Music Mundays - Loreena McKennitt

After reading Chris' Inaugural post last week for "Music Mundays" , I knew this was something I needed to participate in!! Music is as much a part of me as reading. A few months back I did a Sunday Salon post about the Playlist of my Life. Different songs that have meant something to me. Music, like nothing else, defines me. And since I hardly box myself in to anything, my taste in music is seriously diverse. Although I tend to come off as the "rocker" chick, I do listen to a wide range of music. My taste vary depending on the day and how I feel. One day, I can wake up and feel rebellious....and I'll listen to the Sex Pistols or The Ramones. The next day, I'll feel nostalgic and want to hear some old school Prince.


Today, I was feeling a little down. It's a beautiful weekend, a holiday to boot...and I have to work. I debated between Loreena McKennitt and Enya, both of whom are very similar. But the mood for McKennitt struck me and here is my post!!




Loreena McKinnett is a Canadian born singer, harpist and pianist. Her music is Celtic or World in nature, but most of it could probably just be considered folk music. And it is beautiful! Whenever I feel down and out, I will put on The Book of Secrets. The first time I heard the song "The Mummer's Dance", I was hooked.

8 albums in total, McKennitt's music has been featured in many movies and soundtracks, including Highlander III, The Mists of Avalon, The Santa Clause, Northern Exposure, and most recently, Disney's Tinker Bell.

I know this is probably not what you expected from the girl that goes to Ministry, Rage Against the Machine, Disturbed and Slipknot concerts. But see? I told you I was diverse! Sit back, and listen to some really beautiful music and just see if you it doesn't make you feel better!

Lyrics to The Mummer's Dance:

When in the springtime of the year

When the trees are crowned with leaves

When the ash and oak, and the birch and yew

Are dressed in ribbons fair

When owls call the breathless moon

In the blue veil of the night

The shadows of the trees appear

Amidst the lantern light

We've been rambling all the night

And some time of this day

Now returning back again

we bring a garland gay

Who will go down to those shady groves

And summon the shadows there

And tie a ribbon on those sheltering arms

In the springtime of the year

The songs of birds seem to fill the wood

That when the fiddler plays

All their voices can be heard

Long past their woodland days

And so they linked their hands and danced

Round in circles and in rows

And so the journey of the night descends

When all the shades are gone

"A garland gay we bring you here

And at your door we stand

It is a sprout well budded out

The work of Our Lord's hand"

Happy Monday!!! (And Happy Memorial Day!!)