Some years ago I was asked to recite Flanders Fields at a Memorial Service our Legion Post held here in Monmouth. Ive never been able to memorize stuff worth a darn, but it occurred to me that I am able to memorize lyrics of songs and hymns pretty well. So I started looking for where someone might have set the poem to music. It might be out there, but search as I might, I couldnt find any... so I decided that I had to write the tune myself. Using my simple little Irish Tin Penny Whistle, I worked out a melody and sang instead of reciting it for the service. I guess it wasnt all that bad, as no one booed or threw anything at me. I never recorded myself singing it, but if you go here: reverbnation/audio_player/download_song/7999916?modal=true ...you can hear my pennywhistle rendition of it. Read the poem while listening to my crude interpretation and see if you can tell where the words go with the music. There is one line that I repeat to make it fit a little better musically. Id love to hear it played on the Great Highland Pipes by a Piper who knows what hes doing. It might sound pretty respectable. ...Anyone out there want to orchestrate it? (Im not holding my breath, guys!) Some gave all of their tomorrows, so that we could enjoy what we all too often take for granted today. Have a blessed day. Uncle Jaque US Army, 1967-70 In Flanders Fields By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow Between the crosses row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.
Posted on: Mon, 11 Nov 2013 23:01:22 +0000