The Folk Show Treasure Hunt Song #7

Track 7 "George"

Thursday 20th August  9pm

On Gary Hazlehurst’s Folk Show / Stafford FM

Online live link: http://www.staffordfm.co.uk

The Team:

Ange Hardy (vocals & guitar)
Patsy Reid (viola & cello)
Lukas Drinkwater (double bass)
Jonny Dyer (piano)
Andrew Pearce (drum kit).

The Song:

George was Coleridge’s older brother, and one who was often leaned upon. Undoubtedly, Coleridge was a friend who placed a heavy burden on those around him. Much of the sentiment of this song is based on letters between Coleridge and his friends and family.

The Lyrics:

Who am I my brother

My earliest friend
That you’d be a father to me
For the prayers of  your heart do upon me descend

As the prayers of your first bended knee.

Oh the prayers of a young and unquestioning heart
Where hope calms the fiercest of seas

Who am I my brother
My earliest friend
That you’d be a father to me.

Who am I my brother
My earliest friend
To ask of your patience and plea
For a love that will conquer forgive and defend
When discordant
my own mind should be.

Oh the prayers of a young
And unquestioning heart
Where hope calms the fiercest of seas

Who am I my brother
My earliest friend
That you’d be a father to me.

Who am I my brother

My earliest friend

That you be a father to me
For the prayers of your heart
Do upon me descend
As the prayers of your first bended knee.

For the prayers of a young
And unquestioning heart
Where hope calms the fiercest of seas

Who am I my brother

My earliest friend

That you be a father to me?

Notes From Coleridge:

When I remember thee, my earliest Friend!
Thee, who didst watch my boyhood and my youth; Didst trace my wanderings with a father’s eye...

- To the Rev. George Coleridge

My brother, my brother! pray for me, comfort me, my brother!
- Letter to George Coleridge February 8, 1794. 

In his moral character he approaches every way nearer to perfection than any man I ever yet knew.
- Letter to Thomas Poole, March, 1797. 

I have heard from my brothers- from him particularly who has been friend, brother, father.
- Letter to Robert Southey, October 21, 1794.