The Ballad of Hawkwood

As promised last week, here is Robin Grey's song from Leigh. Robin is a terrific singer-songwriter based in London and the first time I heard this track (which is on his latest album) I knew I wanted to sing it with him one day! Also here are Rosemary Lippard and Kate Denny.

"Written about Hawkwood Nursery, the main site of Organiclea, a workers' cooperative growing food on London's edge in the Lea Valley (www.organiclea.org.uk)

The melody comes from an old english murder ballad called 'The Two Sisters' which I first heard performed by Rachael Dadd. I learn it from a Tom Waits recording but did not fancy singing about death so wrote these words instead."

Robin

There is a fine gent christened Ru Litherland
Mulch, sow and then reap
There is a fine gent christened Ru Litherland
And he has green fingers on both of his hands
I’ll be good to the land and the land will be good to me

With the vicar’s fair daughter he dreamed a bold dream
To grow food for his kinsmen as nature decreed.

By the edge the forest they spied a fine patch
And to grow fruit and veg there a plan they did hatch.

The men of the hour dreamed of buildings not plants
A development would far more there profits enhance.

Our forefathers fought for this fair forest land
So now against the law was the businessman’s plan.

After two years had past did the council relent
So now we’ll work the earth as our forefathers meant.

Now if you past by here you may hear a tune:
Mulch, sow and then reap
Now if you past by here you may hear a tune,
The melody is old and the words will be soon.
I’ll be good to the land and the land will be good to me