Origins: Two Sisters

20 May 03 - 12:18 AM (#955922)
Subject: Origins: Two Sisters
From: GUEST,siobhan1

I finally have found a reference to the version of the "Two Sisters" song that I do. Now I need to find out where it came from and whether it is traditional - and if it is to be credited to someone.

The version that I do starts with "The flock is in, the gate is barred. My father's fowl have left the yard." I have seen both the Highlands and the Ozark mountains referred to, though the way I was introduced to the song used the Ozarks.

I know its origins are with the Child ballad, but what about this version? Who wrote/recorded it?

Thanks,
Ginger

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20 May 03 - 04:58 AM (#956002)
Subject: RE: Origins: Two Sisters
From: Malcolm Douglas

Somebody called Branwen23 posted the lyric here nearly three years ago, but didn't give any information: Two Sisters. By the looks of it, it's a literary piece vaguely based on the traditional story, but I don't think I recognise it. Can you give us any more information at all?

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20 May 03 - 05:03 AM (#956004)
Subject: DTADD Version: Two Sisters
From: Joe Offer

Branwen's lyrics are kind of hidden in that other thread, so I'm going to post a duplicate copy here. I sent Branwen e-mail and a personal message, asking for details.
-Joe Offer-

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Thread #23623   Message #263326
Posted By: Branwen23
24-Jul-00 - 12:36 AM
Thread Name: HearMe - 7/23
Subject: Lyr Add: TWO SISTERS

I sang: "Amarilli's Secret", and "Two Sisters"

Two Sisters

The flock is in; the gate is barred.
My father's bound and left the yard.
His riding horse is curried down.
He stands and watches all alone.
These Highland mountains, Highland ken,
They hide their secrets, old as sin.
White river mist will rise and roam.
When is my sister coming home?

My sister's name is Analee.
She lays her head here, same as me.
She never lifts one dainty hand.
She'll catch the eye of any man.
My mother died when we were small;
my sister has her rings and all.
My father's love was left to me
and his beloved Analee.

My father calls his Ana fair,
with her little waist and her yellow hair.
But I'm the one who tends this farm.
He says I'm near good as a son.
He doesn't see her for her kind,
or that she stole what's rightful mine.
He doesn't know that he has seen
the last of lovely Analee.

Early this morn, on a rocky ledge,
she's wandering by the water's edge.
Wet stones betrayed her pretty foot.
I saw her fall from where I stood.
White river mist can't hide my shame.
She clutched my hand; she called my name.
I saw her eyes as she went down,
and I was glad my sister drowned.

Now night must fall, as night must do.
My father stares off in the blue.
He doesn't even notice me.
He's waiting for his Analee.
These Highland mountains, Highland ken,
They hide their secrets, old as sin.
White river mist will rise and roam.
When is my sister coming home?

(hope this formats properly)

-Branwen-

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20 May 03 - 05:20 AM (#956008)
Subject: RE: Origins: Two Sisters
From: George Seto - [e-mail]

You can look at some of the old threads....

THE TWO SISTERS (9)
THE TWO SISTERS (8)
OH, THE WIND AND RAIN (The Two Sisters)

THE TWO SISTERS (7)
TWO SISTERS (13)
TWO SISTERS (12)
THE WIND AND RAIN (Two Sisters)

TWO SISTERS (Bonnie Broom)
THE SWAN SWIMS BONNIE (Two Sisters)
LAZARUS
OH, THAT LOW BRIDGE

HIND ETON
BOLD ROBIN HOOD AND THE PEDLAR
BINNORIE (TWO SISTERS)
BABYLON, OR THE BONNIE BANKS O' FORDIE
AUNT SUE

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Lyr Req: american version of Two Sisters
'twasisters' lay the bent to bonny broom

TWO SISTERS (Clannad's version)

Lyr Add: TWO SISTERS (sung by Clannad)
Cruel Sister

Metasongs

Lyr Add: THE HARP or THE TWO SISTERS
Lyr Add: THE TWO SISTERS (sung by T ni Dhmomnaill)
Lyr Req: Harp form a breastbone

Lyr Req: Two little girls...
Lyr Add: TWO SISTERS
Lyr Add: THE TWO SISTERS (sung by Horton Barker)

twosisters
J. Moulden or Philippa: Two sisters
Two Sisters (Child #10) Variants

Two Sisters, a' Bhean Eudach, Horpa
Amusing female duets

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20 May 03 - 09:59 AM (#956152)
Subject: RE: Origins: Two Sisters
From: Branwen23

Hi all!



This version was written by Jennifer Mansfield. She also goes by Jenni Mansfield.   I originally heard this song on a recording of hers in about 1995. She is based here in Texas, and apparently lives right here in the Dallas / Fort Worth metroplex. According to her website >click< she currently can be seen around town at The Sons of Hermann Hall Thursday Night Electric Campfire Jam in Dallas, and Charlie's Jam at the Tipperary Inn on Sunday afternoons in Dallas. Also, for any of you who are planning on making the trek down to the Kerrville Folk Festival this year, Jenni's website says she will be attending (though not performing) and can be found, like most everyone else, wandering through the campground with a guitar. Look fer her at Camp Happy and Camp Misinclined.





That's about all I have, guys. Hope it helped you out.



Branwen

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20 May 03 - 12:02 PM (#956233)
Subject: RE: Origins: Two Sisters
From: Joe Offer

Thanks, Branwen. That did it perfectly.
-Joe Offer-

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29 Apr 04 - 04:10 PM (#1174354)
Subject: RE: Origins: Two Sisters
From: Macha

What is the story behind this song? I really need to know the answer because I have to do a school project.

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29 Apr 04 - 05:42 PM (#1174422)
Subject: RE: Origins: Two Sisters
From: Desert Dancer

Macha, if you point and click on the blue links in George Seto's post above, you'll learn more than you're likely to need.

~ Becky in Tucson

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11 May 04 - 03:53 PM (#1183145)
Subject: RE: Origins: Two Sisters
From: Macha

heh heh heh. thanks. I feel kind of stupid now.

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