The January Girl - The Foxglove Trio
Photo credit: Rob Bridge (Redwood Photography)
Our next LCM featured band The Foxglove Trio seek out lesser-known traditional and contemporary folk songs and, with care and creativity, transform them into moments of breathtaking beauty. Since forming in 2010 these talented musicians have built a powerful signature sound based on Patrick Dean’s bold melodeon playing, Cathy Mason’s intricate cello lines and Ffion Mair’s pure and soaring vocals. Our LCM #SongOfTheDay is the wonderful 'The January Girl' taken from their second album 'Distant Havens' released in October.
The lyrics were written by Ffion Mair based on The January Man' by 'Dave Goulder. The melody is by Dave Goulder and is arranged by the trio. The video filmed and edited by Rob Bridge of Redwood Photography at South Hill Arts Centre, Bracknell.
The Foxglove Trio's intriguing repertoire and imaginative arrangements are presented with an infectious energy and an effortless charm. Their passionate performances will captivate you and take you on a journey from subtly political contemporary songs to jaunty Yorkshire tales and soulful Welsh laments.
Lyrics to The January Girl:
The January girl sets off in woollen hat and scarf but soon discards them,
The February girl needs not just scarves but shawls and coats and mittens too,
In March the girl spots daffodils and wonders what the frost will kill,
Or will there be a heatwave.
The April girl is worried for the Easter lambs being born into a blizzard,
In May the girl soaks in the sun and wonders whether summer captured spring,
In June it’s time to be outside, go open up your windows wide,
To welcome in the summer.
July’s so hot the bees die off, the girl can’t get enough of ice cream sundae,
The August daughters want to play but now the rain has chased the sun away,
In September Michael comes to court the girl but she’s no fun,
She just complains about the weather.
October girl tries harvesting her garden but the Autumn fruit has withered,
November girl looks on and cries as streams and rivers flow into the towns,
December girl tucks in the night with evergreens and candlelight,
There’s no need to light the fire.
The January girl reclaims her woollen clothes and vows to treasure every day,
She looks back through the year that’s passed and worries for her sisters yet to come,
The January girl’s still here, but will the seasons of the year
Soon be lost forever?