Sweet Fanny Adams + Music
I haven't set this to music yet, but it's traditional folk all the way. Everyone has to write one of these 7min songs at some point right?
Link to music: https://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=14793966
Sweet Fanny Adams
[v1] Lush grow the crops in the hopfields of Alton
Three comely girls in the meadows at play
Minnie and Lizzie and sweet Fanny Adams
Plucking wildflowers on a fine summer's day
[v2] A frockcoat and top-hat comes striding up boldly
Frederick Baker, the solicitor's clerk
Good morning girls I greet you warmly
Do you recognize me from Sunday church?
[v3] Will you walk with me to nearby Shalden
The path is quite smooth and the sun shining bright
Dismal to trek all alone on one's ownsome
I'll set you home well before tea tonight
[v4] Nay sir, no sir, thank you gladly
I promised my mother in the meadow to stay
I must remain with my friend and my sister
I will not walk with you on this day
[v5] Here's three shiny ha'pennies to spend up in Alton
Buy sweet things and ribbons to brighten your day
Whilst I walk with Fanny to nearby Shalden
We'll meet up again when we come back this way
[v6] Nay sir, no sir I thank you once more
I will not walk with you on this day
But strong hands seized her, picked her up roughly
And into the hop fields carried her away
[v7] The search spread out from the thatched roofs of Alton
When the girls brought word of what had transpired
As darkness fell down on the nearby hop fields
To cover in mercy the fate of the child
[v8] Inspector Will Cheyney came from Winchester
Arrested Fred Baker, and set him to trial
Gathered the evidence, found in the hop field
A tiny bundle marked "portions of a child"
[v9] Frederick Baker hung in Winchester
Long was the fall and tight was the knot
They found in his diary written that fearful day
Killed a young girl. It was fine and hot
Comments
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"Straight Outta Compton" it isn't, "Straight Outta Dickens" it most certainly is! Absolutely brilliant, loved it. As a fan of period dramas, I can testify to the research and authenticity of the work that went in to writing this song. The mannerisms and linguistics are spot on for the period. The lyrics pick you up and transport you to days gone by, you're there as an observer watching the scenes play out. The last two verses are chilling and the last line, sends shivers down your spine.
Can't wait for you to add the music/vocals, if you'll excuse the pun, "This is a Classic".
Sid
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Glad you enjoyed it Sid! If I can please a fan of period dramas I am happy about that!
Down with covid at the moment, so won't be recording anything immediately.
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Get well soon!
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that damn covid , Worth pursuing RDM on this
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Cheers, Elvis!
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Great words Owen. Like others here, I look forward to hearing the finished article. Hope you're on the mend.
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Music added. https://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=14793966
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When you said traditional, I was thinking, Barbara Allen or more recently Scarborough Fair. I am confused to hear what is positively a Chaucerian sound set to a story set in early Victorian, (circa 1830's?) Jane Austen country!
Bit of a mismatch IMO, love the lyrics would revisit the sound.
Sid
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Thanks for the feedback Sid!
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Nice one, Owen! I can imagine this fitting into the era of the cover version of 'Scarborough Fair' by Simon and Garfunkel in the late 60s. Melancholy and mellow. Nice performance. I enjoyed listening.
Cheers,
Joseph
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Your trademark style Owen. You've nailed it with this lovely arrangement. The music is perfect for your lyrics. Definitely worth waiting for.
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Thank you Joseph and Chris!
I suspect it might become repetitive listened to more than once, but for a first time listener, the lyric should carry it forward with enough interest through to the end. Perhaps one to play live rather than record.
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Love this Great writing. Love your guitar playing and those vocals! I believe Gordon Lightfoot's soul floated into your body!
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Thank you Toney, that's very generous. What a songwriter he was!
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wow! how do you even come up with something like this? quite the unexpected turn but loved following along with it. beautiful guitar work and storytelling! wish I had something more constructive to say. i agree with the gordon lightfoot comparison btw. well done sir!
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Thank you @jrandolph !
As to how to come up with it, it is based on true events, so more of a case of stumbling upon the history.
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Hey Owen good guitar melody on a AAA structured song
good job
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that was one hell of a wikipedia read. jesus christ 😶
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Really solid folk - unassuming, sensitive, lyrically right. I'm going over and over in my ind on how this will sound and how it sounds to me now. A fine piece of work.
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@jrandolph Yes, I've barely hinted at the violence and brutality of the act in the song. An horrific act. The man was clearly a deranged psychopath.
@RCJames Thank you! Grateful for your thoughtful feedback.
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Howdy, Stranger!