This is the first song in my Blodeuwedd trilogy, and was the first song I wrote around a Celtic myth. It has already had a wonderful life - being used as the basis for a large Beltane ceremony in the New Forest, and now sung by many in honour of the Spring Queen.
lyrics
Oak, Broom & Meadowsweet
(Damh the Bard)
Gather 'round people let me spin you a tale,
Of a Mother's anger
and a curse doomed to fail.
Arianrhod's baby whom she did disown,
And Gwydion stole him to raise as his own.
Well the boy he grew to be strong and brave,
But his Mother cursed him
not to be given a name.
When he cast a stone where a Wren it did land,
She said,
"The Young Lion has a Steady Hand!"
(Chorus)
Call the May, Call the May,
Call the May, Call the May,
Gather 'round people and call in the May.
Call the May, Call the May,
Call the May, Call the May,
Gather 'round people and call in the May.
So she laid upon him a new destiny,
"You shall never have any weapons
unless given by me".
Then a phantom army by Gwydion's charms,
Forced Arianrhod to give Llew his arms.
Then in rage and torment
she laid down this curse,
"You shall never marry a woman
of the race of the Earth".
So Gwydion and Math planned
to foil her hate,
And with the herbs of the forest
they twisted his fate.
So they gathered from the forest,
from the Grove where they meet,
Flowers of Oak, Broom and Meadowsweet.
And uttering upon them a Verse of Power,
A figure began to form from the flowers.
Oh rise, and wake, fairest Lady of Spring!
Come and be wed to the Forest King!
Flower-face is your name oh Blodeuwedd,
You carry life within your breath!
Come Oak, broom and meadowsweet,
Come Oak, broom and meadowsweet,
Come Oak, broom and meadowsweet,
Come hawthorn, come May!
Come Oak, broom and meadowsweet,
Come Oak, broom and meadowsweet,
Come Oak, broom and meadowsweet,
Come Blodeuwedd, come wake!
Damh the Bard – is a modern-day Bard whose spirituality and love of folk tradition is expressed through his music,
storytelling and poetry. Drawing on the Bardic tradition, his performances are both entertaining and educational, speaking directly to the heart, and never without a good splash of humour....more
supported by 21 fans who also own “Oak Broom & Meadowsweet - 2021 Remaster”
A silky, smooth, sultry voice weaving lyrical imagery upon a canvas of exquisite tonal contours. Immensely pleasurable. The bouncy cheer of " Little Bird" is a delightful contrast to the dusky jazz groove of this truly beautiful album. Much gratitude for you S J ! roddylloyd
Celtic-inspired instrumentation, delicate harmonies, and reflective lyrics abound on the sisterly indie-folk duo's debut album. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 26, 2023
Bright and skipping songs that foreground the sound of the banjo and fingerstyle guitar in music that feels timeless. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 5, 2020
supported by 20 fans who also own “Oak Broom & Meadowsweet - 2021 Remaster”
I walked away from playing music ten years ago, disgusted with music and myself. SJ Tucker's songs have played no small part in bringing me back in a truly strange yet beautiful way. The blisters on my fingers and the gloom in my heart are nearly healed. I sat down my new acoustic guitar to write a comment about some heavy medicine and now I'm going to get back to my therapy. I can't thank you enough SJ! Keep up the good work! roddylloyd