Now Be Thankful
Encyclopedia
"Now Be Thankful" is a 1970 single by Fairport Convention
released by Island Records
(WIP 6089, September 1970). The lyrics are by Dave Swarbrick
and Richard Thompson, :-
When the stone is grown too cold to kneel
In crystal waters I'll be bound
Coldest stone weary to the sounds upon the wheel
Ch:
When the fire is grown too fierce to breathe
In burning irons I'll be bound
Fiercest fire weary to the sound upon the wheel
Though apparently cheerful, the lyrics can also be taken as referring to the barbarity of life in Medieval times.
The B-side "Sir B. McKenzie's Daughter's Lament For The 77th Mounted Lancer's Retreat From The Straits Of Loch Knombe, In The Year Of Our Lord 1727, On The Occasion Of The Announcement Of Her Marriage To The Laird Of Kinleakie" is actually a medley of three songs : "Biff, Bang, Crash" (Trad.), "The Kilfenora" (Trad.) and "Boston Tea Party" (by Dave Swarbrick
)"
The song's title was an attempt to get into the Guinness Book of World Records, who did not acknowledge the title. Frequently cited to be the longest title, it is beaten by Test Dept
's "Long Live British Democracy Which Flourishes and Is Constantly Perfected Under the Immaculate Guidance of the Great, Honourable, Generous and Correct Margaret Hilda Thatcher. She Is the Blue Sky in the Hearts of All Nations. Our People Pay Homage and Bow in Deep Respect and Gratitude to Her. The Milk of Human Kindness."
Fairport Convention
Fairport Convention are an English folk rock and later electric folk band, formed in 1967 who are still recording and touring today. They are widely regarded as the most important single group in the English folk rock movement...
released by Island Records
Island Records
Island Records is a record label that was founded by Chris Blackwell in Jamaica. It was based in the United Kingdom for many years and is now owned by Universal Music Group...
(WIP 6089, September 1970). The lyrics are by Dave Swarbrick
Dave Swarbrick
Dave Swarbrick is an English folk musician and singer-songwriter. He has been described by Ashley Hutchings as 'the most influential [British] fiddle player bar none' and his style has been copied or developed by almost every British, and many World folk violin players that have followed him...
and Richard Thompson, :-
When the stone is grown too cold to kneel
In crystal waters I'll be bound
Coldest stone weary to the sounds upon the wheel
Ch:
- Now be thankful for good things below
- Now be thankful to your maker
- For the rose, the red rose blooms for all to know
When the fire is grown too fierce to breathe
In burning irons I'll be bound
Fiercest fire weary to the sound upon the wheel
Though apparently cheerful, the lyrics can also be taken as referring to the barbarity of life in Medieval times.
The B-side "Sir B. McKenzie's Daughter's Lament For The 77th Mounted Lancer's Retreat From The Straits Of Loch Knombe, In The Year Of Our Lord 1727, On The Occasion Of The Announcement Of Her Marriage To The Laird Of Kinleakie" is actually a medley of three songs : "Biff, Bang, Crash" (Trad.), "The Kilfenora" (Trad.) and "Boston Tea Party" (by Dave Swarbrick
Dave Swarbrick
Dave Swarbrick is an English folk musician and singer-songwriter. He has been described by Ashley Hutchings as 'the most influential [British] fiddle player bar none' and his style has been copied or developed by almost every British, and many World folk violin players that have followed him...
)"
The song's title was an attempt to get into the Guinness Book of World Records, who did not acknowledge the title. Frequently cited to be the longest title, it is beaten by Test Dept
Test Dept
Test Dept were an industrial music group from London, one of the most important and influential early industrial music acts. Their approach was marked by a strong commitment to radical socialist politics.-History:...
's "Long Live British Democracy Which Flourishes and Is Constantly Perfected Under the Immaculate Guidance of the Great, Honourable, Generous and Correct Margaret Hilda Thatcher. She Is the Blue Sky in the Hearts of All Nations. Our People Pay Homage and Bow in Deep Respect and Gratitude to Her. The Milk of Human Kindness."