Hal-an-Tow

by Wickentree

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about

Here’s a May song from Cornwall that I’ve been singing for years. I can’t remember where I first heard it. And I can’t remember where this recording comes from. All I know is that it’s a live recording from 1977, possibly from a gig at the Ottawa Tulip Festival that year. If that's the case the cover photo could well be from that gig since it sure looks like the Chateau Laurier in the background.
The recording’s a little hot.

lyrics

Do not scorn to wear the horn
it was the crest when you was born
your father's father wore it
and your father wore it too

refrain:
Hal an Tow, jolly rumble-o
we were up long before the day-0
to welcome in the summer, to welcome in the May-o
for summer is a-coming in and winter's gone away-o

What happened to the Spaniards
that made so proud a boast-o?
they shall eat the feathered goose
and we shall have the roast-o
refrain

Robin Hood and Little John
have both gone to the fair-o
we will to the merry green wood
to hunt the bonny hare-o
refrain

God bless the merry old man
and all the poor and might’-o
God bring peace to all you here
and bring it day and night-o
refrain

credits

released May 2, 2022
Charles de Lint - vocals, bodhran
Nathan Curry - vocals, fiddle
Graham Pilkington - vocals, guitar

Tamson House Records

Traditional.
live recording, 1977; source unknown

license

about

Charles de Lint Ottawa, Ontario

A full-time writer and musician, this author of more than eighty adult, young adult, and children’s books has won the World Fantasy, Aurora, Sunburst, and White Pine awards, among others. Modern Library's Top 100 Books of the 20th Century poll, voted on by readers, put eight of de Lint's books among the top 100. De Lint is also a poet, artist, songwriter, performer and folklorist. ... more

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Charles de Lint recommends:

Bring Back Home
by Ange Hardy

You can't go wrong with an Ange Hardy album and the latest is no exception. She has a voice that is purely sublime with material that speaks to the common man and woman. Charles de Lint
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Never Say Goodbye, Say Good Luck
by Caroline Keane & Tom Delany

I just love the interplay of Keane and Delaney's instruments as they play through the invigorating set of tunes on this album. I've been hitting replay every time I play it. Charles de Lint
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