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Equation — Mother and Child
Album: The Lucky Few
Avg rating:
6.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1165









Released: 1999
Length: 4:28
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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It was in the month of January and the hills were deep with snow
When over hills and valleys my true love he did go
It was there I spied a pretty young girl with a salt tear in her eye
She held a baby in her arms and bitterly did cry.
How cruel was my father to bar the door on me
And how cruel was my mother this dreadful crime to see
And how cruel was my own true love to forsake my love for gold
And how cruel was that winters` night that pierced my heart with cold.
For the taller that the palm tree grows the sweeter is the bark
And the fairer that a young man speaks the falser is his heart
He will kiss you and embrace you `til he thinks that he has won
Then he`ll go away and leave you all for another one.
I`ll go to the lonely valley and on my knees I`ll fall
And there unto Almighty God for mercy I will call
She kissed her baby`s cold white lips and she laid him by her side
Then she raised her eyes to heaven and both lay down and died.
Comments (91)add comment
EXCELLENT TUNE!  Spooky album cover.  Thanx RP!   
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 xkolibuul wrote:

A pox on iTunes for not carrying this tune...grrr.


A pox on iTube
Posted 2 years ago by radioparadise9    [ Reply ]
 daedalus wrote:

The fiddle style definitely sounds influenced by Dave Swarbrick of Fairport convention.
Good stuff ! A breath of fresh air. 



interesting insight, thanks. 
Posted 2 years ago by albert11    [ Reply ]
Just a great band that came and went before I got a chance to hear anything from them.  Thanks RP!
Posted 2 years ago by George_Tirebiter    [ Reply ]
I have always loved the way that this uplifting song makes me feel. The arrangment is impeccable, the singing reminds me of a British-style Stevie Nicks, and the fine fiddling sends me to Celtic Heaven. Thanks, RP, for peppering my days and nights with tasty soundscapes for every mood and season!
Posted 3 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
I like the sound of these folks. Shoot me!
Posted 3 years ago by hdavid7    [ Reply ]
 kbs wrote:
Pleasant, but lacking the edge that Fairport, Steeleye (early, before they became less subtle!) and the Dransfields have for me. The sound is  a little muddy and the rhythm section could do with Dave Mattocks' percussion rather than the rather staid and strict beat. Nearly there but not quite - intrigued me to find more and it is hard to locate!
 
I'm not a fan of Dave Mattacks - he drags rather than propels.  Much prefer Michael Jerome (Richard Thompson's touring drummer).
Posted 3 years ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
Pleasant, but lacking the edge that Fairport, Steeleye (early, before they became less subtle!) and the Dransfields have for me. The sound is  a little muddy and the rhythm section could do with Dave Mattocks' percussion rather than the rather staid and strict beat. Nearly there but not quite - intrigued me to find more and it is hard to locate!
Posted 4 years ago by kbs    [ Reply ]
How about "Mother and Child"!....by Dezarie.....Reggae!
Posted 5 years ago by danthebeachman    [ Reply ]
It seems Texas ...
Posted 5 years ago by Tsunamie333    [ Reply ]
 Cy wrote:
Originally Posted by erik_j: I'm gonna give this one a 7!
I'm gonna give it a 9! :)
 

OK a little give & take then...8 it is!
Posted 6 years ago by Rockit9    [ Reply ]
I may have said this already, but...yum.
Posted 6 years ago by cely    [ Reply ]
Very nice. Has a bit of a Mellencamp feel in the instrumentation. Too bad not available via Apple Music.
Posted 6 years ago by SchoepTone    [ Reply ]
 richlister wrote:
Mother + child = one happy father X 6 beers (that's an equation)

 
Read the lyrics that have been posted since your comment and you will change your mind!
Posted 6 years ago by Stephen_Phillips    [ Reply ]
 paultron wrote:


(lyrics now posted above. thanks! -bg)

 
And...yikes!  Don't let the rollicking  instrumentation fool you.
Posted 7 years ago by Typesbad    [ Reply ]
LIKE.
Posted 7 years ago by tomingersoll    [ Reply ]
Quite likeable. GREAT COVER!!!!
Posted 8 years ago by Segue    [ Reply ]
Methinks Bill likes violins
Posted 8 years ago by markybx    [ Reply ]
Reminds me of "The Tansads"
Posted 8 years ago by ScottishWillie    [ Reply ]
 martinc wrote:
Nice tune, good fiddle player, nice guitar interaction and good vocals. 

 
Absolutely, on all counts.  Overall rating is far too low, I feel.  These Bristol ears like it a lot.
Posted 8 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
 TotalHip wrote:
Have always enjoyed both albums I have.
 
Much wisdom do you offer, Master Yoda.
Posted 8 years ago by OceanBlue    [ Reply ]
 MikeInMi wrote:
This is something of a folk collective group featuring Kate Rusby and Kathyrn Roberts, both of whom have had extensive solo careers, and put out an album/CD together in 1995.  I'm thrilled to see them here, but not surprised given the content that's been the hallmark of this site.  Thanks, Bill and Rebecca.
 

 
Thanks for the insight, Mike. 
Posted 9 years ago by Beastie    [ Reply ]
Absolutely brilliant. Another gem found in Radio Paradise!
Posted 9 years ago by Beastie    [ Reply ]
Have always enjoyed both albums I have. Look also for recordings from fiddle player Seth Lakeman.

ScottishWillie wrote:
I love this kind electric folk. Is the whole album this good?
 


Posted 9 years ago by TotalHip    [ Reply ]
I love this kind electric folk. Is the whole album this good?
Posted 10 years ago by ScottishWillie    [ Reply ]
This is something of a folk collective group featuring Kate Rusby and Kathyrn Roberts, both of whom have had extensive solo careers, and put out an album/CD together in 1995.  I'm thrilled to see them here, but not surprised given the content that's been the hallmark of this site.  Thanks, Bill and Rebecca.
 
Posted 10 years ago by MikeInMi    [ Reply ]
A pox on iTunes for not carrying this tune...grrr.
Posted 10 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
Great!
Posted 11 years ago by Sasha2001    [ Reply ]
 mgp22 wrote:
Does anyone know the lyrics to this song?  My ears are bad - I am terrible at discerning them!  Also, the lyrics to "The Prize," also on this album.  Thanks!
 

(lyrics now posted above. thanks! -bg)
Posted 11 years ago by paultron    [ Reply ]
Great band.
Posted 11 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
Very catchy! I like it...'course it has fiddle in it...
Posted 11 years ago by fiddler    [ Reply ]
Mother + child = one happy father X 6 beers (that's an equation)
Posted 11 years ago by richlister    [ Reply ]
Does anyone know the lyrics to this song?  My ears are bad - I am terrible at discerning them!  Also, the lyrics to "The Prize," also on this album.  Thanks!
Posted 12 years ago by mgp22    [ Reply ]
I got the album on the strength of this track, and it's getting played to death in the car.  Bill, please add "Autumn Tune" to the playlist while you're at it.
Posted 12 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]
Love the fiddle on this one.
Posted 12 years ago by rp1125    [ Reply ]
Really good, has a groove that won't stop-Very nice Bill
Posted 12 years ago by dew34    [ Reply ]
Wow, coulda sworn this was Margo from Cowboy Junkies.
Posted 12 years ago by SinisterDexter    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:
It hit me just right tonight - bumping from 7 to 8. {#Mrgreen}
 
You are so cool., Cynaera.....{#Whipit}
Posted 12 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
It hit me just right tonight - bumping from 7 to 8. {#Mrgreen}
Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
This is new to me... sounds good
Posted 13 years ago by tphord    [ Reply ]
The fiddle style definitely sounds influenced by Dave Swarbrick of Fairport convention.
Good stuff ! A breath of fresh air. 
Posted 13 years ago by daedalus    [ Reply ]
I was thinking this was Grey Eye Glances...

 Tim_in_N_FL wrote:

Yes! I too hear the influence and Kathryn Roberts' vocals are reminiscent of Debra Holland's from Animal Logic. 

 


Posted 13 years ago by JsDad    [ Reply ]
Okay man, found it: "Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore" Paul Brady—exact same tune. Beautiful tune, maybe used for a few different old songs.

Posted 14 years ago by Giselle62    [ Reply ]
One of the great disappointments of my short life, is this group did not put out more albums  {#Cry}
Posted 14 years ago by oldman    [ Reply ]
To me, Cowboy Junkies-ish, with a little Natalie Merchant thrown in.
Posted 14 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
Okay - no distractions this time.  I really do LIKE this song - especially the fiddle. It lends a rustic, earthy quality to the music and the vocals.  Solid 7 from me.{#Sunny}
Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
{#Clap} Cynaera wrote:
I'm sorry - I was distracted with a very deep e-mail, but I caught myself rocking to this song as I was trying to keep someone from making a very bad decision.  Apparently, the music worked on me, because I came up with good words, and the person in question seems willing to get some counseling.  We'll see how effective it all was... Like the song - what I heard of it....{#Embarassed}
 


Posted 14 years ago by dolfan    [ Reply ]
I'm sorry - I was distracted with a very deep e-mail, but I caught myself rocking to this song as I was trying to keep someone from making a very bad decision.  Apparently, the music worked on me, because I came up with good words, and the person in question seems willing to get some counseling.  We'll see how effective it all was... Like the song - what I heard of it....{#Embarassed}
Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
Amazing!

(that she can enunciate at all while forcing 90% of her voice through her left nostril) 
Posted 14 years ago by vit    [ Reply ]
yes it is a lot like "She Moved thru the Fair" it might be the same tune—-tho I can't hear the tune as well as I'd like to, maybe her song is low in the mix like the audiophiles are saying.
did you know Bob Dylan used tunes straight from Old British Isles songs and just changed all the words? "Nottamun Town" = "Masters of War" pretty interesting.

Posted 15 years ago by Giselle62    [ Reply ]
This really rocks! LOVE the fiddle
Worth more than 6.5.
And She can sing...........


Posted 15 years ago by Bakaretsu    [ Reply ]
I do like a bit of Folk Rock. 
Posted 15 years ago by ScottishWillie    [ Reply ]
 squarepixel wrote:
Reminds a bit of Animal Logic. Maybe I should upload some of their stuff.
 
Yes! I too hear the influence and Kathryn Roberts' vocals are reminiscent of Debra Holland's from Animal Logic. 

Posted 15 years ago by Tim_in_N_FL    [ Reply ]
Nice tune, good fiddle player, nice guitar interaction and good vocals. 
Posted 15 years ago by martinc    [ Reply ]
I would love for her to do my voice mail greeting message...{#Cool}

Posted 15 years ago by 10th_rock    [ Reply ]
This tune is rather reminiscent of "She Moved Through the Fair", at least in some parts and to my old ears.
Posted 15 years ago by maryte    [ Reply ]
GGendeman wrote:
Two words -- Fairport Convention This is really good folk-rock
Definitely rather Fairport-y. I like it.
Posted 16 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]
alux wrote:
And...your point? There's been over 30 years and a whole river of celtic-accented folk-rock fusion between FC and Equation, and this vocalist does not exactly channel Sandy Denny. FC did indeed kick this all off, along with Steeleye Span, Jethro Tull, and others I am assuredly overlooking. Was that your point? Anyway, this is indeed really good.
it was all replica dada
Posted 16 years ago by wferrier    [ Reply ]
K'aas ool xiipaal, u'uyej, ba'ax teen mun meyaj a xiikini'? A little Maya. Fido dude, listen up, whether you like them or not, Equation sounds NOTHING like CJ. I'm amazed you can't notice that. superfido wrote:
Errr BlÀÀÀÀ Va fan detta låt suger realt. A little swedish I really hate all these different cowboy junky wanna be s . The sound got boring with them. Why so many others? Who knows.
Posted 17 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
I haven't heard this. very cool I think
Posted 17 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]
And...your point? There's been over 30 years and a whole river of celtic-accented folk-rock fusion between FC and Equation, and this vocalist does not exactly channel Sandy Denny. FC did indeed kick this all off, along with Steeleye Span, Jethro Tull, and others I am assuredly overlooking. Was that your point? Anyway, this is indeed really good. GGendeman wrote:
Two words -- Fairport Convention This is really good folk-rock
Posted 17 years ago by alux    [ Reply ]
Really fine musicianship. Look forward to hearing more from them...
Posted 18 years ago by siloco    [ Reply ]
My Amazon.com wish list is expanding to enormous proportions thanks to RP. Here is one more added to the "must have" list!
Posted 18 years ago by Steven_G    [ Reply ]
audiozeb wrote:
Her wonderful Sandy Denny flavoured voice could be up front a bit more in the mix, and yeah I hear a bit of digital processing on it. The drums are definitely "big rock drums". But I still like the song. BTW I would bet cash money that Mitchell Froom uses classic mics and classic pre-amps like those found in vintage Neve consoles and records to tape whenever he can. Probably only goes to digital to edit and then in the mastering stage. Blah Blah Blah. Sorry, tech geek.
No, I think it's interesting. You may be right, because I read somewhere Richard Thompson doesn't like digital reverb, for instance and prefers to use real acoustics.
Posted 19 years ago by Johray63    [ Reply ]
Equation!?! I love this place! They do a killer version of the old folk tune "The Cuckoo's Nest." (And when they're through with it, there is no way you can't know what they mean)
Posted 19 years ago by BjornPhrei    [ Reply ]
i just bought this album and hazy daze and am LOVING this band! thanks, RP!
Posted 19 years ago by roadshow    [ Reply ]
>>anyone else noticed that the melody is a complete rip-off of the traditional folk song 'She Moved Through The Fair' ? The melody is medieval (probably, though no-one knows for sure).
Posted 20 years ago by beag    [ Reply ]
This is ok...but kind of boring. It needs something else.
Posted 20 years ago by ObsidianInfinity    [ Reply ]
squarepixel wrote:
Reminds a bit of Animal Logic. Maybe I should upload some of their stuff.
Or another "Animal" band...Baby Animals. She also has a voice like the lead singer from the Divinyls. Nice.
Posted 21 years ago by Roverfish    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by matmeister: Anyone else noticed that the melody is a complete rip-off of the traditional folk song 'She Moved Through The Fair' ?
This is ANOTHER traditional folk tune, so if it is a ripoff, the theft actually happened centuries ago. Can't blame Equation.
Posted 21 years ago by wonderunit    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by Johray63: I ques she's got a warm sounding voice, but that gets lost in the way its recorded. The digital age doesn't really suit this sort of folkmusic, though it does suit Richard Thompson, on the other hand, but he's more renewing and got someone like Michell Froom to produce his albums.
Her wonderful Sandy Denny flavoured voice could be up front a bit more in the mix, and yeah I hear a bit of digital processing on it. The drums are definitely "big rock drums". But I still like the song. BTW I would bet cash money that Mitchell Froom uses classic mics and classic pre-amps like those found in vintage Neve consoles and records to tape whenever he can. Probably only goes to digital to edit and then in the mastering stage. Blah Blah Blah. Sorry, tech geek.
Posted 21 years ago by audiozeb    [ Reply ]
Two words -- Fairport Convention This is really good folk-rock
Posted 21 years ago by GGendeman    [ Reply ]
Errr BlÀÀÀÀ Va fan detta låt suger realt. A little swedish I really hate all these different cowboy junky wanna be s . The sound got boring with them. Why so many others? Who knows.
Posted 21 years ago by superfido    [ Reply ]
Reminds a bit of Animal Logic. Maybe I should upload some of their stuff.
Posted 22 years ago by squarepixel    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by 2clfrwrds: Yes, me too. The music industry moguls who want to smother internet radio are self-destructive.
One thing is for certain, they are hazardous to our musical "health" ...
Posted 22 years ago by KAJMK    [ Reply ]
I\'m quite happy to see folk-rock going in this direction. Definitely on the list of CDs to buy. :)
Posted 22 years ago by catsoup    [ Reply ]
I guess she's got a warm sounding voice, but that gets lost in the way it's recorded. The digital age and rock influences don't always serve folkmusic.
Posted 22 years ago by Johray63    [ Reply ]
I quess she\'s got a warm sounding voice, but that gets lost in the way its recorded. The digital age doesn\'t really suit this sort of folkmusic, though it does suit Richard Thompson, on the other hand, but he\'s more renewing and got someone like Michell Froom to produce his albums.
Posted 22 years ago by Johray63    [ Reply ]
Rate the Hit!! I dunno Dick, I give it an 88, it\'s got a beat, you can dance to it. Samiyam ;)
Posted 22 years ago by samiyam    [ Reply ]
This song works really well.
Posted 22 years ago by justDave    [ Reply ]
very good folk-rock.
Posted 22 years ago by red    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by erik_j: I'm gonna give this one a 7!
I'm gonna give it a 9! :)
Posted 22 years ago by Cy    [ Reply ]
I\'ve heard this now a few times and the more I hear it the more I like it. The posts about it being \"country\" crack me up. I may get flamed but to call this country you must have a very narrow view of music. Sorry. This is just plain and simply a great tune - a little on the folk-rock side but that just makes it all the more appealing. Been thinking about getting the CD. Is the rest of the CD like this tune?
Posted 22 years ago by ppoggione    [ Reply ]