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30 Sep 13 - 07:55 AM (#3562767) Subject: 'Billy Reill(e)y' - a neglected gem From: GUEST,nomajj Ah! listen to this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1mSBp4vE_M Why hasn't this song become a classic? Why isn't it done to death in tourist bars? Why do we never hear it on radio play lists, even on programmes devoted to obscure folk songs. A beautiful wedding of a haunting melody to the most lyrical of lyrics? A most imaginative addition of the father of the male lover in a lament of a pregnant maiden left without a supporting husband. Lovely lines: "When love hung ripe on the rowan tree" "But time and other dreams took hold - the land grew ill and the sky turned cold And all the things that make young men old Must send the wild geese flying" I just came across this gem accidently yesterday on Muisire's youtube collection. The LP had been given to him by somebody who found it thrown out in a skip. I know Bonnie sometimes contributes to this forum. http://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=46593#692267 Where are you Bonnie? Hiding away in East Cork. Get into a studio straight away and start recording - you must have material for a number of albums. Or at least re-issue your old vinyl catologue in an up to date medium. Why do you not appear in the Cork Folk Festival any more or why don't you perform sometimes in the city? p.s. I've no hidden agenda in promoting this most talented harpist and singer. I don't think I've seen Bonnie for 20 years. |
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30 Sep 13 - 08:25 AM (#3562777) Subject: RE: 'Billy Reill(e)y' - a neglected gem From: Bonnie Shaljean Thank you so much! There is a mention of this song in another thread - I'll see if I can dig a link out. |
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30 Sep 13 - 08:34 AM (#3562781) Subject: RE: 'Billy Reill(e)y' - a neglected gem From: Bonnie Shaljean Here's a clickie for the clip above: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1mSBp4vE_M I'll go dig out the old thread (which has the words) when Mudcat isn't SO SLOOOOOOOOWW. It keeps timing out so I'll just post this for now. In a skip!!! Man, man, thy time is sand ... |
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30 Sep 13 - 08:51 AM (#3562788) Subject: RE: 'Billy Reill(e)y' - a neglected gem From: Bonnie Shaljean OK, this is the other thread Lyr Add: Billy Riley (chantey) http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=46593#692267 Words: BILLY REILLEY Copyright 1979 Bonnie Shaljean (Blue Crescent Music Ltd.) Billy Reilley at thy rest Your father calls you from the past His voice is loud but you are blessed With sleep and cannot hear him He doesn't talk much anymore, Billy Reilley Long time ago you courted me In the summer days when the world ran free And love hung ripe on the rowan tree You played your father's pipes And all my joys abounded, Billy Reilley But time and other dreams took hold The land grew ill and the sky turned cold And all the things that make young men old Must send the wild geese flying You left me with your child, Billy Reilley Your father raged and made me swear I'd never tell you but I couldn't bear Unspoken names and whispering stares And worst of all the nights O curse the hour that I wrote you, Billy Reilley You sailed for home with the next tide in But the ship was lost and all men within And now all Ireland's grace can't win you From the sullen ocean My heart lies dead at my feet, Billy Reilley Your father curses the rolling sea The stormy winds, fair France, and me And I curse love and my own baby And life is not the short thing That they would have you believe, Billy Reilley The pipes will sing you fast asleep Where'er you lie in the ocean's keep Forgive me if I no longer weep As year by year I stay here Imprisoned by my sins, Billy Reilley You'd never recognise me, Billy Reilley |
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30 Sep 13 - 08:54 AM (#3562791) Subject: RE: 'Billy Reill(e)y' - a neglected gem From: Bonnie Shaljean Waaahhhh... just checked your other link [wipes egg off face with sleeve...] |
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30 Sep 13 - 01:17 PM (#3562895) Subject: RE: 'Billy Reill(e)y' - a neglected gem From: GUEST,cardboard cutout It is indeed a very fine song, Bonnie. You were kind enough to let Jackie Oates record it on her cd "The Violet Hour" too. |
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30 Sep 13 - 02:02 PM (#3562908) Subject: RE: 'Billy Reill(e)y' - a neglected gem From: GUEST,Raggytash Here in Whitby Valmai & Jules do an absolutely stunning version of this when they are together! |
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30 Sep 13 - 03:48 PM (#3562938) Subject: RE: 'Billy Reill(e)y' - a neglected gem From: Q (Frank Staplin) Thanks for the youtube link. A great song. Also downloaded Shenandoah. Well played and sung. |
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30 Sep 13 - 04:27 PM (#3562950) Subject: RE: 'Billy Reill(e)y' - a neglected gem From: GUEST,flyingcat(moira) This song has never been completely neglected, I have it in my repetoire and I've always loved it. I first heard it sung many years ago by jane Plomer at maidenhead folk club. xx |