Wednesday 11 December 2019

December 11, 2019




Today, we have another Yule song for you! On Monday, the Brandy Badgers tried a new Yule song at their biweekly rehearsal, a song called Barmy's Yule. The tune is based on a Yule tune by master Mark Knopfler, The Ragpicker's Dream. My version tells the story of Barmy Rootknot, the Green Dragon innkeeper and how he spends his Yule eve.

Barmy's Yule

The Yule party has ended, the guests are streaming out
Barmy is smiling: it was a very good turnout
When he’s wiping the window, he sees folks in the cold
Poor, ragged old hobbits, all without a home

He goes to the door, asks them to come inside
They come running in, warm up by the fireside
Barmy fills up large bowls with fine pork soup
Brings a plate of fresh scones to the group

The homeless hobbits smile, grateful for the food
They didn’t expect that someone could be this good
But Barmy keeps loading their plates with tasty treats
Making them a marvellous Yuletide feast

”Now tell me your stories”, Barmy asks with a smile
“What has brought you there, to the cold outside?”
The hobbits stare at their plates for a long while
Then they start talking, no more secrets to hide

They tell tales of setbacks and hardships, of harvests they’ve lost
Quarrels and ruined friendships, no one cares for them now
They only rely on each other, a group of Shire tramps
Living out on their own, eating leftover scraps

Old Barmy stays silent, listening with care
Fills up the pints with some season ale
He hugs, pats, and comforts, the best he can do
To make the tramps feel that they matter too

“If you ever feel hungry, or long for some cheer”
“Just come to the Dragon, you’re all welcome here”
“I have money to spare, don’t worry at all”
“My prices are high for the folks who have more”

They thank him, but Barmy just shakes his head
“No need to thank me, my new hobbit friends”
“All I ever have wished for, you’ve granted me:”
“For no more I feel lonely on the Yule eve”


Here's the original tune by Master Knopfler!


Mark Knopfler - The Ragpicker's Dream

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