ADD: Linda Thompson-No telling (what a love song..

Subject: Lyr Req: Linda Thompson-No telling what a love so
From: Spot
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 08:26 AM

Hallo everybody..
                   Searching without success for said lyrics...can anyone help, please....

                   With thanks ...

                      regards to all....Spot

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Linda Thompson-No telling what a love
From: Kevin Sheils
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 08:35 AM

I believe they are on the CD booklet

Subject: Lyr Add: NO TELLING (Linda Thompson)
From: michaelr
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 08:36 AM

NO TELLING (Linda Thompson)

He came in the ballroom, just a crazy old man.
His eyes seemed to glaze in the light.
Just some old hawker, to judge by his rags,
Come in from the cold of the night.
The whole room was dancing, they paid him no mind
As he stepped to the bar and said, "Please be so kind."
And the music kept ringing in the back of his mind.
No telling what a love song will do.

As the queen of the ballroom sang a favourite song,
He stood with his glass in his hand.
He was weary of living the days of his life
And tonight was the last he could stand.
He shut out the future, he shut out the past,
And even the present was running out fast.
The queen of the ballroom said, "Make this the last."
No telling what a love song will do.

As she started to sing for the very last time,
He trembled as he stood there alone.
And the pain he'd been holding inside for so long
Just fell from his heart and was gone.
It was only a love song, simple and clear
And he bowed as it shook him with every last tear.
And he cried from relief and he cried half from fear.
No telling what a love song will do.

Oh, the queen of the ballroom still glitters and shines
Each night out of old kindness' sake
And maybe it's something they put in the wine,
Her beauty refuses to fade.
"I think she got married to a stranger", they say,
"Just a crazy old man who came passing one day."
And the whole town still dances and the music still plays.
No telling what a love song will do.
No telling what a love song will do.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Linda Thompson-No telling what a love so
From: Spot
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 08:37 AM

Kevin..
         That was quick!! :-)    Ermmmm...do you know which CD??

       I'm looking on behalf of a mate and not really familiar with Linda's work...
                   Regards ... Spot

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Linda Thompson-No telling what a love so
From: Spot
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 08:39 AM

Michael...

          Wow - that was almost quicker!! Many thanks to you both


             Marvellous place, this cafe!!

               Cheers...Spot             :-)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Linda Thompson-No telling what a love so
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 08:43 AM

Fashionably Late

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Linda Thompson-No telling what a love so
From: Spot
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 09:11 AM

CR..
          Thanks for that ..fascinating insight into LT.

                Regards to all...Spot

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Linda Thompson-No telling what a love so
From: My guru always said
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 09:18 AM

michaelr: Think there's already been a discussion here about this line: 'Each night out of old kindness sake', and not sure if the question ever did get answered here. Do you know if these are the correct words?

I ended up singing, 'at the old Kindness Stake' - meaning a location, though I've no idea where it would be.....

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Linda Thompson-No telling what a love so
From: jiva
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 09:32 AM

We sing that line as

"... each night at The Old Times' Sake..."

Again we took it to be a location, possibly the name of a bar where she sang?

We don't have the album (so can't check Linda Thompson's actual lyrics), but learned it from Mike Harding's Radio 2 show.

jiva (Jimmy & Val)
www.jiva.co.uk

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Linda Thompson-No telling what a love
From: Kevin Sheils
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 09:37 AM

There's also a version with words in the booklet, IIRC, on Niamh Parsons most recent (?) CD The Old Simplicity. That is probably my favourite CD by Niamh, some excellent songs.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Linda Thompson-No telling what a love
From: Midchuck
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 09:41 AM

Tom Russell (My Man!) recorded it on Indians Cowboys Horses Dogs. He changed the Hawker to an "old cowboy," and bingo, it was a cowboy song. I think he sings the line in question as "each night at the old time parade." I get a lot of requests to sing it at gigs - all from the same person.

Peter.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Linda Thompson-No telling what a love so
From: Declan
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 01:45 PM

I always sing at The Old Kindness Sake, assuming its the name of a venue where she sings.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Linda Thompson-No telling what a love so
From: My guru always said
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 03:50 PM

Sounds good Declan, I can convert Stake to Sake if needed!!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Linda Thompson-No telling what a love so
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 04:29 PM

We've always sung "at the old time stake." Having listened to the song many times on the original recording, I just was not hearing "for old kindness sake." I can expound for hours, probably on why we sing it the way we do, but don't want to rant on too long.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Linda Thompson-No telling what a love so
From: Declan
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 04:47 PM

I've just listened to the track on "Fashionably Late" and it is definitely "at the old kindness sake" - couldn't be clearer.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Linda Thompson-No telling what a love so
From: breezy
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 07:01 PM

well thats that then

Hello guru

Rose and crown, st Albans 3rd sunday in the month is working out to be O K, Fleggy , George, ref and Mo and me

Must learn this song!!!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Linda Thompson-No telling what a love
From: Songster Bob
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 10:22 PM

"I've just listened to the track on "Fashionably Late" and it is definitely "at the old kindness sake" - couldn't be clearer"

Well, it sure as hell COULD be clearer, since so many of us hear something different each time we listen. I've heard "Old Time Parade," which also rhymes with "fade," and as the writer, she wouldn't settle for a near-rhyme, I'm sure.

I always assumed that "The Old-Time Parade" would be either a place OR a regular dance at a given place. That is, for example, the Pelican Bar (to choose a name out of my hat) features "The Old-Time Parade" every other Friday. The writer has set this song in just such a place, and describes the scene very clearly, so creating a "Old-Time Parade" would be par for the course for a good writer.

That's just my appraisal of the words and the setting. I'll check my ears and listen again, but I don't agree that "it couldn't be clearer."

Clear as mud.

Bob

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Linda Thompson-No telling what a love
From: Songster Bob
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 10:48 PM

Well, I'm back, and I stand (well, sit) corrected. As clearly as I can hear it, via earphones and an Ipod, with the volume fairly high, the line is "each night at the old time's sake." Despite what I said about the pure rhyme, the sibilance is there, so it can't be "old time parade." My nice theory about what that would have meant (notice the past tense) is shot, and the only thing I can think is that "the Old Time's Sake" is, apparently, a regular event at a local dance hall, in the town of the writer's imagination.

So it's not "old time parade," and it's not "old kindness' sake" (there's no nasal sound in that syllable). Now, why it's "old time's sake," I don't know. Ask Linda Thompson.

I hope this is clear enough.

Bob

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Linda Thompson-No telling what a love
From: Kevin Sheils
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 06:13 AM

Above I suggested that the lyrics were on Linda CD booklet but they are not. I think I was confusing it with the Niamh Parson CD Booklet where they are printed.

She gives it as

Each night at the "Old Kindness Sake"

as does Priscilla Herdman on her web site here

In both cases it's upper case in brackets which clearly suggests that the OKS is the name of the ballroom or at least the name of the event taking place there

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Linda Thompson-No telling what a love so
From: Declan
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 06:28 AM

Kevin,

That unfortunately doesn't prove anything, because I was the person who gave Niamh the words!

I listened again this morning and was not quite as sure as I was last night. I dont think it is the old times sake ass there are two syllables, but it might have been the Old Time Mistake.

Anyway I'm going to continue with "old Kindness Sake" because I like the sound of it as a venue name.

Others can sing what they wish.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Linda Thompson-No telling what a love
From: Kevin Sheils
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 06:42 AM

Well Declan, Priscilla Herdman has that as well unless she learnt it from Niamh (or you), but her CD is dated 2 years before Niamh's.

But as you say others can sing what they wish no problem.

Generally when words are printed in CD booklets they tend to be the actual published and therefore "copyright" words IME though the singer may sing slightly different ones, even if they wrote it.

I guess that depends on how strongly the publisher eels, some wont even give permission to publish the words although they generally cant stop you recording.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Linda Thompson-No telling what a love so
From: Declan
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 06:46 AM

I don't know Priscilla and as far as I can remember Niamh didn't know the song before 2004. So it looks as if I was right all along.

I'm glad that I'm not responsible for perpetuating a mondegreen.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Linda Thompson-No telling what a love so
From: My guru always said
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 08:51 AM

Can't help wondering if people from different sides of the pond hear the lyrics differently - something to do with regional accents?

I'm still hearing 'kindness'.... *running away*

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Linda Thompson-No telling what a love
From: Kevin Sheils
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 10:35 AM

Well I've decided that carrying on without listening was silly so I've just played Linda's version (with Niamh's CD Booklet in front of me) and as far as I can hear it's clearly "Old Kindness Sake" to me.

Mind you I know that when you have words in front of you it's easy to hear what you're reading.

The song as sung by Linda seems word perfect with the lyrics in Niamh's booklet so well done Declan :-).

Well done anyway for adding that song to Niamhs repertoire and to what is to me a perfect CD. I notice that Niamh thanks you on the booklet.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Linda Thompson-No telling what a love
From: Songster Bob
Date: 24 Jan 07 - 03:30 PM

Well, my ears may not be so good, but using good earphones at a decent volume, I still think I hear "Old Time's Sake," not "Old Kindness' Sake." I don't hear the extra syllable needed to make "time's sake" into "kindness' sake."

I did find one set of lyrics on the web, at http://www.jiva.co.uk/songs/notelling.htm
and they have it "Old Times' Sake." So it's still a toss-up.

So, since there are so many versions, I'm going to sing what I want, which is "Old Time Parade." I know it's not what she sings -- that "k" sound is definitely not a "d" sound -- but it rhymes with the proper word in the last line of the stanza.

By the way, I note that the song uses an interesting rhyme scheme; ABCB for the first four lines, then DDDE for the last four. Exquisite.

Bob

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Linda Thompson-No telling what a love so
From: michaelr
Date: 24 Jan 07 - 10:54 PM

Yeah, heck, I'm no surer of that line than I was when I first transcribed it. But I like "Old Time Mistake", since it fits the sibilants and is clearly wrong! :-)

Cheers,
Michael

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Linda Thompson-No telling what a love so
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Jan 07 - 05:18 PM

.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Linda Thompson-No telling what a love so
From: harpmolly
Date: 25 Jan 07 - 10:34 PM

I love love love love loooooove this song...:)

What I love about the original is the arrangement...gentle guitar, Linda's wonderfully textured voice giving it a heartbreaking fragility, and Kate Rusby's sweet, simple harmony backing it up. Just delicious.

Declan, I'm not sure I should own up to this *grin* but I'm the silly girl who sent Niamh a CD with her version overlaid with me singing the Rusby harmonies. I wouldn't have dared, but in a moment of post-gig exultation and far too much adrenaline (after she played at Dusty Strings, when we were having dinner and drinks at the pub), I admitted to her that I'd recorded it for fun, and she said "You must send it to me!" At which point my brain caught up with my mouth. And I thought, "Oh, *God*. What have I done?" Luckily she was very sweet about it. :)

*runs and hides*

OK, I admit it. I'm a Fan. ;)

Cheers,

Molly

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Linda Thompson-No telling what a love so
From: harpmolly
Date: 25 Jan 07 - 10:40 PM

And of course, now it occurs to me that I could have PM'd that last bit. ;)

M

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Linda Thompson-No telling what a love so
From: The PA
Date: 26 Jan 07 - 03:03 AM

We thought that line went 'at the old prime stake' but its probably JB's accent.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Linda Thompson-No telling what a love so
From: Declan
Date: 26 Jan 07 - 02:14 PM

No nned to be embarassed Molly. It sounded good to me.
(Yes I have heard it).

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Linda Thompson-No telling what a love so
From: harpmolly
Date: 26 Jan 07 - 04:23 PM

Gee, thanks...that helps a lot. :) It's more the presumption that embarrasses me...I was trying so hard to be cool, collected and professional, and ended up being a gushing groupie. But Niamh is utterly warm and down-to-earth, and was very encouraging. (I only wish I'd been slightly more experienced with the recording software...*grin*)

Of course, Niamh and Graham's arrangement is quite different from the original (by design, I know), and I like how they gave it a more spirited, upbeat energy. It's a great example of how one can appreciate two very dissimilar interpretations of the same material.

There, no more thread creep. ;)

Cheers,

Molly

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Linda Thompson-No telling what a love so
From: GUEST,Niamh Parsons
Date: 30 Jan 07 - 08:01 AM

Yeah - it's a pub and it's called The Old Kindness' Sake - I got the lyrics originally from Declan and then when I needed permission I got them from Ms. Thompson herself - Declan suggested the song some years ago but didn't get round to recording it till May 2005 for The Old Simplicity

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Linda Thompson-No telling what a love so
From: My guru always said
Date: 30 Jan 07 - 09:14 AM

Thanks for posting the correct phrase Niamh & good to see you on the Cat! A pub name, of course *grin*

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Linda Thompson-No telling what a love
From: Kevin Sheils
Date: 30 Jan 07 - 10:52 AM

Hi Niamh, long time since we spoke at Cecil Sharp House and Sidmouth. Bought The Old Simplicity recently, not sure why it took me so long and it's a powerful album probably my favourite of yours.

Kevin