Hmm..this is one of those songs that I don't feel that happy with, but I feel the point of FAWM is just to get stuff out there rather than agonising over it, so I just did a rough recording. Perhaps I will do a fuller version at some point.
I live in a small town in the Fens that has the stump of a market cross on the road into the town. I read the legend about this, which is pretty much the subject of this song.
There’s a cross by the road in a Fenland town
And it was known for miles around
For though it’s now just a pile of stones
There’s a tale there, that will chill your bones
For the good folk, of that Fenland town
Sought to build a Church for the people around
But each time that Church broke ground
The devil came to knock it down
So the people of that Fenland town
Gathered stone from all around
And they raised a cross, on that same day
To send old Nick, upon his way
So the good folk, of that Fenland town
Built a mighty church, for the people around
And that church stands there, until this day
For the devil, didn’t get his way
Now I can see the doubt on your laughing face
But if you go to that ancient place
And if ye dare to risk your lives
You can hear the devil, sharpen his knives
@jonmeta Feb 2022
To my ears, this is true to the spirit of a ghost story folk song, complete with townfolk outwitting the devil. This is the sort of thing that goes all the way back to Bede's miraculous stories and you've made a fine contribution to a long tradition.
@srcoops Feb 2022
Interesting story and enjoyable playing.
@artie Feb 2022
Hey, really enjoyable song and performance! There's something quite special about the sound you got. I also really appreciate the homemade percussion.
@jackketch Feb 2022
@bithprod Thanks for the feedback, appreciate it! Yes the story itself might not make all that much sense, but it 's pretty much verbatim from the local legend - even the bit about the devil sharpening his knives. Apparently kids were told that if you circled 12 times around the base of the cross you could hear the devil sharpening his knives. Don't know why..
@bithprod Feb 2022
So, this is a song you're not happy with? Damn! :o I think it's great storytelling, although perhaps it could've used a couple of verses in the middle to explain why the Devil stayed away (the cross seems a bit too... I don't know, easy). Driving guitar and good singing. I think you should be happy with this song.
@janeg Feb 2022
A great spooky tale for campfires and Halloween! And the ending is a teaser to part two.
@jorh Feb 2022
Loving the driving rhythm in the guitar. Think my fave line was “each time that Church broke ground, The devil came to knock it down” and the suspenseful last verse was a nice touch. We need a sequel!
@miga Feb 2022
gotta agree with the other comments - great title and you know how to make a catchy melody!
@improvyssey Feb 2022
This works really nicely as a folk song. Right away, that driving rhythm draws you in. I've always found it fascinating how many legends deal with how the devil prevented something from being built, or caused something to be built, or built something for someone because of a bet, or was tricked into building something by accident. The devil must have spent a lot of time with a hammer in his hands in the old days.
@paulh1237 Feb 2022
Great story telling , the introduction is just enough detail to draw me in and the chorus melody is wonderful. Great work!
@virallode Feb 2022
Oh I think is absolutely a keeper, I love a dark folky vibe
@sbs2018 Feb 2022
Couldn't resist the title and that vibe - wow! Love it!
@makers8 Feb 2022
Love the boom chicka boom feel! I think its a keeper for sure
@n24 Feb 2022
Really atmospheric! And a strong take to write about! I really like the percussive beat (cajon?), the whole song paints a really vivid picture.