Many in our C&F community have grown to know, love, and respect Lesley and Roland. They are two of the finest, bravest individuals I have ever known.
A few days ago, Lesley sent to me a Christmas Carol that she recently wrote. It was in the form of a melody and lyrics. I was honored to have her carol shared with me. As I examined it, I realized what a jewel it was, and decided to bring it to life. During the last week, I improvised and recorded both keyboard and low whistle backup parts to her carol; I have rarely engineered and performed at the same time. It was quite an experience, complete with frustration, and a 3 second power outage that cost me 2 hours of mixing time, as I had not saved the files. Grrr… Yesterday, my thirteen-year old daughter – who goes by ‘Tweety’ on the board – recorded the vocals, containing Lesley’s melody and lyrics.
My original goal was to send finished copies of the carol to Lesley and Roland in England, as a token of our friendship, and as a sign of my deep respect for Lesley’s creativity, and my joy in her continuing good health and recovery. That CD package to England will still be sent.
But, two days ago, I became aware that there is a web site that contains Christmas music, which is all connected in some way to C&F members. I contacted Moonlight, who put me in contact with Alan. The result is that Lesley’s THE SHEPHERD AND THE LAMBS is now available for all to enjoy, on the site. Although I have Roland’s permission, if all has gone as planned, this thread is the first time that Lesley knows that her carol has been brought to life. Lesley, you are the best… The location of the web site is:
Yes, Sarah-annie, Bill’s daughter is another Sarah! A lovely name and a lovely girl, judging by the photographs I have seen! And a beautiful voice. I am still in tears here! Just so grateful.
You all did your own parts as lovely as Tweety did her vocals.
Is there a way to save this to my computer so that I can transfer this to my mp3 player? Can we have access to the lyrics? Sitting at my computer is no way to really enjoy this song.
Mutepointe: You are so, so correct - and astute - in picking up on this issue. I am very sensitive concerning material for which I have not been given permission to use… I know that Roland knows Lesley very well. However, he is still one brave guy.
Because of requests, Lesley has allowed me to post the lyrics to her song.
Best to all.
Byll
The Shepherd and the Lambs
Out here with my lambs I lie,
Small beneath the starry sky.
Piping tunes and watching sheep
On the mountain cold and steep.
Piping songs by night and day,
Joining all my lambs in play.
Eat the grass that’s damp with dew.
I will play my pipes for you.
Piping to my lambs all day,
Keeping wolves and bears away.
All day long they wander free
Till at dusk they flock to me.
You are safe, lambs, for the night.
Wait with me for morning light.
Eat the grass that’s clean and new.
I will play my pipes for you.
On the hills there shines a light,
Not the dawn but clear and bright
Come my lambs, we have to go!
What it is we have to know.
Look, an inn! Lambs, gather round!
You must see Who I have found!
He is looking straight at me.
Lord, I play my pipes for Thee.
