daughters verse, but I can understanding his leaving out the repeat, because the dramatic thrust is the next in line bit.

2.WyoWoman:

Yes Rory Block does say " Burn" and it really annoys andy who generally does not mind these things. He wrote " Gun" but Melanie Harrold told me that she misheard the word on a bad recording and used "Burn"> as I understand it the song then went to Anne Marie Middleton from Disney Moon and Burn appeared again. Rory B. then picked it up, I believe from Melanie and Burn travelled to the U>S>

Re copyright issues. There are always copyright issues when performing copyright works anywhere. I should check them with MPA.

3. Peg : I'm delighted that the Solas album is available at last. I'll buy a copy asap.

4. Joe Offer: Thanks again for the info.

5.Richard W: Thanks very much for the info re David Perry & Toronto.

6. Barbara: Why not buy it. There's plenty of choice and that way the writer and the artist can earn a living.

7. Guest Joseph: Yes lots of people feel like you do about the song, but I have to tell you that there are a whole lot who do not.

All the best . Michael Batory.

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathon
From: Jo Taylor
Date: 09 Oct 00 - 07:07 PM

Guest Joseph, have you ever heard Andy sing his own song? It brings a raucous crowd of ale-filled Morris men* to silence. Truly moving.

Jo Taylor

* Disclaimer. Note small 'm'. Women dance Morris too and can also make a lot of noise.

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathon
From: GUEST,michael batory
Date: 10 Oct 00 - 04:39 AM

Well said Jo. If the beer tent at Towersey is quiet, as oten or not it is because Andy is singing ( Sometimes it is Dave Webber though)

Michael.

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathon
From: harpmolly
Date: 26 Oct 00 - 01:42 PM

Ooooh, I just heard Deirdre sing this last night (Solas concert in Portland, OR.) Yowza. Guest Joe, you're entitled to your opinion, but if you heard Deirdre and co. do it, you might just have to reevaluate. Or you might not. ;)

*shiver*

gotta learn it...gotta learn it...

Molly

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathon
From:
Date: 21 Apr 01 - 08:37 AM

The Fisherman's Friends have just recorded this on "Suck 'em and sea" FTDC03 (www.fivetree.com)

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathon
From: Scuttlebutt
Date: 21 Apr 01 - 07:25 PM

reading this thread I am very suprised that no one has mentioned Louis Killens version - like others I am a keen whale and dolphin conservation type of person, and for me Lou's version is the definitive one, his use of a synthetic organ to create whale sounds is truly amazing.

For those who have his tape of The Rose in June will know what I mean. For anyone interested this was re released last week on an improved CD with 2 additional tracks.

Anyone interested should contact www.chanteycabin.com

Jan L

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: GUEST,Trevor
Date: 13 Sep 01 - 08:32 AM

Hi,

I read with interest GUEST,Alan F at Office comments on Melanie Harrolds version. I have for sometime now been trying to find a copy of the CD The Last Leviathan by Olly Blanchflower & Melanie Harrold.

An old friend had a copy some 5 years ago, and yes, the whole album will make your hair depart on the next plane.

Any pointers as to where I might be able to buy this CD or get a copy would be very gratefully received.

Regards

Trevor Boult

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: breezy
Date: 13 Sep 01 - 07:07 PM

does Andy Barnes ever get over to st. albans?

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: The Admiral
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 03:25 AM

Well, he lives in Milton Keynes so he's not too far away.. I'm sorry I don't have his email address to hand but he will be at Whittlebury being one of the leading lights

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: GUEST,micca at work
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 04:51 AM

and what a magical rendition he gave of it at Towersey this year....With Liz the Squeak singing descant, and all the usual suspects ( heavily laced with mudcatters) singing the choruses... absolutly indescribable

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: GUEST,Alan F (aka Lanfranc) at the Office
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 05:23 AM

Melanie Harrold's version was on her CD with Ollie Blanchflower "From the Heart".

Melanie (aka Joanna Carlin and Irma Cetas) seems to have retired from the live scene (Pity!) and now works as a singing teacher.

I have called her to enquire how to get hold of a copy of the CD (I'm not parting from mine, and will only provide a tape if the CD is unavailable, for obvious reasons). Will post again sometime next week when she gets back to me (she's out of town at present).

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: GUEST,Trevor
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 08:16 AM

Hi Alan,

That will be excellent news if you can do that. I am sure that Melanie recorded a CD with Ollie called The Last Leviathan. Maybe I was wrong. Could you post a track listing of "From the Heart" please to see if I recognise any of the other tracks. Maybe you could ask her if she has ever recorded an album with Ollie called The Last Leviathan.

TIA

Trevor

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: lady penelope
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 05:51 PM

My choir sing this song ( acapella ) and the arrangement that we sing makes it hard to get through it with anything like the right breathing. The worst bit is singing the third verse where just the sopranos and altos sing the words, very softly, with the tenors and the bass ( we usually only have the one! ) aahh-ing along. Sniff!

TTFN M'Lady P.

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: Lanfranc
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 05:54 PM

Trevor, here's the tracklist

"From the Heart" OMCD003 (c) Olanie Music 1990

1. The Last Leviathan
2. Rabbits
3. When the Spell (is Broken)
4. Terri
5. Do Nothing 'til you Hear From Me
6. Blind Alley
7. Jigsaw
8. Flowers of the Forest
9. Captain
10. East Coast of England
11. Outskirts of London
12. From the Heart

My daughter has a couple of other Mel & Ollie albums, she's in Turkey at present and has them with her, but I am pretty sure that this is the album in question.

Trevor, you don't have to lurk as a guest, join the throng. It is worthwhile, believe me.

Alan

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: Trevor_UK
Date: 17 Sep 01 - 09:34 AM

Hi Alan,

*lurk mode off*

Many thanks for the track listing, my memory is very vague but if you were to push me I'd say this was a different album.

None of the other tracks immediately jumps out at me; I'm trying to dig deep but nothings coming back. I Think I remember The Last Leviathan being the last track on the album if that's any help.

I'm still hunting and will let you know how I get on.

Regards

Trevor

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: CharlieA
Date: 18 Sep 01 - 04:42 AM

Ok - the origins of the song are thus. He wrote the song for a festival calle d the hunting of the earl of rone in Combe Martin, N Devon. He is a great guy and has a lovely family. as to his singing the last verse - he sings it every time there. I think that even having heard him sing it 10 - 15 times it still makes me well with tears. if anyone wants his email i think i have it somewhere so send me a message (with some credentials! he's a good family friend) and i'll find it for you. You should also hear his wife Jan sing - she has one of the lovliest voices i've heard Cxxx

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: Trevor_UK
Date: 18 Sep 01 - 07:55 AM

Alan,

Below is some more information regarding Melanie Harrold from the AMG Music Guide. On her album "Blue Angel" was that song performed by her or was it just a name for her album? What did her voice sound like?

Born May 5, 1951 Years Active 70's Genres Rock Instruments Vocals Labels Munich Records (2), DJM (2) Performed Songs By: Traditional Worked With: Chris While Neill MacColl Julie Matthews Daphne's Flight Olly Blanchflower Pete Zorn Helen Watson Julian Littman Barb Jungr Tommy Eyre Christine Collister B.J. Cole Richard Brunton Stackridge Jackie McAuley Ashley Hutchings Jerry Donahue Boss Brothers Gerry Rafferty 1977 Fancy That (As Joanna Carlin) DJM 1979 Blue Angel DJM 1990 The Last Leviathan Munich **** 1993 Instinctive Behaviour Munich Records

**** this looks like what I'm looking for, I've emailed Munich records to see if they can help.

Trevor

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: GUEST,Lanfranc at the orifice
Date: 18 Sep 01 - 09:34 AM

Trevor,

Melanie's voice was pretty damned amazing, if you haven't heard her CDs or performances, you've missed out.

It's entirely possible that the "Last Leviathan" track was reused on another album, the one I have was a private recording, which probably explains it's comparative rarity.

I haven't heard from her yet, but will post again when I do.

Alan

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: Trevor_UK
Date: 18 Sep 01 - 11:02 AM

Oops I did a copy and paste and have just read what I posted, seems it was a reply to someone who hadn't heard her voice.

I have heard her voice and as you say its amazing, hence my motivation to hunt out the CD. The track TLL actially had a friend of mine in tears. (she'd recently lost her mum at the time)

I found a couple of other mentions for the "The Last Leviathan" album with Olly, its out there I'm sure.

Thanks for your help Alan.

Trev

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: GUEST,MICHAEL BATORY
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 08:20 AM

I have two listings by Melanie and Ollie.

1. " From The heart " Label: Olanie: Cat.No.OM 002 2. " The Last Leviathan" Label: Munich.Cat.No. MRCD152

Hope this helps.

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: Trevor_UK
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 08:26 AM

Hi Michael,

Does this mean you have The Last Leviathan CD (MRCD152) in your possesion? or is it just to confim that the album actually exists?

Thanks for the Cat No's

Regards

Trevor

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: Trevor_UK
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 09:32 AM

Hi Peeps,

The hunting is a over, you know I had this strange notion this CD would be nigh on impossible to find, hence me hunting out all references to Melanie and Olly.

Imagine my surprise when I go to http://www.hmv.co.uk and they've got the album there. Wasn't even difficult to find, just did a search on artist named Harrold and Bobs your uncle, their it is in all its glory...

I recommend this CD to everyone, an absolute belter, well, you know, a belter in the folky sense.

I now wait, and wait for it to arrive.

Thanks for everyone's help in tracking this CD down.

Regards

Trevor

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: GUEST,BB
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 05:59 PM

'The Last of the Great Whales' is the title Andy originally gave it.

There is a recording of Andy singing it at the 1983 'Song & Ale' weekend in Northamptonshire, England, I believe the first time he sang it out, certainly very shortly after he wrote it, but this is not a commercially available recording. It does not include the 'none came to save us' verse, which he wrote later.

To Joseph Guest - what is the purpose of a song? Surely, to communicate, which is what this song does, whatever its faults may be. When you hear upwards of a hundred people listening in silence and then sensitively joining together in the chorus, it is impossible to feel that this is anything but a 'good' song.

To Charlie C - The Hunting of the Earl of Rone is not a festival, but a village custom, and Andy most certainly didn't write 'The Last of the Great Whales' for it. He didn't attend the custom for several years after the writing of it, although he is now expected, even 'required' to sing it every year by the village residents - and I know, because I'm the secretary of the organisation which runs it!

It's a long time since I visited Mudcat Cafe - I didn't even realise that messages could be posted on it! I may visit more often.

Best wishes to all.

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: GUEST,michael batory
Date: 21 Sep 01 - 04:25 AM

Hello Trevor,

Yes I do have the CD. But I guess you do too now, or shortly will have. All the best.

Michael.

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: Lanfranc
Date: 21 Sep 01 - 05:56 AM

Glad it's all worked out.

Spoke to Melanie on Wednesday, and she said that "From the Heart" is only available on Cassette at present. I, too, have ordered "Last Leviathan" from HMV, but am going to send the details to Dick Greenhaus with a recommendation to stock a couple of copies. Support local industries!

Melanie doesn't do many gigs these days, but I am working on persuading her to play at one of the Clubs in the London/Essex/Herts area, possibly Stortfolk or the Essex Singers Club.

Watch this space.

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: Trevor_UK
Date: 21 Sep 01 - 11:03 AM

Hi Lanfranc (I won't ask:),

Melanie played in Southampton about 6 years ago, a friend, Pat Begley used to organise nights at a venue next to the Mayflower theatre (name escapes me) and was a big fan of Melanie's and after listening to The Last Leviathan I soon found out why.

I always regretted missing her gig so the chance to see her perform live would be....

I'll definitely watch this space....

Trevor

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: Whiskey
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 05:53 PM

Nice version of the song on Paul Sirman's new CD

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: GUEST,michael batory
Date: 27 Sep 01 - 05:27 AM

Whiskey,

Could you please give more details about Paul Sirman's new CD? Label, Cat. No. where available. etc etc. Thanks Michael Batory. [e-mail].

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: Trevor_UK
Date: 27 Sep 01 - 06:06 AM

The searching is now over in my quest for The Last Leviathan.

My boss is being introduced to what must have been driving him crazy for the last few months, he seems happy. :o)

What next, um....

Thanks everyone Trevor

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: Suffet
Date: 27 Sep 01 - 08:53 AM

One of the most beautiful performances of "The Last Leviathan" is by the vocal quartet Water Sign, with Mudcatter Joy Bennett singing lead. If you live in or around New York City, you will have a chance to hear Water Sign live on Friday night, November 2, 2001, at the Advent Lutheran Church. That's at West 93rd Strret and Broadway on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The show starts at 8 PM. General adult admission is $13, but if you are a member of the New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club the admission is free.

Will they sing "The Last Leviathan"? I don't have an advance copy of their set list, so I cannot say for sure. But if past experience is any guide, the odds are that they will.

---- Steve

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: GUEST,Michael Batory
Date: 28 Sep 01 - 08:24 AM

Hello Suffet,

Do you have any details about a recording, by Water Sign, of The Last Leviathan. If so could you please let me have them? Label, Cat. No. availability, etc.

Thanks

Michael. [e-mail]

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: CharlieA
Date: 28 Sep 01 - 11:39 AM

In reply to guest BB (is that Barbara Brown?) I know - I should know better but festival was the easiest desc. Yes i know all about it cos i go. Thought Andy had written it for us - thought he'd said it once. if not sos to have got it wrong. Cxxx (Charlotte Andrew)

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: Suffet
Date: 29 Sep 01 - 10:06 AM

"The Last Leviathan" is on Water Sign's only CD, simply called "Water Sign." For ordering information, please contact David Kleiman via any of the following methods.

E-mail: [e-mail]

Telephone in the USA: [phone]

Postal mail:
David Kleiman
245 West 75th Street, #1G
New York, NY 10023 [USA]


--- Steve

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: Jo Taylor
Date: 29 Sep 01 - 06:46 PM

Hello Barbara (it is you?)

Amazing who you meet here! I'm in the photo archives from about '88 to '92 or '93, (playing sax & flute, not at the same time) but having moved to France haven't been able to get there in more recent years. Miss it. Still visit CM fairly regularly though, I'd heard you'd moved there. Also remember you from (too) many years ago at Barnstaple Folk Club!

All the best,
Jo Taylor (CM born & bred.)
(Apologies for thread drift!)

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: breezy
Date: 29 Sep 01 - 06:50 PM

Hello Lanfranc I'm interested in engaging Melanie to gig at the silver cup folk club harpenden fridays as I want to hear The Last Leviathan sung the way it should .

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: WyoWoman
Date: 30 Sep 01 - 01:58 PM

This may be posted above and I just missed it, but:

What IS the "burn"? From the context I don't understand.

Also, what "chorus" are people singing along with?

I've found that this song is so sad and so powerful I really have to pick my places and times to sing it. I know lots of sad songs and love singing them--nothing like a good bit of pathos to get us all feeling human-y--but this is truly the saddest I know because of the horrors we continue to perpetrate on the animals on this planet. It makes me want to just jump off a pier if i let myself really get in touch with what we're perpetrating on the beloved creatures we're supposed to be caring for and protecting. I think the Creator is so deeply pissed with us. Not because some of us have committed various of the usual picayune sins, alleged and actual, but because we've made these beautiful creations--entire species--disappear in the blink of an eye.

I want to wear sack cloth and ashes, but never so much as when I hear or sing this song.

ww

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From:
Date: 01 Oct 01 - 03:15 AM

I just heard this song sung today at the "Voices Across America" event in Santa Cruz, CA — remembering and honoring the lives lost on September Eleventh. It was the second or third time I had heard it performed a cappella in Santa Cruz over the past three years. It is the most powerfully moving song I have ever heard. It stuns me every time I hear it sung in a way I cannot say about any other song I know. I cannot hear it without weeping. It is a dirge that gets past all my filters and barriers, goes straight into my heart, helps me awaken to life, and how each of us can act to prevent destruction. Does anyone know the status of what is happening with efforts to prevent our country from deploying the 232 decibel system in the home of the whales, who to contact, etc.? Thanks. Blessings on all who keep bringing this song into our troubled world.

Bruce Williamson

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: GUEST,Michael Batory
Date: 01 Oct 01 - 06:42 AM

Hello Wyo Woman

" Burn " was a mistake.

When I spoke to Melanie about this she told me, if my memory serves me correctly, that she took the lyric from another recording, and heard "burn" instead of "gun".

Interestingly, the versions by Anne Marie Middleton (Disney Moon) and Rory Block also use the word. I think Anne Marie Middleton heard Melanie's version but I would love to know how Rory Block picked this up. Does anyone know or have any suggestions?

Incidentally, Andy Barnes tells me that this is the one lyric change(there are several doing the rounds) that really annoys him - but that's the oral tradition.

Regarding the "chorus", I'm not sure what you mean. The actual chorus as written is " My soul has been torn from me....etc etc " and this usually, but not always, starts and ends the song, sometimes with repeats between each verse.

In my experience this is where audiences really respond. Huge vocal sound and wonderful, spontaneous, harmonies. Yes and on many occasions tears too.

Hope this helps a bit.

All the best,

Michael Batory [e-mail]

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: GUEST,michael batory
Date: 01 Oct 01 - 06:53 AM

Hello Guest ([e-mail])

Could you possibly tell me who performed The Last Leviathan at the Voices across America event in Santa Cruz.

The other versions you heard, were they by the same performers?

Michael Batory. [e-mail]

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: GUEST,BB
Date: 03 Oct 01 - 02:26 PM

Hi Charlotte, glad to know you're here! And glad to have been able to put you right on that one - Andy was almost speechless! We've all been wondering who on earth Charlie A. could be - we didn't think we knew any (right) Charlies. Love, B

And Jo, nice to be in contact again. E-mail me privately on and we'll let you know what's going on in the area in case you can get to something when you're next in CM.

And we'll now take our reunions into the realm of our private e-mails. Sorry everyone.

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: WyoWoman
Date: 03 Oct 01 - 10:53 PM

Thanks, Michael. I will alter my notes accordingly.

By the way, Bruce, I don't know how to lodge a protest about this, but I do know the research apparently is continuing. If I can find out details, I'll email you the information.

ww

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: Jo Taylor
Date: 04 Oct 01 - 05:16 PM

Hello Barbara,

Thanks for the reply.
Sorry, you didn't put in your email address (and you're not a member so I can't send a personal message), so I've had to reply here. Mine's [e-mail], I'd love to hear from you.

Jo
In the Normandie cultural desert...
more apologies for thread drift

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: Jo Taylor
Date: 04 Oct 01 - 05:20 PM

Ignore last post, just looked at HTML source and found BB's email address in pointy brackets, which is why it didn't appear...
Jo

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: GUEST,Skipper Jack
Date: 05 Oct 01 - 02:13 PM

I have a vinyl recording of The Last Leviathan by a group called Bryony who were, Alisa MacKenzie; Cathy Yarwood and Alison Younger. They called the song, "Last Of The Great Whales".

Rory Block's rendering on her CD, Tornado is also in my collection.

I too have had the privelage of hearing the composer Andy himself singing this moving song at Bromyard Festival a number of years ago.

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From:
Date: 09 Oct 01 - 03:49 AM

Yes, the version by Bryony is the first recording of the song and, in spite of the 50 +, mostly good, recordings, is considered by many people to be the definitive one. It is sung in full, contains all the verses and is about 7 minutes long. Great harmonies too.

Michael.

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: GUEST,michael batory.
Date: 16 Oct 01 - 11:18 AM

Hello Bruce,

Any word about the performer of The Last Leviathan in the Voices Across America concert?

Michael Batory [e-mail]

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 16 Oct 01 - 04:32 PM

and what a magical rendition he gave of it at Towersey this year....With Liz the Squeak singing descant, and all the usual suspects ( heavily laced with mudcatters) singing the choruses... absolutly indescribable What Micca didn't say was that Andy ASKED me to sing it with him.... blush blush, deeply humbled... I don't think I'll be able to do it for a while, I'm still too full of Rod Shearman - Andy stole the line 'the big feller' from his song 'Is the Big Feller gone', and Rod would smile into his beer every time it was sung.

LTS

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: GUEST,David Clinch
Date: 18 Feb 02 - 04:16 PM

Some amazing links here. I first heard this song in McGanns pub in Doolin Co Clare a few years ago by a guy who sang it achingly and beautifully. I've been reading up on the whale that sank the whaling ship the 'Essex'in 1820 in the Pacific Ocean. The account by the first mate Owen Chase inspired the writer and sailor Herman Melville to write 'Moby Dick'. 'In the Heart of the Sea' by Nathaniel Philbrick is a great intro to the story of the sinking and the survival of some of the crew.Chase's account and that of the cabin boy on the ship, Thomas Nickerson can be purchased in Penguin. I am currently trying to find a link with Hugh O'Neill Earl of Tyrone, (who defeated the British forces at The Battle of Yellow River in 1601 and whose own army was then defeated at Kinsale soon after)and Combe Martin. The 'Hunting of the Earl of Rone'? O'Neill had to flee Ulster with the Earl of Tyrconnell, hence the 'Flight of the Earls'. Any information would be gratefully received.

Finally I get to play music (uilleann pipes and low whistle)and sing sometimes on Thursdays each week at Bideford Folk Club at the 'Joiners'. I'd love to hear the song sung there. Best wishes Dave Clinch

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: Navillus
Date: 19 Feb 02 - 03:52 AM

there is a similar song by Johnny McEvoy called "Grandad did you ever see a whale" It is not as good as Last Leviathan, but the meaning is as strong

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: GUEST,Sheena Wellington
Date: 04 Apr 02 - 03:22 PM

Just caught up with this thread -Melanie heard me sing it at St Andrews Folk Club. She and Ollie stayed with us and we swapped CDs (or it might have been vinyl in them there days!) . I sing "gun" but she heard it as "burn" and Anne Marie Middleton learned the song from her. I'm working on my diction.

I first heard it at Girvan Folk Fesival in the earl 1980s and recorded it in 1985. Sitll reduces audiences to tears!

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 04 Apr 02 - 06:25 PM

Welcome to the Mudcat, Sheena!

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: Watson
Date: 05 Apr 02 - 07:06 AM

As a matter of interest, where is this song in DigiTrad?
I've tried every way I can think of to search for it, but I've drawn a blank so far.

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: Noreen
Date: 05 Apr 02 - 07:24 AM

It's not in there yet, Watson, (though it's been marked as harvested) but it's available just as easily in this thread throught the Digitrad and Forum Search.

Noreen

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: Watson
Date: 05 Apr 02 - 07:31 AM

Thanks Noreen,
Yes, it was the fact that it had been marked as harvested that made me wonder if there was something amiss. After all, this thread has quite a long history, I would have thought the song should be in the database by now.

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: Snuffy
Date: 05 Apr 02 - 08:07 AM

The database is normally updated twice a year in April and October, but there have been problems in converting it to work with the latest operating systems, I think.

The current version at Mudcat is as of October '99, so anything posted in the last two-and-a-half years has not yet made it here. ButI believe several of the later updates have been done and are available in takeaway form.

WassaiL! V

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: Watson
Date: 05 Apr 02 - 08:37 AM

Thanks, I'm relatively new here, and I'm still finding out how it all works. I thought if lyrics have been marked as harvested that meant they had been put in the database, or at least they had been marked and would be included fairly soon.
The lyrics at the top of this thread were entered in September '98, so I'm just drawing on the knowledge of more experienced members to see if anything is wrong that needs to be put right.

And a reciprocal WassaiL! from me!

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 05 Apr 02 - 08:50 AM

Danny Spooner (English-born Australian) has just released a great CD of sea songs "Launch out of the Deep" which contains The Last of the Great Whales, with 6 verses (verse 1 repeated at end as chorus) - learnt from Martin Carthy.

www.dannyspooner.com

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: Tam the bam fraeSaltcoatsScotland
Date: 05 Apr 02 - 12:12 PM

A Scottish group called Gaberlunzie do it as well as a man called Stephen Quigg, who is now a member of The MacCalums

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 05 Apr 02 - 05:40 PM

And I thought he'd joined the McCalmans ... :-)

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 08 Apr 02 - 12:08 AM

G'day Watson,

Yes ... the ^^ means they have been harvested ... but the last version of the DT to bre made available seems to be 1999 vintage. It takes a lot of work for Dick (or, whoever he can get to do the job) to get this out and we are waithng with bated breath for the next update (in real world computers, that is ... it has come out in MacSpeak).

Regards,

Bob Bolton

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: GUEST,Terry McDonald
Date: 08 Apr 02 - 12:02 PM

Just noticed this one. I learned it three or four years ago from the Newfoundland band "The Irish Descendants" although they call it "The last of the great whales." It's on one of their early CDs and it's a great version.

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: GUEST,MICHAEL BATORY
Date: 11 Apr 02 - 08:56 AM

Great to hear from Sheena Wellington and, personally speaking at least, to have a few of those " Who heard it from Whom " gaps filled.

I now understand the Sheena , Melanie Harrold and Anne Marie Middleton (Disney Moon) link, but can anybody explain how Rory Block also sings "burn" on her album Tornado?

Sheena, I seem to recall reading, possibly in the liner notes on your Kerelaw album, that you heard the song from Jim Donahue. Was that at Girvan?

The discography is "daily growing", (now that sounds familiar),67 releases so far, including reissues etc.

If anybody wants a copy of the definitive (I hope) list, please email me and I'll happily oblige.

Regards to all,

Michael Batory [e-mail].

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From:
Date: 27 May 02 - 02:18 PM

Have the lyrics to 'The Last Leviathan' can anyone help out with the sheet music (ideally for guitar with chords) Thanks Drumbanger

Subject: The Last of the Great Whales
From:
Date: 27 May 02 - 02:23 PM

Have lyrics to this song, can anyone help out with sheet music (preferably for guitar with chords)

Thanks

Drumbanger

Subject: RE: The Last of the Great Whales
From: Celtic.Relics.com
Date: 27 May 02 - 03:04 PM

Newfoundland based band, The Irish Descendants, recorded the song on their second album "Look To The Sea". It's one of the best version I've heard. Check out their website at http://www.irishdescendants.com/

Subject: RE: The Last of the Great Whales
From: Stewie
Date: 27 May 02 - 07:13 PM

Danny Spooner does a cracker version of this on his beaut recent CD of songs of the sea: 'Launch Out on the Deep' DS 005. He uses the original title, 'The Last of the Great Whales', and notes that his source was from Martin Carthy.

Danny Spooner

Danny is probably the best and most knowledgeable singer in Australia of traditional and folk idiom songs. Check him out if you do not know his work - you won't regret it. He is appearing at various UK and European folk festivals and events over the next few months. UK and European 'catters can check out his schedule in the above link.

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: The Last of the Great Whales
From: Hrothgar
Date: 28 May 02 - 06:52 AM

Don't miss Danny. Lovely man, lovely singer.

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: Tam the bam fraeSaltcoatsScotland
Date: 28 May 02 - 02:18 PM

The McCalmans do a version of this song on their new cd it's sung by Stephen Quigg.

It's also done by the dubliners and gaberlunzie.

Tom

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: GUEST,Cadence Carroll
Date: 02 Sep 02 - 12:37 PM

Dear Charlie, I just posted a message to you but I'm going to try from here too. I'm not to familiar with message boards so I am so sorry if you get my message twice! I have recorded the Last Leviathan on my new release "Evolve". It is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard and I would like nothing more than to be able to write to Andy and tell him as much. If there is anyway you can put me in touch with him I'd appreciate it. I can be reached through my website, CadenceCarroll.com

Thanks! Sincerely, Cadence Carroll USA

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: GUEST,Chris Harvey,Cock Robin Music
Date: 02 Sep 02 - 07:52 PM

Followers of this thread may have noticed that the authority on the song 'Last of the Great Whales',Mike Batory cites that the Bryony version is the definitive and complete version, Andy Barnes having given Bryony the extra verse just prior to their recording on 23rd November 1985. I am pleased to tell you that we will be reissuing this track along with the rest of the album,and some extra tracks,in the near future on CD. If you would like further details of this unique and definitive version please email me on [e-mail] titling the email 'Bryony recording' so I don't mix it up with spam. Chris Harvey,Cock Robin Music ,Lancashire.

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: BB
Date: 08 Sep 02 - 04:58 PM

Tried your website, Cadence, to give you a contact for Andy, but it wasn't available for some reason.

Why not register with Mudcat, so that I can send you a personal message?

All the best

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 09 Sep 02 - 08:04 AM

Surely the "authority on the song" is Andy Barnes.

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: Willa
Date: 09 Sep 02 - 07:17 PM

Refreshing the thread for BC, who has posted a request for info.

Subject: Lyr Add: THE LAST OF THE GREAT WHALES (Andy Barnes
From: GUEST,Andy Barnes
Date: 10 Sep 02 - 08:40 PM

Whoops, sorry folks hit the wrong key

What I was going to say was here is the complete original version. The fact it's being sent on the 11th September is purely coincidental and was prompted by BC's request, but it feels entirely appropriate...

I don't look at the Mudcat list as often as I'd like but as there are a number of requests re contact my e-mail is

[e-mail]

Please feel free to get in touch.

Andy

THE LAST OF THE GREAT WHALES
(Andy Barnes)

CHORUS: My soul has been torn from me and I am bleeding
My heart it has been rent and I am crying
For the beauty around me pales and I am screaming
I am the last of the Great Whales and I am dying.

Last night I heard the cry of my last companion
The roar of the harpoon gun, then I was alone
I reflected on days gone by when we were thousands
For I know I soon must die the last leviathan.

This morning the sun did rise crimson in the north sky
The ice was the colour of blood and the wind did sigh
I rose to take a breath it was my last one
From the gun came the roar of death and now I am gone

And e'er since time began we have been haunted
Through the oceans that were our home we have been hunted
From Eskimos in canoes to mighty whalers
Still you ignored our plea none came to save us

Now that we're no more, there's no more hunting
The big feller is now gone there's no use lamenting
What race is next in line all for the slaughter?
The elephant or the seal or your sons and daughters?

WORDS AND MUSIC - Andy Barnes AUGUST 1883

COPYRIGHT 1986 - FRIENDLY OVERTURES

HTML line breaks added. --JoeClone, 6-Oct-02.

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: Noreen
Date: 11 Sep 02 - 07:02 AM

...or 1983...

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: GUEST,Andy Barnes
Date: 11 Sep 02 - 11:59 AM

Thanks - usual situation hit submit re-read mail - to late was the cry!

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: BB
Date: 11 Sep 02 - 05:17 PM

Get it together, Andy! God, I hope you're going to be in a better state in a fortnight's time!

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 11 Sep 02 - 09:11 PM

G'day all,

This thread has become too long for some older machines, lousy ISPs and dodgy connections (and for my friend Sandra in Sydney, so I have started a "follow-on" thread (and almost spelled the name correctly ...!)at:

The Last Leviathon - struggles on

Regards,

Bob Bolton

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: GUEST,IAN RIPPEY
Date: 03 Nov 02 - 08:45 PM

Dear All,

When searching the Internet for something about Andy Barnes, who wrote the song "The Last Leviathan" (or it seems, more properly called "The Last of the Great Whales")I came across this thread; the posting by Charlie A on 18.9.2001 (sorry this is the first time I have visited this newsgroup)at least gives some info. on him.

I have heard the song only on the CD by Golden Bough called "Best of Golden Bough" (which I bought about 2-3 years ago 2nd hand) on which it is called "The Last Leviathan" and on which the lyrics differ slightly, or I may be suffering from "Mondegreens" (see below, as I thought "When we were thousands" was "When we were cousins" (on reflection I suppose the former makes sense). They also omit the extra verse added by Andy Barnes later. I originally bought the CD because Eric Bogle's "Green Fields of France" was on it, which I had only heard sung once or twice many years ago at private parties, etc; I had never heard LOTGW/TLL until then, but found it very impressive.

I was surprised to hear that so many people (c. 50) have recorded the song though someone playing at a local folk night had told me that they heard it on a Dubliners album; someone also had the lyrics under the title "Last of the Great Whales". I don't know whether me singing it a few times at folk nights in local pubs (including last Friday night) counts as 51! (I am a pretty mediocre and non-professional singer (living in Co. Armagh, Northern Ireland, I nearly forgot to add), but it must be a tribute to the song that it seems to go down well, though I think it would be best sung by a woman with a higher voice.

I presume most of you know what a Mondegreen is, but in case you don't, it is a misheard song lyric, such as "Kiss this guy" instead of "Kiss the sky" on a Jimi Hendrix song, or "The ants are my friends" instead of "The answer, my friends" in Bob Dylan's "Blowing in the Wind". The term was invented by one Sylvia Wright (I think about the 1950s or 1960s), who on hearing a Scottish song called "The Bonnie Earl of Moray" with the lines: "They have slain the Earl of Moray, and laid him on the Green" thought it was "They have slain the Earl of Moray and Lady Mondegreen". Useful to know in table quizzes, etc. There are at least 1 or 2 websites devoted to this subject though most of the Mondegreens I have looked at are not very amusing.

That reminds me of another derivation of a word. Although not directly concerned with Folk Music, did anyone see Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees on the Frank Skinner show on TV on Saturday night (2nd November)? He has apparently been in show biz for 40 years, but managed to look far younger than in the clip where the Bee Gees sang 2Massachussetts", where of course he had long hair and a beard. In fact he could have passed for 21! Anyway, it came up that when about 8 in Liverpool RG had a reputation as an arsenist (There was a lot of "arsen about" in Liverpool then - I suppose everyone should have their 15 minutes of flame, as Andy Warhol almost said) and the family moved to Australia (prompting Frank Skinner to ask "Do they still send criminals to Australia?" Anyway, Robin Gibb then said that "Pommie" (Aussie slang for a Briton or at least an English person) derives from "Prisoner of Mother England". Can anyone confirm this (or otherwise)?

One last request - does anyone know whether the song "The Bold Librarian" is available on any album, etc? It was apparently written by one Joy Rutherford about 1976 (Joy I think runs a folk club in Cambridge). The lyrics appear on the Digital Tradition Mirror website (I think the address is something like sniff.numachi.com, ie without the www. in front)and it is apparently sung to the well-known folk tune "Sullivan('s) John)which I can remember vaguely from a Dubliners album years ago. As monthly folk evenings are held in my local library in Portadown I thought it would be good to get someone to sing it, though failing that it could be recited like a poem.

IAN RIPPEY, COUNTY ARMAGH, UK, 4.11.2002

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 04 Nov 02 - 07:50 PM

Ian, welcome to the Mudcat! I'm sure you'll come back again - and again - and again ... like most of us.
Sorry to disappoint you, but you're not (yet) no 51 - that number is about recordings. The song must have been sung by thousands in concerts and sessions!
Also, if you like Eric Bogle's song, better get used to calling it 'No Man's Land' - which is what Eric calls it. From what I hear he doesn't take kindly to the title the Fureys invented :-)!
See ya!

Subject: RE: The Last Leviathan
From: GUEST,IAN RIPPEY
Date: 05 Nov 02 - 08:51 AM

Dear All,


Thanks to Suzanne for putting me right about "The Green Fields of France" being called "No Man's Land". I still think somehow that this is a more memorable title than "No Man's Land" and ditto for "The Last Leviathan" vis a vis "The Last of the Great Whales", though one must respect the original author's intention.

Of course I was only joking about number 51 to sing "The Last Leviathan"- obviously with such as good song, many people will choose to sing it.

Does anyone know if the song called "The Bold Librarian" by Joy Rutherford has been recorded on album anywhere?

Finally, as a "Guest", is there any way of sending an e-mail direct to any person who has posted an E-mail to this group (such that it can only be read by them?) or does one have to "join"?

IAN RIPPEY 5.11.2002

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Last Leviathan
From: GUEST,IAN RIPPEY
Date: 05 Nov 02 - 08:54 AM

Dear All,

Regarding my last E-mail (5.11.2002) in this Thread, I have now found how to get the E-mail addresses of individual Mudcat members.

IAN RIPPEY 5.11.2002

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Last Leviathan
From: Noreen
Date: 05 Nov 02 - 02:21 PM

Why not join, Ian? It's free, and easy!

Subject: RE: The Last of the Great Whales
From:
Date: 21 Nov 02 - 06:33 PM

The female folk group "Bryony" released an album in 1986 entitled "Last Of The Great Whales" with The Andy Barnes composition as the vocal only title track. I can't play it any more as it breaks my heart every time I hear this version.

Bryony are/were:-

Alisa Mackenzie
Cathy Yarwood
Alison Younger

I'm not sure if the Album is still available or if Dragon Records still exist, but their address was:-

5, Church Street,
Aylesbury,
Bucks.

Album code is:- DRGN 862

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Last Leviathan
From: GUEST,Terry Connolly
Date: 21 Jul 03 - 05:53 PM

In response to Dave Clinch (18 Feb 02): Thanks for the testimonial. I think I'm probably the Yank whom you heard sing the Last of the Great Whales in McGanns.
In response to Andy barnes (10 Sep 02): Thanks for the song--a real classic. I learned it from the Dubliners record. The first time I sang it (a capella, but very much bel canto) in a noisy Irish pub, I got drunk with power--the whole place got completely quiet. This has happened in a number of other pubs in various parts of Ireland & North America, most recently Friday night in East Durham NY during a rowdy Irish Arts Week. Since I couldn't answer inquiries about the authorship, I took to the net today, belatedly, so I can give you my compliments and give you the credit

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Last Leviathan
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Nov 04 - 01:22 PM

If you ever found the chords to The Last Leviathan, sometimes called The Last of the Great Whales, could you please send them to [e-mail]
thanks very much

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Last Leviathan
From: Willa
Date: 18 Nov 04 - 03:53 PM

Guest. here is Andy Barnes' email address [e-mail]. If you scan the posts above you'll see several from him. He posted the full lyrics of his song and may even be willing to answer your request.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Last Leviathan
From: BB
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 04:41 PM

This e-mail address for Andy Barnes is no longer current - I will pass on your request to him.

Barbara

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Last Leviathan
From: GUEST,kuec
Date: 07 Apr 09 - 01:34 PM

There is also a recording by German folk rock band Connemara Stone Company on their CD Birds & Beasts which dates from 2004.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Last Leviathan
From: Sean Mc
Date: 07 Apr 09 - 04:34 PM

Did a version of it myself with Dad about 20 ago...

http://www.myspace.com/larryandsean

Go to ReverbNation player ...Track 7

I have no idea who's version I knicked.....I probably owe them 50p.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Last Leviathan
From: Mr Happy
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 07:41 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-HvcT7BH1s

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Last Leviathan
From: Cats
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 05:23 PM

hearing Andy sing it at Coombe Martin this year was special.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Last Leviathan
From: BB
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 06:02 PM

It was lovely to have you there, Cats - and yes, it always is. (That's *Combe* Martin, by the way.)

Barbara

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Last Leviathan
From: JohnB
Date: 21 Jan 11 - 12:11 AM

Jon Boden Folk Song A Day version is here (at least for a while)
Last-Leviathan
JohnB

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Last Leviathan
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 21 Jan 11 - 03:56 AM

Excellent version.

Dave H

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Last Leviathan
From: goatfell
Date: 21 Jan 11 - 09:07 AM

i thought that Wolfstone were and are Scottish

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Last Leviathan
From: JHW
Date: 21 Jan 11 - 03:45 PM

JohnB thanks for that link to Jon Boden

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Last Leviathan (Andy Barnes)
From: GUEST,Chris Lussier
Date: 03 Mar 11 - 01:13 AM

This is a great song! I learned this beautiful melody about twenty years ago from a recording of The Ancient Mariners Chantymen on their album, "Turning the Tide." Over the years following, I have performed it at different events, always giving credit to Mr Barnes for his inspiring music and lyrics. People in my neck of the woods would always ask me to sing, "That whale song" whenever I was onstage.

Some of the lyrics I use are a bit different than the original words, and I think this is because of the melodic structure that the Mariners used on their recording. The verse that begins, "And e'er since time began..." was not included on the Mariners album, so I never learned that one. But I have enjoyed singing, and playing the flute as if to suggest "whale-song" between the other verses.

I have never financially profited from Andy's tune in all the years that I have known it! But Leviathan and songs like it have helped to define me as a singer and musician here in my little corner of the USA. I most recently performed it at a family concert this past October, and my cousin posted a video to YouTube. Please take a listen if you have a chance! My interpretation also gives people "the chills", but I would love to think that I am staying as true to the original theme as possible. Any and all feedback is graciously welcomed.

If any of you know Andy personally, it would mean the world to me if you would pass along my thanks for his amazing talent and haunting tribute to the Great Whales.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Last Leviathan (Andy Barnes)
From: GUEST,Mike Blackburn
Date: 20 May 11 - 08:07 AM

Hi - the band Wolfstone is neither defunct, nor Irish. They are very much together, touring, and still as Scottish as they ever were.