On South Ronaldsay, Orkney you will find the Neolithic chambered tomb, now called the Tomb of the Eagles. This was (re)discovered by Ronnie and Morgan Simison. Both are now dead but their family put up a standing stone that looks like it’s been there forever. On it there is a plaque which, after their names says ‘Together with the Ancestors’.
The plaque became the inspiration for this song. It is in part a love song and in part an acknowledgement that you will know when your time in this world is up when the ancestors come calling, and there’s nothing to be afraid of.
lyrics
V1. I can hear all their voices as I walk down the road, leading me back to my home. It’s the ancestors calling and singing our tune as I’m dancing a slow waltz with you. Chorus.
Turn me around at the end of the day. We’ll be dancing by the stars and the moon. The ancestors calling and singing our tune, as I’m dancing a slow waltz with you.
V2. You stand on the cliffs, watch the sun going down as the light on the sea fades away. I reach out and touch, now I’m holding your hand as I’m dancing a slow waltz with you. Chorus.
V3. Walking through history, dark clouds and the rain. The stones standing waiting alone. They look to the future, one foot in the past, as I’m dancing a slow waltz with you. Chorus.
V4. So let’s drink to each other, as I’m holding your hand. Sharing this moment with you. The ancestors calling and singing our tune, as I’m dancing a slow waltz with you. Chorus.
credits
from Ancestors,
released December 10, 2018
Musicians| Vocal and guitar Paul Davy| Cello and backing vocal Keely Hodgson| Violin Matt Pugh| Guitar and Bass Nigel Stonier| Drums Che Beresford|
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