Monday, March 11, 2013

Beaubassin Take Deux




Let's take another stab at a remake 
of the old folk song AURA LEE.
Imagine it as an uptempo bluegrass number, 
with a tempo of 90 beats per minute.
With this second revision of the lyrics, 
it should now be usable as a new Canadian folk song.
Beaubassin was an Acadian community 
on the Isthmus of Chignecto, 
in present-day Nova Scotia.


BEAUBASSIN

Hear the distant whistle blow, See the morning dew
Though my home is far away, here I am with you.
Gannets linger near the shore, will they fly away?
Here we are at Beaubassin, shall we greet the day?

When my heart is sad and blue, burdened and distressed
Then I hear your loving words, and I am at rest
Speak again, speak, my love, as in olden days
Cheer my fainting, weary soul, fill my lips with praise.

Hear the distant whistle blow, See the sun go down
We are still at Beaubassin, sleepy little town
Day is done, day is done, supper time is through
Though my home is far away, I am here with you.

words by Gary Hicks
to the tune “Aura Lee” by George Poulton (nineteenth century)

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