The Cradle Song

by Shillelagh!

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about

An electrifying lullaby from the early 1700's as seen through the lens of Shillelagh!'s celtedelic style! "The Cradle Song," written by Isaac Watts, the leader of a musical revolution in England, was later put to an American folk tune from the early 1800's. It is a beautiful gem of a song brought to our attention by the great Maddy Prior and the Carnival Band. (Carols & Capers; Laura's all time favorite Christmas record.)

lyrics

Hush my dear, lie still and slumber,
Holy angels guard thy bed.
Heavenly blessings without number
Gently falling on thy head.

Sleep my babe; thy food and raiment,
House and home thy friends provide;
All without thy care and payment,
All thy wants are well supplied.

How much better thou art attended
Than the son of God could be
When from heaven he descended
And became a child like thee.

Soft and easy is thy cradle;
Coarse and hard thy Savior lay,
When his birthplace was a stable
And his softest bed was hay.

Lo, he slumbers in his manger,
Where the horned oxen fed;
Peace, my darling, here's no danger,
Here's no ox a-near thy bed.

May'st thou live to know and hear him,
Trust and love him all thy days;
Then go dwell forever near him,
See his face and sing his praise.

credits

released December 17, 2020
Lyrics: Isaac Watts, 1674 - 1748
Early 1800's American folk tune

Laura Leom: Lead vocals, acoustic bass guitar, orchestra chimes
Cedric: Cello de braccio, Violino d'amore, mandola
Scott Boswell: Penny whistle, bamboo flutes, alto recorder, acoustic guitar generated sounds
Master "Bones" Jangle: Background vocals, strum stick, analog synthesizer
Tree Leom: djun djun drum (heartbeat), primitive kettle drum

Recorded and mixed at SoundWright Productions, Rosanky, TX, by Tree Leom.

Mastered at Mixorama, Austin, TX, by Eldridge Goins

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Shillelagh! Rosanky, Texas

Music in the living tradition, especially the British Isles and Ireland. And Texas!
Stick to Music!

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