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Beggar Boy Of The North

from Borrowdale Johnny by Striding Edge

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about

"Beggar Boy lost this long night deep, up on high when dark came stealing."

Johnny's quest goes on. In the depths of the night, he casts himself back over the wild Lakeland fells. This is period of mystical inner searching. Like William Blake's lantern-man 'Los', the wanderer is willing to put himself through the mental and physical tests of the wilderness, knowing that he will reach a higher level of wisdom through the journey.

The chorus is based on the favourite hymn of pioneer 19th C. Lakeland rock-climber O.G. Jones, who used to 'belt it out' in the Wasdale Head Inn after creating his fearfully hard rock climbs on nearby mountain crags. The hymn in question was written by Cardinal Newman in 1833 'in a period of great mental anguish', as the footnotes read. The lyrics are set to an equally brooding and impressive old Lakeland tune, The Beggar Boy Of The North, gleaned from Lakes tune guru Greg Stephens.

lyrics

Beggar Boy of the North
 
Beggar boy lost this long night deep
Up on high when dark came stealing
Staining the dust, wasted tears
Clay hath no solace, rock no feeling
Beggar boy lost, your only friend
Lights you a candle to guide you ahead
Beggar Boy, rasdie your head, follow the lantern
'Till this weary night is at an end
 
Lead kindly light
Amid the encircling gloom
O'er moor, o'er fell, o'er crag and torrent
'Till the night is through
Lead kindly light
 
Beggar boy lost, in fearful trance
O'er moor and fell in roaring silence
Slow footfall breaks, soundless falling
Wins a yard of distance clawing
Beggar boy lost, your only friend
Lights you a candle to guide you ahead
Beggar Boy, follow, step nearer tomorrow
'Till this weary night is at an end
Lead kindly light
Amid the encircling gloom
O'er moor, o'er fell, o'er crag and torrent
'Till the night is through
Lead kindly light
 
Beggar Boy lost, all senses gone
Only instinct leading on
Tears have dried, peace follows aching
Glimmering skies, close to awakening
Beggar boy lost, your only friend
Lights you a candle to guide you ahead
Beggar boy, raise your head, follow the lantern
'Till this weary night is at an end
 
Lead kindly light
Amid the encircling gloom
O'er moor, o'er fell, o'er crag and torrent
'Till the night is through
Lead kindly light
 
Striding Edge song. Verse Lyrics: Mike Willoughby Chorus: Cardinal Newman, 1833

credits

from Borrowdale Johnny, released September 21, 2007
Beggar Boy of the North (trad)/ Chorus: (Cardinal Newman 1833)/ additional lyrics: (Willoughby)

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about

Striding Edge Cumbria, UK

Striding Edge are now into their nineteenth year of playing ceilidh dances and concerts across Cumbria, North Lancashire and beyond.

As ever, their combination of thrilling traditional music and clear and concise dance calling is proving a huge hit with audiences:

"The ceilidh was a roaring success, loved by everyone young and old, your calling was spot on and the band were brilliant!"
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