To Althea From Prison Along The Pilgrim's Way

[Bob Barrows]

I've finally purchased a copy of Nine and so have heard Althea for the first time. When I first heard this, I thought the track had been mislabeled and what was actually going to be played was Along The Pilgrim's Way,  which appeared on the Albion Band's Demi-Paradise album. It wasn't till Swarb started singing that the Althea separated itself from Pilgrim.

So what's the story, were both songs based on a traditional tune? If so, what was it?

[PaulT]

Bob,

To Althea was originally a poem by Richard Lovelace for which Swarb composed the tune heard on Nine - whether he based any of it on a trad tune I don't know.

I haven't heard "Along" - as far as I remember - but seems like I'd better check it out...

[GubGub (Al)]

Blimey, it is very similar isn't it. I've just taken a listen. The writing credit on Along The Pilgrim's Way is Ashley Hutchings so it is a bit of a mystery.

[Edthefolkie]

On the recording Swarb missed out one Lovelace verse which was decidedly Royalist - does this out him as a Cromwellian?

(I deliberately didn't type "Puritan" because that would be somewhat improbable)

[Jan_]

On the recording Swarb missed out one Lovelace verse which was decidedly Royalist

For those who are unfamiliar: Richard Lovelace was one of the Cavalier Poets who was imprisoned for speaking out against Parliament and while he was there he wrote this poem.  However, it is usually interpreted as a more general comment on liberty.  Some good information here:

http://www.cummingsstudyguides.net/Guides3/Althea.html

[StephenGiles]

Mmmmm the Fairport that performed the Liege & Lief stuff at the Barbican was really an Albion Band