In the time of rising mountains
In the age when life was new,
The trees were the rulers of life on earth
And the world as a forest grew.
I posted an old recording of this a while ago, and I’m so happy to find one now that’s not a grainy cassette rip – and with some new instruments and harmonies that give this song some truly magical depth. “Caretakers,” written by Bill Sutton, performed by Bill and Brenda Sutton. It’s the kind of song that shifts between realism and fantasy in a beautiful way…and the kind of song that makes me cry.
I was looking at the Pegasus Awards brainstorming results poll (keep an eye out for the final ballot here!) and saw this song on there. Playing Rapunzel will be at OVFF this year! This song is haunting and beautiful and I may or may not have included it in my nominating ballot. >_> <_<
Only three left, and there’s power in threes:
In the stories I tell, there’s never a doubt
That the third one is different, the third one has magic
But what will I do, where will I be
What will become of me when the stories run out?
We dig too deep
Trying to rival the deeds of our fathers
We dig too deep
The children of giants, trying to stand on their shoulders
“Legacy,” by Michael Kelly. He mostly does SCA events and the like, but I (dog mod) met him at a post-apocalyptic event, and he’s not only an amazing singer, but incredibly supportive and encouraging. He got me to sing into a microphone alone for the first time (in the desert, for people wearing only leather and spikes), which took some coaxing, so I feel obligated to plug his Patreon, where he releases new recordings regularly for donors.
This one’s for the dwarves of Middle Earth, hence the beard. But don’t let the beard fool you! It’s a beautiful song. Lyrics and chords under the cut.
Slytherins are evil
That’s what other houses say!
But as a Slytherin
I aim to change your view today
Slytherins aren’t terrible
We’re just misunderstood
Just because we’re little power-obsessed
Doesn’t mean we can’t be good
Chorus:
Oh Slytherin, oh Slytherin
They all think you’re bad
But a Slytherin will be the
Bestest friend you’ve ever had!
Slytherins can be so kind
They take care of their friends
They’ll find for you a meal
Cuz you “forgot your lunch again”!
They really are the sweetest
It just doesn’t always show
But don’t ask them where they got that sandwich
You don’t want to know!
Chorus
Slytherins watch out for you
They’ll make sure you’re ok!
They’ll tell your ex to [bleep] right off
And make them go away!
They’ll respect your choices
When you want to win or quit
And most of the time will manipulate you
only a little bit!
Chorus
A Slytherin will open up
If they think you’ll listen
You know they care about you
If they don’t just hold it in
Expressing their emotions
Is not their strongest trait
Unless, of course, you count the feelings
Sad, mad, fear, and hate.
Chorus
I hope I’ve helped you all to see
That Slytherins are fine!
You don’t have to reject us
You just have to have a spine!
Your Slytherin can be bad at knowing
Where some boundaries lay
That’s why we all need our Hufflepuffs
To keep us all at bay!
I ventured into Angband deep, hey, jolly Doomsman
And dancèd there in evil’s keep, and therefore make me room, man
Sent Morgoth’s court a-sleeping still, hey, jolly Doomsman
And from him stole a Silmaril, and therefore make me room, man
Time for a live video! “Water” is one of my favorite earlier songs by Cathy McManamon, accompanied here by Alexander James Adams. There’s just something ethereal about it that stays with me.
I say favorite earlier songs because she has written some killer recent ones as well. Some of them might even show up here, once they have been officially released. Keep an eye out!
“Black Eye, Yellow Eye,” by Annwn, a filk-rock band that I recently discovered. This song is a description of the lyricist’s journey through the American Southwest and a Native American reservation, told through fantastical imagery. I had no idea this song existed until it was on the brainstorming poll for the Pegasus Awards. I’m so glad I checked it out.
Have you heard the ghosts of stone Speaking in the dust you raise, Whispering to you alone As you thread the maze?