A celtic ballad (with a rhythmic twist). Magpies, being of the crafty crow family, are featured in folklore in many cultures representing everything from good luck to disaster. I grew up learning they are accomplished thieves with an eye for bright and pretty things left unattended. The repeating nursery rhyme is well known in the UK.
Style is _BUGGANE.STY (Buggane Celtic Cello Slow Waltz)
RealTracks in style: 777:Bass, Acoustic, PopWaltz Ev 085 (A:simple) RealTracks in style: 2865:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm CelticSlowWaltzDave Ev 100 RealTracks in style: 2936:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking FolkWaltzFintan Ev 100 RealTracks in song: 3263:Cello, Rhythm CelticReelChoppingSyncNatalie Ev16 110 RealTracks in song: 3268:Cello, Background CelticWaltzNatalie Ev 100 RealDrums [in style:PopWaltzEven8^7-a,b:Brushes, Sidestick loops: ankle bells/bodhran
To Catch A Magpie
Willow oh Willow what`s this I see you kilt your gown skipping my nemesis to meet he preens like a vicar in plumage of black and white o`ermasters our love with a mesmerist`s eye
one for sorrow two for joy three for a girl four for a boy
Clem my Clem remember the day lilt in her voice the Weavers Stone where you lay be furtive not bold let your tongue be your sword your rival plays this game like devil like a lord
five for silver six for gold seven for a secret never to be told
take care take when you set your snare to catch a magpie
the Magpie the Magpie many words little truth has her soul on tiptoes on her promise she broods Clem rushes in with hailstone of blows to the gallows not Willow he`ll soon pledge his oath
one for sorrow two for joy three for a girl four for a boy
the sky shall fall before that pitiless eye when love lies bleeding away flies the magpie
five for silver six for gold seven for a secret never to be told
take care take when you set your snare to catch a magpie
Floyd, Yep, there`s a problem with the link - it looks exactly the same as yours ( thanks for adding it-works from your post) but no matter how many times I add it its not working from my post... over to admin?
Floyd, Yep, there`s a problem with the link - it looks exactly the same as yours ( thanks for adding it-works from your post) but no matter how many times I add it its not working from my post... over to admin?
Thanks for your comments on the song!
Robert
Robert - Did you see my edited comment. Your link is missing the colon after https...
I don't know if the software will allow you to edit a link????
Edit - obviously you did...since your link works now...
Wow - you really did a great job with this. Your vocals and the lyrics fit the melodies gorgeously. It really is a pretty tune. It is simultaneously melancholic, but hopeful in it's vibe as well. For me, it really stuck.
You should be proud of this one. Thanks for sharing
Robert, Really nice song. Grabbed me right in. I am a big fan of folk inspired modern interpretations. Celtic music has some very beautiful and unusual twists and breaks, this tune reflects this pretty well.
Bringing back celtic folk (except it's never really gone away). Was that a few 2/4 measures before the 1,2,3, and 4...and before the 5, 6, 7, and 8? Drew me in. Nicely done.
I'm a fan of this type of music although it's a little outside my wheelhouse as far as playing goes. I have CD's from Loreena McKennitt CD's and a few others than I listen to when I'm in the mood.
Very good, Robert, nice atmosphere. The vocal is one of your best and I like the processing on it too as well as the overall production.
Hi Robert, This was a beautiful song and performance. You must have been inside the mike to get this close vocals. Very good. I like that medieval sfere you created with your song.
Nice work on this Robert! Really enjoyed the overall progression. Well done!
Thank you,Joe!
Originally Posted By: Ember - PG Music
Interesting lyric choices. I definitely get where your inspiration comes from.
Ember, There was an English kids show called Magpie which used those rhymes on the theme song- it stuck with me.
Originally Posted By: Jim
Your new tune brings to mine troubadours from days of olde ... Nicely conceived & done... I really enjoyed it.
Jim, Good to hear I got that olde sound right! Thanks for your comments.
Originally Posted By: Deryk - PG Music
Wow - you really did a great job with this. Your vocals and the lyrics fit the melodies gorgeously. It really is a pretty tune. It is simultaneously melancholic, but hopeful in it's vibe as well. For me, it really stuck.
You should be proud of this one. Thanks for sharing
I appreciate those positives Deryk-especially on the vocals.
Originally Posted By: Rustyspoon#
Robert, Really nice song. Grabbed me right in. I am a big fan of folk inspired modern interpretations. Celtic music has some very beautiful and unusual twists and breaks, this tune reflects this pretty well.
Thank you for sharing! Misha.
Misha, I like it when someone with a strong connection to folk music approves- thank you!
Originally Posted By: TuneMonger
Liked it a lot, wish I knew more of its meaning, but some of my favorite songs are like that. Your voice is well suited to the tune.
TuneMonger, The rhyme parts are just there to add some mystery; perhaps I should have titled the tune To Catch A Thief for those not growing up with Magpie folklore.
We love the crow family! I have several stories about them but will spare you Several TV series we've watched of late featured a mysterious "come and go" crow.
Your band choice, your vocal and the arrangement really enhance to period feel of the lyric.
The mystery and ambiguity of the lyric would make this a fine cinematic piece.
Sorry for the late reply. I was working hard on a really cool song and was not on the forum. :-)….
I also got a very medieval vibe on this. Super vocal and lyric. I can picture a you singing this in the kings court strumming a lute. Very cool tune. Well done..
Cool song Robert!! I've always been a sucker for waltzes. The arrangement is sweet and the vocal is passionate and well recorded and mixed. I really like the rhythmic thing that happens in the change...catches the ear in a really good way. Nicely done!! Take care. Greg
Thanks, Ray. I hadn`t heard that Steeleye Span song - very good harmonies. The melody for my song is pretty close to the English folk song "All Things Are Quite Silent" which I think they recorded way back.
Very nicely done - had me studying the lyric. A strong overall production and extremely atmospheric. Excellent song.
Peter
Thanks for that, Peter!
Originally Posted By: Tangmo
Bringing back celtic folk (except it's never really gone away). Was that a few 2/4 measures before the 1,2,3, and 4...and before the 5, 6, 7, and 8? Drew me in. Nicely done.
Not gone, as you say,Tangmo, but unfortunately only that Riverdance celtic approximation seems popular. OOh, you found me out... well its not a secret- the rhyme passages have both the chopping cello and bodhran which are in Reel time. I did my best to edit both to emphasise beat1, but yes, there`s extra measures in there.
Originally Posted By: BlueAttitude
I'm a fan of this type of music although it's a little outside my wheelhouse as far as playing goes. I have CD's from Loreena McKennitt CD's and a few others than I listen to when I'm in the mood.
Very good, Robert, nice atmosphere. The vocal is one of your best and I like the processing on it too as well as the overall production.
Dave, Its good to hear you enjoyed this. I appreciate that nod to vocal processing- I seem to have a good chain for the folk tunes now.
Hi Robert, This was a beautiful song and performance. You must have been inside the mike to get this close vocals. Very good. I like that medieval sfere you created with your song.
Hans Berkhout
Thank you, Hans. I appreciate those comments. I changed mics a year ago and along with building a vocal process chain that suits my voice ( rather than just plugging in a preset), seem to be on the right track. I got my musical start with trad. folk so its a comfortable genre.
We love the crow family! I have several stories about them but will spare you Several TV series we've watched of late featured a mysterious "come and go" crow.
Your band choice, your vocal and the arrangement really enhance to period feel of the lyric.
The mystery and ambiguity of the lyric would make this a fine cinematic piece.
Different and very well done!
J&B
J&B, Funny that tv connection got me started on this... a magpie steals a priceless jewel from metal detectors in the Brit. comedy "Detectorists". So glad you enjoyed my contribution to the crow family songbook!
Originally Posted By: Scott C
Sorry for the late reply. I was working hard on a really cool song and was not on the forum. :-)….
I also got a very medieval vibe on this. Super vocal and lyric. I can picture a you singing this in the kings court strumming a lute. Very cool tune. Well done..
Scott, I could sing this for my supper... but won`t wear the silly costume. Gee, wonder what song could have kept you so busy?
Originally Posted By: dcuny
Nice song.
I liked it all, but especially the lyrics. Mesmerizing, so to speak.
Good to hear this held your attention-thanks for the listen.
I love the mystery and medieval elegance in this creation.
Your writing on all levels is strong and your arranging provides a terrific framework for your words and melody. You certainly have found your voice in this genre. I'm sitting here wondering if alt-folk music is good description. What do you think?
Cool song Robert!! I've always been a sucker for waltzes. The arrangement is sweet and the vocal is passionate and well recorded and mixed. I really like the rhythmic thing that happens in the change...catches the ear in a really good way. Nicely done!! Take care. Greg
Greg,
Good to hear that change from the slow waltz worked for you. Thanks for those positive comments.
Robert
Originally Posted By: 44kfl
Originally Posted By: rsdean
Robert,
Love this... Great song and arrangement - has a "Scarborough Fair" like vibe to it, which is really lovely.
The pacing is very cool and the mix is warm and upfront.
Excellent!
Bob
I like what rsdean said, I got that same feel from this
an interesting write
enjoyed
Kenny, I appreciate that!
Originally Posted By: Noel96
Hi Robert,
I love the mystery and medieval elegance in this creation.
Your writing on all levels is strong and your arranging provides a terrific framework for your words and melody. You certainly have found your voice in this genre. I'm sitting here wondering if alt-folk music is good description. What do you think?
All the best, Noel
Noel,
I don`t know about that tag - there are radio stations in the UK playing "new" folk which seems to be singer songwriter stuff. The innovation I`m influenced by happened when Pentangle and the Fairports were bring sitars,rhythm sections and electric guitars to play on traditional songs. Many thanks for your supportive review!
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