Juliana Hall - Bredon Hill
The bells they sound so clear;
Round both the shires they ring them
In steeples far and near
A happy noise to hear
Here of a Sunday morning
My love and I would lie
And see the coloured counties
And hear the larks so high
About us in the sky
The bells would ring to call her
In valleys miles away;
"Come all to church, good people;
Good people come and pray."
But here my love would stay
And I would turn and answer
Among the springing thyme
"Oh, peal upon our wedding
And we will hear the chime
And come to church in time."
But when the snows at Christmas
On Bredon top were strown
My love rose up so early
And stole out unbeknown
And went to church alone
They tolled the one bell only
Groom there was none to see
The mourners followed after
And so to church went she
And would not wait for me
The bells they sound on Bredon
And still the steeples hum
"Come all to church, good people." -
O noisy bells, be dumb;
I hear you, I will come
Song Description:
edit soundcloudThe imagery of the changing seasons, from the vibrant summertime to the snowy Christmas, adds depth to the narrative and underscores the fleeting nature of life. The contrast between the joyous moments spent together on Bredon Hill and the heartbreaking scene of the lover attending church alone on a snowy day creates a sense of longing and melancholy.
The haunting melody and emotive lyrics of "Bredon Hill" make it a powerful and evocative piece that resonates with listeners. It is a song that speaks to the enduring power of love and the profound impact it can have on our lives, even in the face of hardship and separation.
SoundCloud:
edit soundcloudMore Juliana Hall lyrics
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Juliana Hall - The Snowflake
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Juliana Hall - Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
Whose woods these are I think I know His house is in the village though; He will not see me stopping here To watch his woods fill up with snow My little horse must think it
Juliana Hall - Bredon Hill
In summertime on Bredon The bells they sound so clear; Round both the shires they ring them In steeples far and near A happy noise to hear Here of a Sunday morning
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Juliana Hall - A Birthday
My heart is like a singing bird Whose nest is in a watered shoot; My heart is like an apple tree Whose boughs are bent with thickset fruit; My heart is like a rainbow shell
Juliana Hall - Thou Hast Made Me
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