A military history of the 17th century and the 18th century
Tuesday 3 July 2012
Swan Arcade - Babylon Is Fallen
Seventeenth-century hymn, sung by Cromwell's Parliamentarians before it crossed the Atlantic with the Shakers. Apparently.
Anyone who has reenacted the Roundheads will probably know this tune if not this excellent version.
Great to hear this again after so many years away from re-enacting. There are so may myths about this song (it is 19c, it is a slaves spiritual etc). For a while it was (and I believe still is) frowned upon to sing it in The Sealed Knot and ECWS.
Why was it frowned upon to sing in the SK? I remember singing it with them circa 1980... I am sad to hear it is 19th century - I really believed I was singing ( and still mumble it away to myself/try to sing at times when gardening) 17th century words and tune- I'm a tad disappointed.9 nnomium
Great to hear this again after so many years away from re-enacting. There are so may myths about this song (it is 19c, it is a slaves spiritual etc). For a while it was (and I believe still is) frowned upon to sing it in The Sealed Knot and ECWS.
ReplyDeleteit;s such a great song though
ReplyDeleteWhy was it frowned upon to sing in the SK? I remember singing it with them circa 1980...
ReplyDeleteI am sad to hear it is 19th century - I really believed I was singing ( and still mumble it away to myself/try to sing at times when gardening) 17th century words and tune- I'm a tad disappointed.9 nnomium