Origins: Garton mothers lullaby.

Subject: Origins: Garton mothers lullaby.
From: akenaton
Date: 30 Oct 05 - 07:19 PM

Since I first heard Lorna Campbell sing this song at An Ian Campbell Folk Group concert in the early sixties I've been affected by the lyrics. They are so beautiful.

GARTON MOTHER'S LULLABY
Sleep, oh babe, for the red bee hums the silent twilight's fall
Es val from the grey rock comes to wrap the world in thrall
A lyan van oh, my child, my joy, my love and heart's desire
The cricket sings your lullaby beside the dying fire

Dusk is drawn and the green man's thorn is wreathed in rings of
fog
Sheevra sails his boat till morn, upon the starry bog
A lyvan o, the paley moonhath brimmed her cusp in dew
And weeps to hear the sad sleep tune I sing, o love, to you


Is the song traditional?...It feels modern.
Where is Garton ...Ireland?
Presumably "the green mans thorn" refers to gorse or whin.
The references to "Es Val" and "Sheevra" are they pagan spirits?
How old is this song?

I would appreciate any help from the wise ..or otherwise...Ake

Subject: RE: Origins: Garton mothers lullaby.
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Oct 05 - 07:36 PM

Lovely song. Ake, if you will go to the search box in the upper left of the screen and type in Gartan with two A's you will get a cornucopia of information.

Subject: RE: Origins: Garton mothers lullaby.
From: akenaton
Date: 30 Oct 05 - 07:39 PM

Thanks GUEST...Tried already with the conventional spelling.

Subject: RE: Origins: Garton mothers lullaby.
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 30 Oct 05 - 07:49 PM

The words were written by Joseph Campbell in the early 20th century, and it's all been covered in earlier discussions. The thing is to remember that spellings vary. "Garten" would get you results, but "Gartan" is better (because that's what Campbell wrote). See, for example

Gartan Mother's Lullaby - another verse

The thread also contains links to other commentary here.

Subject: RE: Origins: Garton mothers lullaby.
From: akenaton
Date: 30 Oct 05 - 07:55 PM

Thanks Malcolm!