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What songs for St. George's Day?

23 Apr 02 - 05:10 AM (#696328)
Subject: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: Brakn

One of my local pubs is having a St. George's Day celebration. What songs would suit? What songs would you call English that everyone will know? The average man in the street doesn't usually know any folk songs so I'm after all types of songs.


23 Apr 02 - 05:36 AM (#696334)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: GUEST,greg stephens

"Oh where is St George Oh where is he now"..The Padstow May Song. Which explains in a nutshell why the English dont really celebrate St Georges Day. All the frolicking this time of year was cocentrated on May Eve/May Day activity which is only a week later.If you're going for full-on outdoor activities (one of which at least is even more fun than morris dancing) you're going to go for Mayday. hence thetraditional songs for May mention St George, it's the closest you're going to get.


23 Apr 02 - 08:16 AM (#696385)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: Sir Roger de Beverley

"The New St George" by Richard Thompson


23 Apr 02 - 08:39 AM (#696398)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: IanC

How about "Puff, the magic dragon"?

;-)
ian


23 Apr 02 - 08:55 AM (#696407)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: Snuffy

I'll be singing Spanish Ladies (we'll rant and we'll roar like true British sailors) and The Mermaid (the Rule Britannia version), amongst others.

And Jerusalem will almost certainly be sung at some stage.

Then there's always Flanders and Swann:
The English, the English, the English are best
I wouldn't give tuppence for all of the rest

WassaiL! V


23 Apr 02 - 09:22 AM (#696418)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: Liz the Squeak

According to the radio it should be 'Jerusalem' (not a menion of George, last time I sang it.....) or 'I vow to thee, my country' which at least has the merit of being based on a folk tune 'Thaxted', "adapted" to Jupiter or whichever one it was by Holst.

LTS


23 Apr 02 - 01:27 PM (#696627)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: Mrs.Duck

Ah yes Jerusalem! Imagine my dismay when I moved North only to discover not a windmill in sight!!! Not even a pale angelic one ;-)


23 Apr 02 - 03:49 PM (#696749)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: breezy

a place called er.....


23 Apr 02 - 04:33 PM (#696800)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: Kenny B (inactive)

You could pick some from this site
Royal Society of St George


23 Apr 02 - 10:31 PM (#697108)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: tremodt

Pouf the magic dragon


24 Apr 02 - 12:57 AM (#697183)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: Bert

I'd sing "Woad"!


24 Apr 02 - 03:52 PM (#697700)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: Keith A of Hertford

Please not A Place Called England, breezy, its very unkind to the dear old place.


24 Apr 02 - 07:02 PM (#697839)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: Gareth

Censored on the grounds that it would disturb the Queens Peace


25 Apr 02 - 02:21 AM (#698057)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: Joan from Wigan

In our St George's Day Singaround at Wigan Folk Club on Tuesday, I sang "Hail St George" (tune: The Red Flag, with new words written in 1997 by Monologue Joe); "Sons of the Sea" (the original stirring Felix McGlennon song, not the adulterated "Bobbing up and down like this" that seems to be popular these days); Maggie Holland's "A Place Called England"; and "St George Our Protector" (from Minstrelsy of England). And a good and patriotic time was had by all...

Joan


25 Apr 02 - 03:22 AM (#698077)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: Bert

Well said Gareth, I commend you upon your restraint.


25 Apr 02 - 09:45 PM (#698773)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: GUEST,Fred Lloyd

I know it's after the event - but likewise I had a pub booking(first ever St George's Day celeb!), and my cobbled together list was this: St George's Day 1st half 1 Rule Brittania 2 Saga of Maggie May 3 Flanagan & Allen 4 Foggy Foggy Dew 5 Scarborough Fair 6 Formby Medley 7 Drink Old England Dry 8 Any Old Iron Medley 9 Girl I Left Behind 10 Tattooed Lady 11 Pal Of My Cradle Days 12 Friends Medley 13 Together Medley 14 London Medley 15 Let The Rest of the World Go By 16 Off In A Motor Car 17 Nostalgia Medley 18 Henery the Eighth 2nd half 1 Land of Hope & Glory 2 Mad Dogs & Englishmen 3 White Cliffs Of Dover 4 British Grenadiers 5 That Old Fashioned Mother 6 My Brother Sylveste 7 Bless 'Em All Medley 8 Barrel Medley 9 Leaning On A Lamp 10 Singing In The Bathtub 11 Let Me Call You Sweethrt Med 12 Wartime Medley 13 In My Liverpool Home 14 Sailor 15 Ain't No Pleasin' You(for the desenting voices!)


24 Apr 03 - 06:49 PM (#939562)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: GUEST


15 Jan 07 - 05:51 AM (#1937025)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: Valmai Goodyear

Does anyone know whether John Kirkpatrick has recorded the song he wrote about St. George which includes the chorus:

'And on my breast a red, red rose,
The flower of old England wherever she goes'?

Many thanks,

Valmai, Lewes


15 Jan 07 - 05:54 AM (#1937027)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: GUEST,Terry McDonald

I don't know whether John's recorded it, but it's on the new Waterson:Carthy album, Holy Heathens and the Old Green Man. Martin sings lead.


15 Jan 07 - 05:55 AM (#1937029)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: DMcG

I don't know about John, but it's on the latest Waterson's CD (Holy Heathens and the Old Green Man)


15 Jan 07 - 05:55 AM (#1937030)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: DMcG

Damn, Terry just beat me to it!


15 Jan 07 - 06:13 AM (#1937036)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: GUEST,Terry McDonald

With near identical wording!


15 Jan 07 - 07:27 AM (#1937076)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: Scrump

How about Roots by Steve Knightley?


15 Jan 07 - 07:27 AM (#1937077)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: muppitz

If you can't find one suitable, do what I did and write one!
There aren't nearly enough about St George IMHO!

muppitz x


15 Jan 07 - 07:43 AM (#1937094)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: GUEST

What about Hard Times In Old England.


15 Jan 07 - 08:15 PM (#1937798)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: GUEST,Jock

Flower of Scotland

or what about the 'other' verse in the National Anthem:

Lord, grant that Marshal Wade,
May by thy mighty aid,
Victory bring.
May he sedition hush and like a torrent rush,
Rebellious Scots to crush,
God save the King

'nuff said!


15 Jan 07 - 08:37 PM (#1937803)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: Bunnahabhain

If you've run into Metric Foot, East Anglian Folk and folk dance group, they have a song for St Georges day, Rise Again, kicking about somewhere.


16 Jan 07 - 12:45 PM (#1938427)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: Valmai Goodyear

Many thanks for everyone's helpful info and suggestions.


Valmai, Lewes


16 Jan 07 - 01:28 PM (#1938455)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: The Sandman

Battle of Bosworth field, which is a song about king richard the third[the last of the plantagenets].
Rise up jock.


16 Jan 07 - 07:44 PM (#1938916)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: GUEST,JTT

And you can't leave out Hey There, Georgie Girl...


23 Apr 10 - 02:59 PM (#2892910)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: brooko

does anyone have the lyrics for st george by the watersons
brooko


24 Apr 10 - 03:06 PM (#2893554)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: Mark Clark

I might suggest the Troparion of St. George. That's the one some of us sing. St. George was born in Beirut, Lebanon, served in the Roman army and was martyred under the emperor Diocletian AD 303. His story was picked up by the Crusaders.

      - Mark


24 Apr 10 - 05:14 PM (#2893616)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: Tattie Bogle

I still have the programme of a St George's Day concert we did in Debenham, Suffolk on 23rd April 1986. There are 33 items, so I'll just give you some of my favourites (and the ones I can remember now!)
The british Grenadiers
The Lincolnshire Poacher
A cottage well thatched with straw
Home Sweet Home
Drink to me Only
Early one morning
Blow the wind southerly
Hearts of oak
The Mermaid
Oh no John
Widdecombe Fair
The Lass of Richmond Hill
Cherry Ripe
The Drummer and the Cook
Pretty Polly Oliver
O peaceful England
The Yeomen of England
There'll always be an England
There is a tavern in the town
Rule Britannia to finish up with!


24 Apr 10 - 05:28 PM (#2893626)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: GUEST,Allan

"Rule Britannia to finish up with!"

A song celebrating Britain with words written by a Scot! I'd have thought sentiments either specifically about England or at least written by Englishmen would be more appropriate?


25 Apr 10 - 04:41 AM (#2893869)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: Les in Chorlton

Having enjoyed many St Patrick's Day events we followed their lead and sang lots of English songs and anything else that took our fancy.

As St George was possibly Palistinian / Syrian / Lebonese / Cappadocian ....... erm pick one you like, who fought in the Roman army and saw about as many dragons as the rest of us and don't think he would mind what we sang.

But in th e spirit of St Patrick, apprantley from Wales, a grand time was had

L in G# and often Ab


25 Apr 10 - 02:02 PM (#2894066)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: GUEST,Allan

"But in th e spirit of St Patrick, apprantley from Wales,"

Aye he certainly seems to have been a Briton but I don't think they know for sure whereabout he came from. Wales claims him but so does Cumbria and Strathclyde.


26 Apr 10 - 08:15 PM (#2894943)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: Tattie Bogle

The music for "Rule, Britannia" was written by the English composer Thomas Augustine Arne (1710-1778) and performed for the first time in his masque Alfred in the presence of Frederick Prince of Wales. The performance took place on the parterre of Cliveden House in 1740, which at that time, was leased to the Prince of Wales. The words were written by the Scottish pre-Romantic poet James Thompson (1700-1748) author of The Seasons (1726-30).

OK Allan, disnae bather me, and I didnae choose the list onyweys!


08 Apr 15 - 12:27 PM (#3700562)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: GUEST,David Brent


08 Apr 15 - 01:14 PM (#3700571)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: Thompson

Avignon claims Patrick too - Chateauneuf du Pape used to be called Clos Saint Patrice, and indeed may still be in some marques. The story is that it's made from vines originally planted by Patrick, who they say was a local boy. I suppose civil servants do get reposted, even in the Roman Empire; wasn't his unfortunate father a taxman?


08 Apr 15 - 01:40 PM (#3700580)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: GUEST,Dave

God Save the Queen, by John Lydon and others


08 Apr 15 - 01:44 PM (#3700583)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: GUEST,DTM

V3 of UK Nat Anthem.....

"Lord, grant that Marshal Wade,
May by thy mighty aid,
Victory bring.
May he sedition hush,
and like a torrent rush,
Rebellious Scots to crush,
God save The King."

;-)


08 Apr 15 - 01:47 PM (#3700584)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: GUEST,Dave the Gnome

Song of the bow by Arthur Conan Doyle. Friend of mine wrote a tune for it but you can find your own! :-)


08 Apr 15 - 02:23 PM (#3700593)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: GUEST,Warwick Slade

England Swings!!!!


09 Apr 15 - 04:56 AM (#3700723)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: WindhoverWeaver

Funny that no-one has mentioned that St. George was actually not English, and never even came near here (there's one in the eye for the National Front/EDF xenophobic types!). He was born in Lydda, Syria Palaestina, which is now Lod in Israel. Thus any Syrian or Israeli song would be more appropriate.


09 Apr 15 - 05:21 AM (#3700729)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: GUEST,Dave the Gnome

Les in Chorlton mentioned it 5 years ago! :-)


09 Apr 15 - 05:28 AM (#3700731)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: Brakn

Time flies Dave.


09 Apr 15 - 05:29 AM (#3700732)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: GUEST,PeterC

St George (Smith) was English! Lived in Gloucestershire! http://www.glosfolk.btck.co.uk/TheLegendoftheDeerhurstDragon


09 Apr 15 - 08:56 AM (#3700783)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: WindhoverWeaver

Apologies to Les for missing that (and thanks Dave for correcting me)! All I can say is this is a longish thread and I scanned rather than read it all completely. Mea culpa.


09 Apr 15 - 10:16 AM (#3700809)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: GUEST,Dave the Gnome

Fully forgiven WW :-) I must say I would have missed it but I had vague recollections of some such being said in the past and just searched for 'Syria'.


09 Apr 15 - 12:19 PM (#3700839)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: FreddyHeadey

Roast Beef Of Old England

http://mudcat.org/@displaysong.cfm?SongID=6905


10 Apr 15 - 04:24 AM (#3700953)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: GUEST

"Green Grow My Nadgers, O"


10 Apr 15 - 10:09 PM (#3701130)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: LadyJean

You could sing something in Spanish. St. George is the patorn saint of Barcelona.
(I collect St. George and the Dragon,)


11 Apr 15 - 04:49 AM (#3701160)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: Mr Red

"Oak & Willow" - halfway down words and MP3


14 Apr 15 - 08:28 PM (#3701891)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: Tattie Bogle

The Grumpy Old Men of Old England, by John Conolly - find it on YouTube!


14 Apr 15 - 09:45 PM (#3701902)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: Rob Naylor

Guest DTM: V3 of UK Nat Anthem.....

It's never actually been part of the national anthem at all. It was a doggerel verse written in the 1740s around the time of the Jacobite rebellion.

It's often trotted out by Scots as "proof" that the UK sees Scotland as subservient to England, but it's just one of many doggerel "verses" that were sung by various groups pursuing their own agendas, but which were never formally part of the actual anthem. The Jacobite version went:

God bless the prince, I pray
God bless the prince, I pray
Charlie I mean.
That Scotland we may see Freed
From vile Presbyt'ry
Both George and his Feckie
Ever so, Amen.


15 Apr 15 - 02:48 AM (#3701919)
Subject: Lyr Add: SAINT GEORGE (John Kirkpatrick)
From: Long Firm Freddie

Back in 2007 Valmai, Terry and DMcG briefly discussed John Kirkpatrick's Saint George.

Here's a link to a page on Mainly Norfolk with the lyrics to St George and a video of John performing it:
St George

LFF

St George (John Kirkpatrick)

Now I am Saint George, I'm a champion bold,
And over old England my flag I'll unfold.
My sword fights for justice, with truth for my shield,
And when I come riding I never shall yield.

Chorus (after each verse):
And on my breast a red, red rose,
The flower of England wherever she grows.

I fought with the dragon and brought it to shame,
I was killed seven times but I still fought again.
I was killed seven times but it did me no ill
If the battle be true then I'll fight again still.

In the cause of all freedom my banner shall wave,
The oppressed and downtrodden my sword it shall save.
In the righting of wrongs I never shall tire
That the weak become strong is all my desire.

I'll watch o'er your horses, your house and your land,
And if you have none, still your friend I will stand.
I'll strengthen your courage for all you hold dear
To vanquish all doubt and banish all fear.

Now be sure in your heart if you call on my name
For I fight with the fury of fire and flame.
Any lies or deceit to a cinder I'll burn
And once you invoke me I never shall turn.

For I have the power to pierce to the heart,
I strike like the lightning, I can tear you apart.
On hoof-beats of thunder over England I'll ride,
What foe can defy you with me by your side?


15 Apr 15 - 03:04 AM (#3701921)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: GUEST,Gerry

Erdelezi. The Wikipedia article on this song says, ""Ederlezi" is a popular traditional folk song of the Romani minority in the Balkans.

"The song got its name from Ederlezi which is a Spring festival, especially celebrated by Romani people in the Balkans, Turkey and elsewhere around the world. This holiday celebrates the return of springtime. Ederlezi is the Romani name for the Bulgarian, Macedonian and Serbian Feast of Saint George."

There are some nice recordings on YouTube (but when I tried to post this with a link earlier today, it vanished into the ether, so now I'm trying it without the link).


15 Apr 15 - 08:00 AM (#3701955)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: Stu

Some more contemporary stuff I always thought would work well acoustically:

Raining Again by Steve Knightly
This is England - The Clash
English Curse - Frank Turner (unaccompanied anyway)
Shipbuilding - Robert Wyatt
Oh England my Lion Heart - Kate Bush
Northern Sky - Nick Drake
Wild Wood - Paul Weller
Dirty Old Town - everyone


15 Apr 15 - 12:23 PM (#3701989)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: GUEST,Gazza2

Always supported Saint Edmund myself. Raise the white dragon!


25 Apr 20 - 05:29 AM (#4048312)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: FreddyHeadey

St George and the Dragon - Arthur Marshall
(or 'There ain't no dragons')

George and the dragon meet for tea in Claridges,,,

Some great lines in it
If only the coffee hadn't been quite so cafeinated
And the steak knives on the table weren't so seriously serrated,,,

but it's got a more serious message too.

https://youtu.be/darWDtgU34w


25 Apr 20 - 09:50 PM (#4048473)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: rich-joy

“St George” is of course, venerated in many countries and though these two St George’s Day songs are not in the English language, they are cracking good songs to sing!

Guest, Gerry has already mentioned the Romani song “Erdelezi” (aka “Sao Roma”) and here is one of the many versions available on YT :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2snXlHJIe4

Another is the Croatian song “Lepi Juro” and here is a version from YT :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EOXlLaoNb4
(sadly, the male musicians seated below the singing ensemble of women look somewhat bored and unimpressed, LoL!! :)

Cheers!
R-J


03 Sep 21 - 09:02 PM (#4118771)
Subject: Lyr Add Ederkezi (Roma St George's Day song)
From: Felipa

here are Ederlezi lyrics with translation
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/Ederlezi-St-Georges-Day.html

Goran Bregovic recording

Lyrics in Romani

Sa me amala oro khelena
Oro khelena, dive kerena
Sa o Roma daje
Sa o Roma babo babo
Sa o Roma o daje
Sa o Roma babo babo
Ederlezi, Ederlezi
Sa o Roma daje

Sa o Roma babo, e bakren chinen
A me, chorro, dural vesava
Romano dive, amaro dive
Amaro dive, Ederlezi

E devado babo, amenge bakro
Sa o Roma babo, e bakren chinen
Sa o Roma babo babo
Sa o Roma o daje
Sa o Roma babo babo
Ederlezi, Ederlezi
Sa o Roma daje

notes and translation given by Goran in comment on youtube:

"Ederlezi" is a popular traditional folk song of the Romani minority in the Serbian [Republic].

The song got its name from Ederlezi which is a Spring festival, celebrating the return of springtime, celebrated especially by Romani people in the Balkans, Turkey and elsewhere around the world. Ederlezi is the Romani name for the Bulgarian, Macedonian and Serbian Feast of Saint George. It is celebrated on 6 May [O.S. 23 April] (occurring approximately 40 days after the spring equinox). The various Balkan spellings (Herdeljez, Erdelezi) are variants of the Turkish Hidirellez, a holiday signaling the beginning of spring, occurring on the same day.Goran Bregovic also recorded a version with Polish lyrics, titled "Nie ma, nie ma ciebie", together with Polish singer Kayah. The band Beirut, Italian saxophonist Daniele Sepe, and the Boston-based band Bury Me Standing also do covers of "Ederlezi". The Gypsy Rebels of Toronto, Ontario also cover the song, featuring the vocals of Micheal T. Butch and his band.

Ederlezi translates to "Spring Festival " on Saint George Day" May 6th

All my friends dance the oro
Dance the oro, they make the day
All the Roma, mothers
All the Roma, fathers, fathers
All the Roma, oh mother
All the Roma, fathers, fathers
Ederlezi, Ederlezi
All the Roma, mothers

All the Roma, fathers, sacrifice sheep
But mine, The poor drummer, we must stay away
A Romany day, our day
Our day, Ederlezi

my father, has a sheep for us
All the Roma, fathers, sacrifice sheep
All the Roma, fathers, fathers
All the Roma, oh mother
All the Roma, fathers, fathers
Ederlezi, Ederlezi
All the Roma, my mother

---
Marta Parol wrote:

It is very popular in Poland. It was sang by our artist Kayah(very recognizable). She had the album with Bregovic. The song is "Nie ma nie ma Ciebie"
-------------------
a slower choral rendition, with English translation in subtitles:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAx88Z0T_9A


04 Sep 21 - 08:12 AM (#4118804)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: Dave the Gnome

Interesting to see the old threads and Keith A (Rest his soul) saying that Maggie Holland's "A place called England" was very unkind to the dear old place

I don't find it so at all. I think the message is that England is a good place in spite of the rich landowners and all the abuse given to the land. Just my 2p.


05 Sep 21 - 03:37 AM (#4118875)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: GeoffLawes

"does anyone have the lyrics for st george by the watersons brooko"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BaQeXUKmaY


24 Apr 22 - 06:19 AM (#4140054)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: GUEST,Jerry A. O'Neill

https://mainlynorfolk.info/john.kirkpatrick/songs/saintgeorge.html#:~:text=red%2C%20red%20rose%2C-,The%20flower%20of%20England%20wherever%20she%20grows.,I%20ask%20for%20no%20praise.&text=And%20that%20England%20may%20flourish%20is%20all%20my%20reward.


24 Apr 22 - 06:29 AM (#4140056)
Subject: RE: What songs for St. George's Day?
From: Stanron

This has to be a tricky subject for all those atheistic anti-nationalists out there. You'd have to say it's a red flag.