Recording Midsummer Jigs

Here's an old throwback video from the recording of Midsummer Jigs on Story Girl 10 years ago. There were a lot of interlocking violin / fiddle parts on this one, as you can see!

I hope you enjoy this peak into the recording process as we reach the end of this month's Story Girl anniversary celebration!

Episode 016 - Hummingbird Sessions

Concert Time!

Welcome to Episode 016 of the Hummingbird Sessions, featuring the tops songs voted on by you guys in the last poll. This month's concert is a celebration of the tenth anniversary of our first official Celtic Folk album, Story Girl! It was released on November 1st, 2021. In honor of that, we'll play six songs which are all from that album. 

What was your favorite song in this concert? What is a song you'd love to hear in a future concert? Let us know in the comments below!

Sit back, turn up the volume and enjoy!

✨ The Set List ✨

1. Willow's Waltz
2. The Three Coins
3. It's the Little Things
4. Sailor and the Mermaid
5. Fields of Athenry (by Pete St. John)
6. Marching On

Lyrics -

It's the Little Things
(G. Gothard)

CHORUS
It's the little things that make a difference
Little things
It's the little things that make a difference,
Be the change you wish to see in the world

Fields of Athenry
(Pete St. John)

By a lonely prison wall / I heard a young girl calling
Michael, they have taken you away
For you stole Trevelyan's corn / so the young might see the morn
Now a prison ship lies waiting in the bay

CHORUS
Low lie the fields of Athenry
Where once we watched the small free birds fly
Our love was on the wing
We had dreams and songs to sing
It's so lonely 'round the fields of Athenry

By a lonely prison wall / I heard a young man calling
Nothing matters, Mary, when you're free
Against the famine and the crown / I rebelled, they struck me down
Now you must raise our child with dignity

CHORUS

By a lonely harbor wall / she watched the last star falling
As the prison ship sailed out against the sky
For she'll live to hope and pray / for her love in Botany Bay
It's so lonely 'round the fields of Athenry

CHORUS

Wise One (Official Music Video)

Well you all get to see the new music video a day early! Here is the official music for Wise One from the new album. We had a lot of fun making this one, and believe it or not, it wasn't actually that cold! What is your favorite part of this new video?

Episode 015 - Hummingbird Sessions

Concert Time!

Welcome to Episode 015 of the Hummingbird Sessions, featuring the top five songs voted on by you guys in the last poll. This month's concert is a mystical, magical set which is perfect for the misty green October we're having here in the PNW. Featuring some high-energy fiddling, mystical songs and Solana's favorite new instrument (the harmonica!) this one is lots of fun. Good choices, guys!

What was your favorite song in this concert? What is a song you'd love to hear in a future concert? Let us know in the comments below!

Sit back, turn up the volume and enjoy!

✨ The Set List ✨ 

1. Mermaids
2. "Bit Epic" Set: Sevens (Liz Carroll) / Drunken Policecar / Box Reel II
3. Colors of Home
4. Fairy Dance Jig / Henri the Lobster (Ruadh MacMillan)
5. Wise One

Lyrics -

Mermaids
(G. Gothard, W. Gothard)

The swell of the ocean, the salt of the sea
This movement and motion is foreign to me
My homeland behind, a vast distance ahead
The warnings of sailors have filled me with dread

They told me old tales of the bravest of heart
Mysterious fathoms that some men can chart
Of the ones who discover, while other men sleep
The creatures that lurk in the cool briny deep

CHORUS
Oh they say in the sea
There are mermaids wild and free
Keeping watch in the storm
Guid you home, safe from harm
They will keep you safe in the storm

Storm clouds are brewing, the wind lifts to blow
Moving and tossing, the pewter waves grow
Terrible beauty, swift lighting and rain
I’m afraid for my life on the cruel raging main

CHORUS

Our ship made it through with a patchwork of scars
Wreckage of wood ‘neath the stillness of stars
The horizon goes on for miles and for years
I play a sad song but nobody hears

Daylight breaks early, there’s sighting of land
I find that I may have the strength left to stand
Their good mission over, our guardians must go
The mermaids return to the fathoms below

CHORUS
CHORUS

Colors of Home
(G. Gothard)

They came from all over, blazing a trail
Like the snow that melts swiftly, from the peaks to the coast
They made a place there, for me to know
Like a tapestry woven, the colors of home

CHORUS
I miss the evergreen trees
I miss the comforting rain
I miss the grey of each misty new day
I miss the colors of my home
I miss the way the air feels
I miss the way that I know I belong
I miss the colors of my home

I grew up running pine needle trails
Moss green of the forest, the seagull’s bright call
Copper sunsets on a sapphire sea
Wide open spaces, as far as I can see

CHORUS

Bridge
Call me back!
To the windswept beaches
Call me back!
To the fresh salt air
Call me back!
To the mountain reaches
Call me back!
Oh I feel so far away

They paint a memory, a part of me
It’s gold like the lightning that strikes violet skies
Crimson canyon, the evening’s red flame
Hear the chorus of voices calling my name

CHORUS
CHORUS

Wise One
(G. Gothard)

Oh wise one / what do you see?
Road to nowhere / night so crystal clear
Starlight winter / maybe I’m searching
Owls soaring / over the trees

CHORUS
What can you see? What do you know?
‘Cause I’d give anything to know what you know
Show me your ways for my cloudy days
A north star for finding where we are
‘Cause I’m hoping to grow
Into a wise one
Oh
Into a wise one
Oh

Oh wise one / wiser than me
Urgent whisper / wilder than the wind
Swift and silent / indigo feathers
Secret courage / send me a sign

CHORUS

Bridge
The more I grow, the less I know
Except that life is beautiful, but strange
The more I grow, the less I know
That nothing is predictable, but change
… and maybe the journey of life is in the wondering…

Oh wise one / shine ever on
Owls soaring / resilient and strong
Friendly smiles / when we’re together
Music soaring / brightness of dawn

CHORUS

Episode 014 - Hummingbird Sessions

Concert Time!

Welcome to Episode 014 of the Hummingbird Sessions, featuring the top five songs voted on by you guys in the last poll. This month's concert brings us gently into Autumn, with two songs about roads as well as a Japanese song about living in the moment.

What was your favorite song in this concert? What is a song you'd love to hear in a future concert? Let us know in the comments below!

Sit back, turn up the volume and enjoy!

✨ The Set List ✨

1. Country Roads (by John Denver)
2. The Bandit
3. Long Road
4. Chasing the Sun
5. 365 Days of a Paper Airplane

Lyrics -

Country Roads (John Denver)

CHORUS
Country roads, take me home
To the place where I belong
West Virginia, mountain mama
Take me home
Country roads

Almost heaven, West Virginia
Blue ridge mountains, shenandoah river
Life is old there, older than the trees
Younger than the mountains
Blowing like a breeze

CHORUS

All my meo'ries gather 'round her
Miner's lady, stranger to blue water
Dark and dusty, painted on the sky
Misty taste of moonshine
Teardrop in my eye

CHORUS

I hear her voice in the morning hour she calls me
The radio reminds me of my home, far away
And drivin' down the road I get a feelin'
That I should have been home yesterday
Yesterday

CHORUS
CHORUS

Long Road (G. Gothard)

There’s no need to know it all
Dancing with the Autumn trees
Now’s the time for standing strong
Breathe

In the wind, there’s a comforting song
And I know that it’s time to move on

CHORUS
It’s a long road, but we’ll go together
And it’s a dark road, but what time is better?
‘Cause the music’s playing on
And we’re all singing this song
As we travel the road
We will carry on

There’s a place I used to go
Wonder with the golden leaves
Now’s the ending of all before
Dream

In the wind, there’s a comforting song
And I know that it’s time to move on

CHORUS

There’s a story I used to know
Listen how the laughter sings
Now’s a time for holding on
Brave

In the wind, there’s a comforting song
And I know that it’s time to move on

CHORUS
CHORUS

365 Days of a Paper Airplane (Yasushi Akimoto)

For an approximate translation of the lyrics, go here.

Episode 013 - Hummingbird Sessions

Concert Time!

Welcome to Episode 013 of the Hummingbird Sessions, featuring the top five songs voted on by you guys in the last poll. This month's concert turned into a dreamy August daydream set, with several highly requested songs!

What was your favorite song in this concert? What is a song you'd love to hear in a future concert? Let us know in the comments below!

Sit back, turn up the volume and enjoy!

✨ The Set List ✨
1. Happy Sad Empty Full
2. Wandering
3. The Golden Thread
4. Nightfall
5. Flying Sails

Lyrics -

Wandering
(G. Gothard)

Just one day
To see the walls of glowing stone, cliffs of sun
Just one day
For wandering fragrant streets of Summer, day is done

Wandering, traveling
Wandering, traveling

Just one day
To see the towering marble halls, balconies
Just one day
For viewing galleries, painted glass, centuries

Wandering, traveling
Wandering, traveling

CHORUS
So get up, up and come along
Every new place has its very own song
We’re only here for just one day
Then we’ll pack up and we’ll wander on

Just one day
To see the dance of city lights, wander on
Just one day
To hear the music streets at night, wander on

Wandering, traveling
Wandering, traveling

Bridge
Even though I have to leave today
I know that I’ll be back someday

CHORUS
CHORUS

Nightfall
(G. Gothard, W. Gothard, S. Gothard)

She arrives as night is falling / Along the lantern way
Can you hear the starlings crying? / At the dying of the day
Her eyes are full of moonlight  / I can see them from afar
She walks the way at twilight / And her coat is full of stars

CHORUS
Nightfall
And her coat is full of stars
Nightfall
And my dreams are full of stars

I will sleep with night surrounding / The moon is shining bright
In my dreams it’s all aligning / In the quiet of the night
Her eyes are full of moonlight / I can see them from afar
She walks the way at twilight / And her coat is full of stars

CHORUS

She will leave when the sun is rising / Along the morning way
Can you see the sparrows soaring? / At the dawning of the day
Her eyes are full of moonlight / I can see them from afar
She walks the way at twilight / and her coat is full of stars

CHORUS

Summer Update

what we've been up to lately:

We're officially back on the road doing live shows and it feels so good! The first few shows have been at lovely outdoor venues in the Pacific Northwest. There's nothing like getting to play our music for real people in a beautiful place.

Between shows we've been busy filming in some of our favorite places in Washington state and enjoying being out in the great outdoors. You've seen the new video for Dragonfly - and we'll give you a hint that no one else knows yet: we have also filmed two more videos for the new album! Hopefully to be released over the rest of the year.

It has also been a lovely time of appreciation as we read notes and messages and reviews from you guys and others who are listening to the new music. The response has been overwhelming. Particularly because the music got us through the winter and it's *personally* our favorite album that we've ever done - it's amazing when that also resonates so strongly with others! 

Besides that, it's been fun to work up some of the new songs for performances on stages and figure out what we want to do with them live. Live music is a completely different animal than recording, so it took a few weeks of rehearsals to get ready to play in front of people again. Now we're raring to go!

Here are some pics.

How are you doing?

Dragonfly (Official Music Video)

Here it is for all you lovely patrons!  The Official Music Video for Dragonfly.

We had so much fun making this video last week - what's your favorite part?

Enjoy!

Episode 012 - Hummingbird Sessions

Concert Time!

Welcome to Episode 012 of the Hummingbird Sessions, featuring the top five songs voted on by you guys in the last poll. This month's episode is full of fun summer songs including the concert debut of Meet Me at Dawn, Shadow and Sun and Hurricane Ridge from the new album!

What was your favorite song in this concert? What is a song you'd love to hear in a future concert? Let us know in the comments below!

Sit back, turn up the volume and enjoy!

✨ The Set List ✨
1. Midsummer Jigs (Gothard Sisters) | From Story Girl: https://gothardsisters.lpages.co/story-girl/   

2. Shadow and Sun (Gothard Sisters) | From Dragonfly: https://gothardsisters.lpages.co/dragonfly  

3. The Three Coins (Gothard Sisters) | From Story Girl: https://gothardsisters.lpages.co/story-girl/  

4. Meet Me at Dawn (Gothard Sisters) | From Dragonfly: https://gothardsisters.lpages.co/dragonfly  

5. Hurricane Ridge (Gothard Sisters) | From Dragonfly: https://gothardsisters.lpages.co/dragonfly

Lyrics -

Shadow and Sun
(G. Gothard)

When the work is done under August sun
We will dance all night under paintbrush skies
Tune your fiddle and come when the day is done
Play a merry tune for the shadow and sun

CHORUS
Oh shadow and sun
Oh sing shadow and sun
Oh shadow and sun
Oh sing - singin’ shadow and sun

And when the hard times come and the shadows fall
With your worn out shoes and a weary soul
Bring your fiddle and come when the day is done
Play the merry tune called the shadow and sun

CHORUS

‘Til we meet again by the bonfire light
As I walk out and face the wind and rain
I will whistle and hum when the day is done
Sing our merry tune for the shadow and sun

CHORUS

Meet Me at Dawn
(G. Gothard, W. Gothard, S. Gothard)

Oh! Old saloon, deep maroon, we’re new to the town
A man walks in and sits himself down with us
Oh! Seeking gold, very old, he’s asking around
If we can help him he’ll reward us

Oh! Up at dawn with a yawn, we’re outta the town
He gives the lowdown, pickaxe, heavy packs
Oh! Hot sun, no fun, way outta the town
Follow the boot tracks now no going back

Not all that glitters is gold, so I’ve always been told
Not all that’s missing should be found - still, he turns to me and says:

CHORUS
Meet me at dawn
Up in the mountains
Near the trail with the hidden waterfalls
Superstition says there’s a gold mine no one can find
Ten years of searching
It’s in Arizona, maybe Colorado
Oh who knows?
I could still find it if I try

Oh! Take a nap, hear a snap, why’s there smoke in my eyes?
I can’t see Fred or Ted or anyone
Oh! Through the smoke, don’t choke, fire’s blocking the way
I drop and roll downhill to the creek bed

Oh! On my feet, don’t miss a beat, looking around
I think I found that dusty old trail again
Oh! Rattlesnake, big mistake, she’s looking around
I turn and run uphill to my friends again

Not all that glitters is gold, so I’ve always been told
Not all that’s missing should be found - still, he turns to me and says:

CHORUS

Oh! Found the mine, lost the mine, is it all a mirage?
Prospector yells right up to the sky
Oh! Trail’s end, it’s the end, is it camouflage?
Prospector says it can’t deceive him

Oh! Pile of rocks, cave is blocked, it leads underground
The most lost-and-found-again gold mine
Oh! Old man stops, then he drops down onto his knees
And then he laughs and cries for a long time

Not all that glitters is gold, so I’ve always been told
Not all that’s missing should be found - still, he turns to me and says:

CHORUS

Vlog: Dragonfly Photo Shoot

Behind the scenes from the photo shoot for the Dragonfly album cover!  The photos were taken in beautiful Leavenworth, WA by the lovely Ruth from Ruth H. Photography.

Enjoy!

Episode 011 - Hummingbird Sessions

Concert Time!

Welcome to Episode 011 of the Hummingbird Sessions, featuring the top five songs voted on by you guys in the last poll. This month's episode is all about songs from the new album, Dragonfly. Woohoo!

What was your favorite song in this concert? What is a song you'd love to hear in a future concert? Let us know in the comments below!

Sit back, turn up the volume and enjoy!

This month's set list:

1) Dragonfly

2) Chasing the Sun

3) Wise One

4) Alaska Set

5) Midnight Sun

Lyrics -

Dragonfly
(G. Gothard, W. Gothard, S. Gothard)

Fly fast along the water, o’er the woods of pine
Maybe I’ll leap forward, or go back in time
Zig-zag the rushing river, soar above the line
Maybe I’ll get closer, or get lost again

CHORUS
Dragonfly
Lift my wings and fly
Dragonfly
The river will take me all the way back home

Head south into the desert, under mountain caves
By following the river, I will be just fine
Weave ‘round the ancient cedar, it’s a lucky sign
I’ll stay this way forever, or I’ll change my mind

CHORUS

Spin high into the thunder, through the pouring rain
Maybe I’ll go under, or I’ll chase the sun
Pass far but circle closer, don’t be terrified
Maybe I’ll take cover, or dance in the rain

CHORUS
CHORUS

Wise One
(G. Gothard)

Oh wise one / what do you see?
Road to nowhere / night so crystal clear
Starlight winter / maybe I’m searching
Owls soaring / over the trees

CHORUS
What can you see? What do you know?
‘Cause I’d give anything to know what you know
Show me your ways for my cloudy days
A north star for finding where we are
‘Cause I’m hoping to grow
Into a wise one
Oh
Into a wise one
Oh

Oh wise one / wiser than me
Urgent whisper / wilder than the wind
Swift and silent / indigo feathers
Secret courage / send me a sign

CHORUS

Bridge
The more I grow, the less I know
Except that life is beautiful, but strange
The more I grow, the less I know
That nothing is predictable, but change
… and maybe the journey of life is in the wondering…

Oh wise one / shine ever on
Owls soaring / resilient and strong
Friendly smiles / when we’re together
Music soaring / brightness of dawn

CHORUS

Midnight Sun
(G. Gothard, W. Gothard)

Golden meadow, Summer’s light
Northern land of elusive night
Here we spend our endless hours
Singing among the sweet wildflowers

Winds that whisper, evening song
Stories of the mountains strong
Here we spend our endless hours
Singing among the sweet wildflowers

CHORUS
And I look up to the sky above
And I can name every star I see
And I hold close to the ones I love
And I will dance to the midnight sun

Far from troubles, Winter’s grieving
In this place we’ll chance believing
Here we spend our endless hours
Singing among the sweet wildflowers

CHORUS
CHORUS

New Album: Dragonfly

Good morning, lovely Patrons!

We're so excited to announce that our brand new 12-song album, Dragonfly, is coming out on June 4thand is now available for pre-order!

Pre-order the CD or the digital album today and you'll also get an early download of the title track, "Dragonfly." Enjoy!

Listen to clips here.

Pre-Order the Dragonfly CD here.

Pre-Order the Dragonfly Digital Download here. 

The Inspiration Behind Dragonfly
When we set out to write the songs on the new album, Dragonfly, we agreed that we wanted to make it into the kind of album that we originally fell in love with when we first started listening to Celtic music.

At the time, one of our favorite things to do as a family was to listen to the new Celtic folk music of the 80s and 90s while driving through the mountains on camping trips. What drew us to the genre over and over again was how it was both joyful and cool at the same time. 

Dragonflies have flown the earth for 300 million years and symbolize our ability to overcome times of hardship. They remind us to take time to reconnect with our own strength, courage, and resilience. 

The new songs touch on these themes, from searching for wisdom in “Wise One,” the joy of adventure in “Dragonfly,” to the power of music and community in “Shadow and Sun” and “Long Road.” There’s the story of a long-lost gold mine in “Meet Me at Dawn,” as well as energetic new instrumental tunes “Hurricane Ridge,” “Wildflower Jigs” and “Chasing the Sun.”

This album is the most authentic Gothard Sisters record to date, and combines layers of fiddle, mandolin, acoustic guitar, djembe, bodhran, whistles, and vocal harmonies with modern recording techniques and production. 

Woohoo!! Go grab your copy!
​Cheers,
Greta, Willow and Solana
The Gothard Sisters

Episode 010 - Hummingbird Sessions

Concert Time!  

Welcome to Episode 010 of the Hummingbird Sessions, featuring the top five songs voted on by you guys in the last poll. We discovered a bit of a theme in the songs chosen for this concert - and it's an appropriate one for the month of May!

What was your favorite song in this concert? What is a song you'd love to hear in a future concert? Let us know in the comments below!

Sit back, turn up the volume and enjoy!

This month's set list:

1) Wildflower Jigs

2) The Boatman's Call

3) Mountain Rose Waltz

4) Both Sides Now (by Joni Mitchell)

5) Orange Blossom Special

Lyrics -

The Boatman's Call
(G. Gothard)

The boatman works alone
It’s the only live he’s ever known
A young man in life alone
Across the river every day
He ferries settlers o’er the rushing cool
Carries merchants through the rapids cruel
Even royals in their crown and jewel
Across the river on his own

CHORUS
Ya - da da da, a young man tall
Ya - da da da, ya da da da da da
Ya - da da da, the boatman’s call
Ya - da da da, ya da da da da da

The young woman lone she goes
Gathering flowers where the river flows
She is lovely as the mountain rose
And she needs passage on her way
She needs crossing late in emerald May
Sitting golden in the creak and sway
Our young boatman gave his heart that day
Across the river going home

CHORUS
Ya - da da da, a young man tall
Ya - da da da, ya da da da da da
Ya - da da da, for this girl did fall
Ya - da da da, ya da da da da da

Bridge
Their world was set, planned
Always they would be
They didn’t fret, no
Not like you and me
Their world was small, there
Near the river free
Then came this fine, grand
Tale of he and she

CHORUS
Ya - da da da, this girl did fall
Ya - da da da, ya da da da da da
Ya - da da da, for the boatman’s call
Ya - da da da, ya da da da da da

And now they are not alone
Their lonely life by one has grown
Now they are not alone
They cross the river every day

Both Sides Now
(by Joni Mitchell)

Rows and flows of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air
And feather canyons everywhere
I've looked at clouds that way

But now they only block the sun
They rain and snow on everyone
So many things I would have done
But clouds got in my way

I've looked at clouds from both sides now
From up and down and still somehow
It's cloud illusions I recall
I really don't know clouds at all

Moons and Junes and Ferris wheels
The dizzy dancing way you feel
As every fairytale comes real
I've looked at love that way

But now it's just another show
You leave 'em laughing when you go
And if you care, don't let them know
Don't give yourself away

I've looked at love from both sides now
From give and take and still somehow
It's love's illusions I recall
I really don't know love at all

Tears and fears and feeling proud
To say I love you right out loud
Dreams and schemes and circus crowds
I've looked at life that way

But now old friends are acting strange
They shake their heads, they say I've changed
Well something's lost but something's gained
From living everyday

I've looked at life from both sides now
From win and lose and still somehow
It's life's illusions I recall
I really don't know life at all

Episode 009 - Hummingbird Sessions

Concert Time!

Welcome to Episode 009 of the Hummingbird Sessions, featuring the top five songs voted on by you guys in the last poll. These are some lovely songs - a few standards, a few from the vault and two great cover songs!

What was your favorite song in this concert? What is a song you'd love to hear in a future concert? Let us know in the comments below!

Sit back, turn up the volume and enjoy!

This month's set list:

1) Feast of the Elven King

2) Queen of Argyll (by Andy M. Stewart)

3) Against the Grain

4) One Voice (by the Wailin' Jennys)

5) Celebration Reel

Lyrics -

Queen of Argyll (by Andy M. Stewart)

Gentle men it is my duty / to inform you of one beauty
Though I'd ask of you a favor / not to seek her for a while
Though I own she is a creature / of character and feature
No words can paint the picture of the Queen of all Argyll

CHORUS
Oh if you could have seen her there
Boys if you had just been there
The swan is in her movements
And the morning in her smile
All the roses in the garden
Would bow and ask her pardon
But not one could match the beauty of
the Queen of all Argyll

On that evening that I mentioned / I passed with light intention
Through a part of our dear country / known for beauty and for style
In the place of noble thinkers / of scholars and great drinkers
But above them all for splendor shone the Queen of all Argyll

CHORUS

So my lads, I needs must leave you / my intention's not to grieve you
Nor indeed would I deceive you / Oh I'll see you in a while
I must find some way to gain her / to court her and to claim her
I fear my heart's in danger from the Queen of all Argyll

CHORUS
CHORUS

One Voice (by the Wailin' Jennys)

This is the sound of one voice
One spirit, one voice
The sound of one who makes a choice
This is the sound of one voice
This is the sound of one voice

This is the sound of voices two
The sound of me, singin' with you
Helpin' each other to make it through
This is the sound of voices two
This is the sound of voices two

This is the sound of voices three
Singin' together in harmony
Surrendering to the mystery
This is the sound of voices three
This is the sound of voices three

This is the sound of all of us
Singin' with love and the will to trust
Leave the rest behind, it'll turn to dust
This is the sound of all of us
This is the sound of all of us

Oh, oh
Oh, oh

This is the sound of one voice
One people, one voice
A song for every one of us
This is the sound of one voice
This is the sound of one voice

Album Photo Shoot

Wow, you guys, thank you so much for your overwhelmingly positive response to our last poll about sharing the Hummingbird Sessions. We're really looking forward to filming this month's episode and sharing all the songs you chose with everyone online!

Meanwhile, here's a sneak peek of what we were up to on Monday and Tuesday this week - we went out to the mountains with our fearless friend and photographer Ruth to do a photo shoot for the new album. This included some epic scenery, along with getting the sunset in the evening and then waking up at dawn to catch the golden morning light on a mountain top.

The photos are going to look amazing and all the songs on the album are sounding awesome as well! We can't wait to share more of the music and the finished photos with you soon.

'Til then, stay tuned for this month's Hummingbird Sessions concert on Saturday!

Episode 008 - Hummingbird Sessions

Concert Time!

Welcome to Episode 008 of the Hummingbird Sessions, featuring the top five songs voted on by you guys in the last poll. These are some great songs for the month of March and for St. Patrick's Day, plus a BRAND NEW song from the new album!

What was your favorite song in this concert? What is a song you'd love to hear in a future concert? Let us know in the comments below!

Sit back, turn up the volume and enjoy!

This month's set list:

1) Ashokan Farewell (Jay Ungar) / Scotland the Brave

2) Wild Rover / Winds that Shake the Barley

3) Toss the Feathers / The Blarney Pilgrim

4) Caledonia (by Dougie MacLean)

5) Dragonfly

Lyrics -

Wild Rover (traditional) / Tune: Winds that Shake the Barley

I've been a wild rover for many's the year
And I spent all my money on whiskey and beer
But now I'm returning with gold in great store
And I never will play the wild rover no more

CHORUS
And it's no, nay, never
No nay never no more
Will I play the wild rover
No never no more

I went in to an alehouse I used to frequent
And I told the landlady my money was spent
I asked her for credit, she answered me nay
Such a custom as yours I could have any day

CHORUS

Then out of my pockets I took sovereigns bright
And the landlady's eyes opened wide with delight
She said I'd have whiskey and wines of the best
And the words that I spoke they were only in jest

CHORUS

I'll go home to my parents, confess what I've done
And I'll ask them to pardon their prodigal son
And if they caress me, as oftimes before
Then I never will play the wild rover no more

CHORUS

Caledonia (By Dougie MacLean)

I don't know if you can see
The changes that have come over me
In these last few days, I've been afraid
That it might drift away

So I've been telling old stories, singing songs
That make me think about where I came from
That's the reason why I seem
So far away today

CHORUS
Oh and let me tell you that I love you
That I think about you all the time
Caledonia, you're calling me
And now I'm going home
Oh but if I should become a stranger
You know that it would make me more than sad
Caledonia's been everything I've ever had

Now I'm sitting here, before the fire
The empty room and the forest choir
The flames that couldn't get any higher
They've withered now they've gone

But I'm steady thinking, my way is clear
And I know what I will do tomorrow
When the hands have shaken, the kisses flown
Well I will disappear

CHORUS

Dragonfly (by G. Gothard)

Fly fast along the water, o'er the woods of pine
Maybe I'll leap forward, or go back in time
Zigzag the rushing river, soar above the line
Maybe I'll get closer, or get lost again

CHORUS
Dragonfly
Lift my wings and fly
Dragonfly
The river will take me all the way back home

Head south into the desert, under mountain caves
By following the river, I will be just fine
Weave round the ancient cedar, it's a lucky sign
I'll stay this way forever, or I'll change my mind

CHORUS

Spin high into the thunder, through the pouring rain
Maybe I'll go under, or I'll chase the sun
Pass far but circle closer, don't be terrified
Maybe I'll take cover, or dance in the rain

CHORUS

LIVE: Irish Dance Encore

Here is a number recorded a few years ago in California at a show. An all-dance encore where we put the instruments down and make rhythms with dancing only.

LIVE: The Legend of Finn McCoul

🌲 Story Time! 🌲

Recorded in Sumter, South Carolina at a St. Patrick's Day show in 2017, here is our live storytelling rendition of the story of Finn McCoul and his famous rival.

Follow along with the story below:

The Legend of Finn McCoul (by the Gothard Sisters, based on the traditional tale)

Once upon a time, in the very far north of Ireland, there lived a giant.
The giant's name was Finn McCoul, and he was very cool.
He was the tallest, the strongest, and the mightiest of all the giants in Ireland.

One day, Finn McCoul decided that he was going to build a bridge, made of stone,
that would take him all the way across the big blue sea from Ireland to Scotland.
But building the bridge made him very tired so he decided to go back to Ireland and take a nap.

After his nap, Finn was enjoying a lovely cup of tea with his wife, Oona, when all of a sudden they heard a rumbling, trembling, booming noise coming from the Scottish side of the new bridge. 

It was Benandonner. Greatest and most terrible of all the Scottish giants, Benandonner was twice as tall as Finn McCoul - and that was when he was sitting down.
Seeing Finn's new bridge, Benandonner decided that this was the perfect opportunity to cross into Ireland and take care of that puny little Irish giant - Finn McCoul.

Finn's wife, Oona, said:
"Oh Finn. Here comes that giant, Benandonner, to fight with you. Now, Benandonner is stronger than you are. But he's not very smart. So here's what we'll do. Go and jump into the baby's cradle, put the baby's little hat on your head, pull the baby blanket all the way up to your chin, and then leave everything else to me."

Finn obeyed, immediately. He jumped into the baby's cradle, and put the baby's frilly little bonnet onto his big head, and he pulled the baby's blanket all the way up to his big chin.

Then, Oona ran into the kitchen and began to mix up a new batch of bread. She picked up a lump of butter and rolled it around in some black boot-polish, forming a lumpy grey ball. This she placed on a pile of rocks by the hearth and sat down to wait. 

Benandonner approached the house. He knocked three times. Oona opened the door.

Oona: "Well hello and good day and what can I do for you?"

Benandonner: "I'm Benandonner - the greatest and most terrible of all the Scottish giants. And I have come to fight Finn McCoul."

Oona: "Yes, of course you have. But I'm afraid that Finn isn't home right now. You can come in and wait for him. I have some fresh bread, right out of the oven."

Benandonner: "I'll wait. I like fresh bread."

He followed her into the kitchen and sat down at the kitchen table. Oona ran into the kitchen and pulled out two fresh loaves of bread from the oven. One of them had an iron frying pan baked in the center of it. This one she gave to Benandonner. 

Oona: "Here's a lovely loaf of Finn's favorite bread for you to eat." 

He took it from her and bit into it. Instantly, his teeth hit the frying pan inside and cracked. 

Benandonner: "Ouch!" 

Oona: "Oh dear. Is Finn's favorite bread a little bit too hard for you to eat, Benandonner?"

Benandonner: "A little bit too hard?! My teeth are all broken!"

Oona: "How strange. Because you see, even Finn's little tiny baby loves to eat that bread. Watch this."

And she brought the other regular soft loaf over to Finn, who was still lying in the cradle. He took it from her and gobbled it all up. Benandonner was shocked. Why, if Finn McCoul's little baby could even eat Oona's rock-hard bread without breaking all his teeth ... what was going on? 

Benandonner: "So tell me ... how does Finn McCoul become so strong?"

Oona: "Well you see, Finn likes to build up his strength by squeezing water out of rocks."

Benandonner: "Squeezing water out of rocks."

Oona: "Oh yes. Don't you do that in Scotland?"

Benandonner: "No."

Oona: "Well maybe if you want to become stronger you should try it. You might want to start with one of the practice rocks, they're a little easier."

He picked one of the rocks and squeezed. Try as he might, he couldn't get a single drop of water out of it. 

Oona: "How strange. You see even Finn's little tiny baby can easily squeeze water from the practice rocks. Watch this."

And she crossed over to the pile of rocks by the hearth and picked up the lumpy grey ball and brought it over to Finn, who was lying in the cradle.

Oona: "Why don't you squeeze this rock for me now, dear."

He took the lump of butter in his hand and squeezed. Instantly, it began to drip to the floor. Benandonner was shocked.

Benandonner: "Ach. If this the strength of the little baby, how strong must the father be? I'm going back to Scotland!"

And with that, he took off back across the bridge, tearing it apart as he went so that Finn McCoul would never follow him home to Scotland. And to this day you can still see what is left of that bridge - the Giant's Causeway in County Ulster, Northern Ireland. 

And as for Finn and his wife Oona, they lived happily ever after. 

Episode 007 - Hummingbird Sessions

Concert Time!

Welcome to Episode 007 of the Hummingbird Sessions, featuring the top five songs voted on by you guys in the last poll. These are some great songs for the month of February. 

What was your favorite song in this concert? What is a song you'd love to hear in a future concert? Let us know in the comments below!

Sit back, turn up the volume and enjoy!

This month's set list:

1) Flying Sails 

2) It Was Beautiful

3) Cat in a Bush

4) Call and the Answer (by Phil and June Colclough)

5) The Landing

Lyrics - 

It Was Beautiful (G. Gothard)

A group of men sat 'round the fire
Tellin' old tales 'til the midnight hour
Along came a stumbling little girl
Dancin' around with a smile

Her ma came running fast in her wake
'sorry kind sirs for that headache'
The group of men then a plea did make
Please don't take her away

Chorus
We thought it was beautiful
Oh oh
We thought it was beautiful
Oh oh
We thought it was beautiful

Walking through an ancient space
Young men say 'what is this place?'
Fading light through windows cold
The whole thing seems too old

But a woman there, she seems so wise
With a nice young face and lovin' brown eyes
Lads don't like the ancient place
But she goes there every day

Chorus
She thinks it is beautiful
Oh oh
She thinks it is beautiful
Oh oh
She thinks it is beautiful

Climbing down from the mountains high
Danny's father gave a tired sigh
'Well me boy that's it I'm done
sweating all day in the sun'

'The mountain's never worth the pain
Climbing all day, and with what gain?'
His little son then a sound did make
And Danny he did say

Chorus
I thought it was beautiful
Oh oh
I thought it was beautiful
Oh oh
I thought it was beautiful

Call and the Answer (By Phil and June Colcough, arr. Gothard Sisters)

You called and I ran
Wild as the wind which rolls across the moor
All we need is each other
With the eagles we will soar

Chorus
You are the call, I am the answer
You are the wish and I am the way
You the music, I the dancer
You are the night and I am the day
You are the night and I am the day

You and I we're like two rivers
Run and fall down to the sea
When we meet, we're lost forever
Lost forever you and me

Chorus

Lay your head upon my pillow
Let your heart beat close to mine
With no past, and no tomorrow
Two hearts lost in space and time

Chorus

Episode 006 - Hummingbird Sessions

Concert Time!

Welcome to Episode 006 of the Hummingbird Sessions and the first one of 2021!

Sit back, turn up the volume, sing along and enjoy!

The Hummingbird Sessions - Episode 006:

Wild Mountain Thyme (by Francis McPeake)

Oh the Summer time is coming
And the trees are sweetly blooming
And the wild mountain thyme
Grows around the blooming heather
Will ye go, lassie, go?

Chorus
And we'll all go together
To pluck wild mountain thyme
All around the blooming heather
Will ye, go, lassie, go?

I will build my love a bower
Near yon pure crystal fountain
And on it I will pile
All the flowers of the mountain
Will ye go, lassie, go?

Chorus
Chorus

Auld Lang Syne (Traditional, arr. Gothard Sisters)

Should old acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot
And days of auld lang syne

Chorus
For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
We'll take a cup of kindness yet
For auld lang syne

And here's a hand my trusty friend
And here's a hand o' thine
And we'll take a cup of kindness yet
For auld lang syne

Chorus
Chorus

Nightfall (G. Gothard)

She arrives as night is falling
Along the lantern way
Can you hear the starlings crying?
At the dying of the day
Her eyes are full of moonlight
I can see them from afar
She walks the way at twilight
And her coat is full of stars

Chorus
Nightfall
And her coat is full of stars
Nightfall
And my dreams are full of stars

I will sleep with night surrounding
The moon is shining bright
In my dreams it's all aligning
In the quiet of the night
Her eyes are full of moonlight
I can see them from afar
She walks the way at twilight
And her coat is full of stars

Chorus

She will leave when the sun is rising
Along the morning way
Can you see the sparrows soaring?
At the dawning of the day
Her eyes are full of moonlight
I can see them from afar
She walks the way at twilight
And her coat is full of stars

Chorus

The Parting Glass (Traditional, arr. Gothard Sisters)

Of all the money that e're I've had
I spent it in good company
And of all the harm that e're I've done
Alas it was to none but me
And all I've done for want of wit
To memory now I can't recall
So fill to me the parting glass
Goodnight and joy be with you all
Goodnight and joy be with you all

Of all the comrades that e're I've had
They're sorry for my going away
And of all the sweethearts that e're I've had
They'd wish me one more day to stay
But since it fell into my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I'll gently rise and softly call
Goodnight and joy be with you all

Chorus
So fill to me the parting glass
And drink a health what e're befalls
And gently rise and softly call
Goodnight and joy be with you all