Loreena McKennitt - The Mummers' Dance Lyrics






When in the springtime of the year
When the trees are crowned with leaves
When the ash and oak, and the birch and yew
Are dressed in ribbons fair

When owls call the breathless moon
In the blue veil of the night
The shadows of the trees appear
Amidst the lantern light

We've been rambling all the night
And some time of this day
Now returning back again
We bring a garland gay

Who will go down to those shady groves
And summon the shadows there
And tie a ribbon on those sheltering arms
In the springtime of the year

The songs of birds seem to fill the wood
That when the fiddler plays
All their voices can be heard
Long past their woodland days

We've been rambling all the night
And some time of this day
Now returning back again
We bring a garland gay

And so they linked their hands and danced
Round in circles and in rows
And so the journey of the night descends
When all the shades are gone

"A garland gay we bring you here
And at your door we stand
It is a sprout well budded out
The work of Our Lord's hand"

We've been rambling all the night
And some time of this day
Now returning back again
We bring a garland gay

We've been rambling all the night
And some time of this day
Now returning back again
We bring a garland gay





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Loreena McKennitt The Mummers' Dance Comments
  1. U.... N....

    Kocham Cię Loreena :*

  2. K.... ....

    When in the springtime of the year
    When the trees are crowned with leaves
    When the ash and oak, and the birch and yew
    Are dressed in ribbons fair

    When owls call the breathless moon
    In the blue veil of the night
    The shadows of the trees appear
    Amidst the lantern light

    We've been rambling all the night
    And some time of this day
    Now returning back again
    We bring a garland gay

    Who will go down to those shady groves
    And summon the shadows there
    And tie a ribbon on those sheltering arms
    In the springtime of the year

    The songs of birds seem to fill the wood
    That when the fiddler plays
    All their voices can be heard
    Long past their woodland days

    We've been rambling all the night
    And some time of this day
    Now returning back again
    We bring a garland gay

    And so they linked their hands and danced
    Round in circles and in rows
    And so the journey of the night descends
    When all the shades are gone

    A garland gay we bring you here
    And at your door we stand
    It is a sprout well budded out
    The work of our Lord's hand

    We've been rambling all the night
    And some time of this day
    Now returning back again
    We bring a garland gay

    We've been rambling all the night
    And some time of this day
    Now returning back again
    We bring a garland gay

  3. M.... S....

    I absolutely love this song. I am Asatru, and I feel like this would be a good song for the Frey's Blot of spring. Loreena McKenitt's voice is ethereal and unreal, and I am obsessed with this song.

  4. J.... ....

    A hurdy gurdy was used in this this song. It is a drone instrument, like the bag pipes or the sitar, that "drones" a bass chord that sustains throughout a song. This song speaks of long-term procreation of a civilization, rather than short term, childish, ignorant entertainment.

  5. J.... M....

    I saw this live at the Moore theater in Seattle decades ago... I swear there were no electrical lights on stage, just a lot of candles in candelabras, and it was amazing.

  6. e.... ....

    East of the Rockies...

  7. E.... ....

    So Sweet!!

  8. S.... X....

    Never gets old

  9. m.... s....

    What's a mummer?

  10. L.... Z....

    Mnogu dobra pesna.Bravo.

  11. T.... N....

    Calmante,relaxante,me faz viajar,sentir bem,maravilhosa.

  12. A.... R....

    The Voice of a Goddess still rings true after all these years since she recorded this song...

  13. N.... J....

    It took me 23 years to find out what the name of the song was and by who,if you're out somewhere,click on Google and say "what's this song"

  14. J.... ....

    This music will certainly be the lullaby of my future baby !!

  15. r.... t....

    Help! Can anyone explain what “Garland Gay” means? Thanks!

  16. D.... C....

    Do I hear a hurdy gurdy?

  17. V.... R....

    I’m glad McKennitt has been so successful, selling millions of records. I’m _really_ glad she’s made those albums herself, on her own label, so the money has mostly gone to her....that’s incredible! And I’m glad people identify with her so strongly, and take such delight from her concerts and records.

    But....her songs are all tediously alike. I’m a classically trained musician who, after 40 years, hasn’t lost the habit of mapping out the harmonic structure of music I’m listening to, in my head. The songs of McKennitt’s that I’ve heard are all in the same mode, even in the same key most of the time, and the melodies have striking similarities. Therefore, I can’t listen to anything of hers without getting really irritated. Oh well, c’est la vie!

  18. K.... L....

    This is my favorite song by her! So moving!

  19. B.... ....

    I love this song! Why is the picture from a cover of a different album tho?

  20. A.... ....

    This is the sweetest bird's song the Goddess ever gave us.

  21. R.... L....

    https://youtu.be/h5NPY2mUmIw

  22. J.... P....

    Todo en inglés !!porque no escriben los españoles en español y no en ingles de mierda.

  23. j.... ....

    I had no idea she was Canadian.

  24. c.... ....

    not even Stevie Nicks can sing witchiness like this

  25. S.... G....

    Proud very proud of the Scottish part of my family.

  26. A.... ....

    My mom used to play this to me when I just a little girl. When my moms time comes, this will forever remind me of her. ❤

  27. M.... B....

    I used to love those cd kiosks that let you play a piece of each cd. That's how I ended up with Loreena's cd all those moons ago.

  28. A.... M....

    burayı turkler keşfedememiş

  29. f.... N....

    When I heard this song for the first time it took me to another realm of time and felt connected with this pure voice of Loreena , I heard some Sufi music which has this spiritual power , but ur voice opens another portal which is timelesss !!!!
    Much love

  30. T.... ....

    probably had one of the most special moments with this song. I met my ex on Tinder, we were both super awkward and nervous. We were sitting at my house just talking and admitted to each other we both enjoyed "devil lettuce" haha. Next thing we're smoking together and starting to show each other our music. We planned to hangout til 10pm and next thing it was 2am and this came up off shuffle on my playlist. I always loved the beat and flow of this song but never had listened to it more than maybe 10 times.
    We were pretty tired at this point and hadn't gotten to cuddling or anything. It starts and for some reason I got up and pulled her up and we just danced to it with a bunch of energy and by the end of I was holding her against me and we were just swaying in place when Under a Violet Moon by Blackmores Night came on.

    Yes I did say ex, but we broke up on very good terms and still communicate and play games together but it was still probably one of the most impromptu special moments I've shared with someone especially on what was honestly a first real date (we had met once before and just driven around and talked for an hour). We had an amazing relationship that unfortunately had to end due to a change in her life that resulted in distance that we wouldn't be able to think about anything else for years.

    That said though, this song now makes me think of that night and how from the beginning it was just a couple people hanging out on a date and by the end of it we knew we were in love though we didn't officially tell each other until a few days later but we both agree we felt that way throughout the song.

  31. c.... w....

    I ove you!

  32. G.... D....

    So descending from 3 cultures enwrapped in this music, I imaginde my Aztec ancestors praying to this other wordly sound. Ecstatically discovered and enjoyed live performance of Sister Loreena, her favorite "fiddler" and the band live in the Great NW some years ago. PLEASE come to SAn Antonio

  33. H.... ....

    Sadly, there are always some who feel the need to condemn those of other religions because they believe they follow the "one true religion." The truth is that whatever we call the creator or creators, we are the children of this earth and if we do not honor and cherish nature (which does not mean "worship nature!") we will destroy it. Then we will die and possibly take the planet with us.

  34. P.... B....

    Beautiful song. I love !!!! Im very sensitive. Eu amo a sensibilidade e tudo que me aflora este sentido. Obrigada universo.

  35. _.... ....

    Thank you. Furthermore, you look more like Galadriel on your album cover than Cate Blanchett ever did in the films.

  36. h.... ....

    Kesinlikle çok huzur veriyo sakın dingin gözlerini kapat ve hisset ❤

  37. Y.... P....

    Deepav Dev ripped this for Urumi soundtrack 😂

  38. b.... b....

    Not many songs are hits that feature hurdy gurdy.I like this song for that and it's melodiousness.

  39. S.... W....

    This song moves me.....in a beautiful way

  40. J.... S....

    I miss Brando my 16 year old cat I put him down. He was 4 hrs old when I got him. Judy

    J.... S....

    I am so sorry for your loss. I know it was hard, but remember You gave Brando a wonderful life and when he needed you the most you did what was best for him.

  41. X.... G....

    Tiene una voz hermosaaaa

  42. D.... A....

    Music i play when the homies go home

  43. D.... M....

    Took me a few years. Tween this and the Mystics dream Got.em both now.😎

  44. s.... ....

    Canadian Irish?

  45. R.... D....

    I First ever heard this a Bumper music on the Art Bell Radio Show...late at night on AM radio. In the early 90s I found her again on her own this time. Haunts my soul. Thanks for sharing it!

  46. *.... ....

    Loreena McKennit! I have been seeking for the name of this artist for a long time! <3 I love it so much!

  47. O.... P....

    Most magical concert I ever attended. Like stepping back to the Middle Ages. Fabulous!!!

  48. J.... S....

    Música de bruxa na minha tem bode preto centro de macumba e tem até vaca na minha rua tem cavalo bezerro

  49. T.... S....

    This song is so relaxing. I love the instruments used.

  50. B.... M....

    This song is a pleasant song l think of peaceful places.My dance inside my mind as the song plays it is beautiful.

  51. S.... R....

    I never heard this song for more than 20 years of release.

  52. D.... N....

    I loooooveeee this song.....omg .....♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

  53. P.... M....

    Im a fanatic Metalhead, but I can also enjoy for this music.

  54. R.... M....

    Como puede haber imbéciles q voten con el pulgar hacia abajo ante semejante obra de arte , sublime y exquisita al oído.

    R.... M....

    Cierto!!!

  55. E.... H....

    Sometimes the stars align, sometimes the Universe aligns.

  56. C.... 1....

    Who has a parent that played this song to get them to sleep when they were very young?

    C.... 1....

    i was that parent

    C.... 1....

    @neo the one you are a great parent 🙂

  57. A.... W....

    Jest tak mistyczny jak tylko możliwe

  58. d.... b....

    ❤🥀🇦🇷💫💋🖤😊👋

  59. P.... S....

    Angelic ,feminine and simply majestic!

  60. R.... L....

    SLAINTE

  61. L.... ....

    Yup my sister introduced me to this song years ago and finally revisiting it tonight - my Wife brought it!

  62. K.... B....

    I came here just because it fits in well with True Blood

  63. N.... R....

    Lorena!! The best of song!!

  64. J.... M....

    JUST HYPNOTIC
    DONT CARE HOW OLD LOREENA MCKENNITT IS, SHE'S HOT
    IM 35, AND ALL I RECALL IS HOW SHE WAS BACK IN 2001
    FOR SOME REASON I GOT ENYA IN MY HEAD TOO
    LETS JUST THROW IN PURE MOODS WHILE WE'RE AT IT...

  65. S.... M....

    Let's promote unashamedly our western and European roots! It has been suppressed for far too long now!

  66. Y.... ....

    Now I have to drink mead and go running as fast as I can through the woods with a sword on my back.

  67. a.... ....

    Art Bell bumper music.

  68. E.... A....

    Absolutely love all Celtic

  69. N.... ....

    Ce son me fait pensé a toute les merveille du monde elle est juste magique !

  70. J.... K....

    Saw her live at The Chicago Theatre decades ago. The only concert I have ever been to where I was moved to tears throughout the entire performance.

  71. N.... ....

    Dafuq happened to musoc like this actually being relatively popular? It is like the audio equivalent of silk.

  72. A.... ....

    I wish there was a purely instrumental version of the first minute of this song, repeated, as its melody is absolutely beautiful.

  73. B.... C....

    I'm happy. Can I help to carry the torch?
    With or without me, I will still be here.

  74. j.... p....

    Makes me want to go for moonlit hike to a waterfall or a lake in the woods and go skinny dipping. Lol

    j.... p....

    love that often drive to lake , want it with you;)

  75. T.... S....

    This is my 1st time listening to this song. I never heard of Loreena. I like her song.❤️ 👍

  76. F.... ....

    The ones that gave a thumbs down to this song do not see the true beauty to this song. Just listen and appreciate the true meaning to the lyrics. It will set your heart free!

  77. J.... S....

    Gerry good night my love! Me

  78. M.... C....

    Essa música e tão na minha visão poderosa que me transformo em uma pessoa mais forte

  79. T.... T....

    My God!!! She is still one of the best, ever!!! Transcends mere music. Something more here..

  80. j.... m....

    just an awesome voice

  81. L.... S....

    Es maravillosa la canción, te transporta a un lugar de ensueño... 😍

  82. H.... i....

    Damn that's beautiful!

  83. E.... B....

    I heard this song when I was 14 years old back in 1997.

  84. B.... H....

    the internet is terrifying because i was thinking of this song not knowing the name, just in reference to the ever after trailer, didn't even look it up it just appeared

  85. G.... P....

    Primeira vez que ouço Loreena .... estava atrás da Enya e nos comentários vi várias referências a Loreena por isso vim conhece-la ... agora entendi a relação entre as duas ... eu simplesmente adoro músicas assim

  86. N.... O....

    Thank you, Todd.

  87. T.... B....

    What passes for music today can not hold a candle to stuff like this.

  88. S.... L....

    Nostalgia

  89. R.... T....

    And so they linked their hands and danced round in circles and in rows...


    (the way she sings it, if this line doesn't give you goosebumps, check your pulse).

  90. C.... M....

    Old school Coast to Coast fan. Played this song as an intro. Could never get it out of my head. Great song.

    C.... M....

    Craig Manning that’s what made me look it up and listen to it again.

  91. R.... L....

    Loved this in the 90s!

  92. I.... ....

    I just found this song finally...lol I can attest to the previous comment, what an awesome song and plus she's Canadian

  93. M.... B....

    I love it!

  94. D.... W....

    Hmm,just discovered a bright new world!

  95. M.... ....

    The Mummers' Dance ~ Loreena McKennitt

    When in the springtime of the year
    When the trees are crowned with leaves
    When the ash and oak, and the birch and yew
    Are dressed in ribbons fair

    When owls call the breathless moon
    In the blue veil of the night
    The shadows of the trees appear
    Amidst the lantern light

    We've been rambling all the night
    And some time of this day
    Now returning back again
    We bring a garland gay

    Who will go down to those shady groves
    And summon the shadows there
    And tie a ribbon on those sheltering arms
    In the springtime of the year

    The songs of birds seem to fill the wood
    That when the fiddler plays
    All their voices can be heard
    Long past their woodland days

    We've been rambling all the night
    And some time of this day
    Now returning back again
    We bring a garland gay

    And so they linked their hands and danced
    Round in circles and in rows
    And so the journey of the night descends
    When all the shades are gone

    A garland gay we bring you here
    And at your door we stand
    It is a sprout well budded out
    The work of our Lord's hand

    We've been rambling all the night
    And some time of this day
    Now returning back again
    We bring a garland gay

    We've been rambling all the night
    And some time of this day
    Now returning back again
    We bring a garland gay


    Songwriters: LOREENA MC KENNITT
    The Mummers' Dance lyrics © Quinlan Road Music Ltd.

  96. C.... B....

    Don't feel bad, there are songs and even groups out there i can't find .Been for 30 plus years

  97. h.... d....

    It took me ten years to realise the most prevalent instrument is called a hurdy gurdy

  98. b.... 6....

    La Mc Kennith a segnato la mia gioventù e sento sempre qualcosa di magneticamente magico nelle sue note