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The Magpie

from Turn Again by Triantan

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about

This song has been known to draw hisses of disapproval from some audience members when we sing of ignoring clerical instruction. Our hecklers doubtless would not be comforted to know that we choose to interpret the last line of the chorus as a philosophical rejection of the very notion of Satan’s existence.

lyrics

The magpie brings us tidings of news both fair and foul
She’s more cunning than the raven, more wise than any owl
She brings us news of the harvest of barley, wheat, and corn
She knows when we’ll go to our graves, how we shall be born

One’s for sorrow, two’s for joy
Three’s for a girl and four’s for a boy
Five for silver, six for gold
And seven for a secret never told
Devil, devil, I defy thee

She brings us joy when from the right, grief when from the left
Of all the news that’s in the air we know to trust her best
For she sees us at our labour and she mocks us at our work
She steals the egg from out of the nest and she can mob the hawk

The priest, he says we’re wicked to worship the devil’s bird
Ah, but we respect the old ways and we disregard his word
For we know they rest uneasy as we slumber in the night
And we always leave a little bit of meat for the bird that’s black and white

credits

from Turn Again, released January 9, 2021
Words & Tune: David Dodds

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about

Miguel Heatwole image

Miguel Heatwole Sydney, Australia

Miguel’s a versatile singer, choral director & composer. His interests include folk & world music, political satire, the environment, trade unionism & the responsible enjoyment of alcohol. His songwriting embraces themes like peace & justice, the family cat, & visceral passionate attraction. His enthusiasm for recording community singing has let many people share the power of their songs. ... more

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