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Oak, Ash And Thorn

from Argo - full album 1996 by Louisa John-Krol

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From our debut CD, Argo (Evolving Discs 1996): I set this tune to Rudyard Kipling’s poem ‘A Tree Song’ in his novel ‘Puck of Pook’s Hill’, celebrating Puck’s three magical trees & Shakespeare’s play ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’.

These are not simply three specific trees of the northern hemisphere; they symbolise trees in general - their part in human history: our shelter, tools, food, warmth, travel, weapons, stories, mischief and wonder. They even help us to breathe.

lyrics

Of all the trees that grow so fair, Old England to adorn,
Greater are none beneath the Sun, than Oak, and Ash, and Thorn
Sing Oak, and Ash, and Thorn, good Sirs (All of a Midsummer morn!)
Surely we sing no little thing, in Oak, and Ash, and Thorn!

Oak of the Clay lived many a day, or ever Aeneas began;
Ash of the Loam was a lady at home, when Brut was an outlaw man;
Thorn of the Down saw New Troy Town (From which was London born);
Witness hereby the ancientry of Oak, and Ash, and Thorn!

Yew that is old in churchyard mould, he breedeth a mighty bow;
Alder for shoes do wise men choose, and beech for cups also.
But when ye have killed, an your bowl is spilled, an your shoes are clean outworn,
Back ye must speed for all that ye need, to Oak, and Ash, and Thorn!

Ellum she hateth mankind, and waiteth till every gust be laid,
To drop a limb on the head of him that anyway trusts her shade:
But whether a lad be sober or sad, or mellow with ale from the horn,
He will take no wrong when he lieth along ‘neath Oak, and Ash, and Thorn!

Oh, do not tell the Priest our plight, or he would call it a sin;
But - we have been out in the woods all night, a-conjuring Summer in!
And we bring you news by word of mouth - good news for cattle and corn –
Now is the Sun come up from the South, with Oak, and Ash, and Thorn!

Sing Oak, and Ash, and Thorn, good Sirs (All of a Midsummer morn)!
England shall bide till Judgment Tide, by Oak, and Ash, and Thorn!
(Sing Oak and Ash and Thorn! Sing Oak and Ash and Thorn!)

credits

from Argo - full album 1996, released February 4, 2021
Melody by Louisa John-Krol, circa 1991, set to a poem 'A Tree Song' by Rudyard Kipling in his novel 'Puck of Pook's Hill'
Vocals: Louisa John-Krol
Tablas, other Percussion: Harry Williamson
Harpsichord riffs, Keyboard chords: Louisa John-Krol, developed & programmed by Harry Williamson
Orchestral Soundscaping embellishments on Midi, such as Bugles/ Hunting Horns, processional Trumpets & Organs: Harry Williamson
Male characters, Hand Percussion & Effects (including creaking trees!): Harry Williamson
Koorie Firesticks, handcrafted by people of the Kulin Nation, the First People of South-Eastern Australia: Louisa John-Krol
Produced with & engineered by Harry Williamson at Spring Studio

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Louisa John-Krol Australia

Louisa is an Australian singer, composer, writer & faery storyteller who has released many albums of ethereal music on indie labels, primarily in France. She's completing a fantasy series, The Elderbrook Chronicles, with a soundtrack.

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