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Saturnalia

by Broomsticks and Hammers

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Fred Smith
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about

In ancient Rome, on December 17th, the harvest festival Saturnalia honored the winter solstice and the sun god Saturn. Christianity would later adopt many Saturnalia customs like decorated trees, wreaths, yule logs, and joyful festivities (but move the date by a few days).

Saturn also represented time, generation, renewal, and liberation. His reign was known as the Golden Age of abundance and peace. During this holiday season, we wish for everyone to be generous in sharing what you have with those who have not, and to spread peace, love, and freedom to all.

Yo, Saturnalia!

lyrics

Saturnalia
 
As the sun comes up
Across the smooth stone face
Winter winds sing howling songs
All is dead in Saturn’s court
And the day is growing long

Chorus:

Come drink the wine
'Cause the ale is strong
Ready in time 
For the famine months
Thankful for all my glad tidings
And the rebirth about to come
 
Oh Mother, with your blanket 
Covering all that’s life
And your icy kisses
On my skin that slices like a knife
Shortened days give way
To the promise of light
Sun King rising
Pushing back the night.

Chorus:

Come drink the wine
'Cause the ale is strong
Ready in time 
For the famine months
Thankful for all my glad tidings
And the rebirth about to come

Bridge:
 
Ignite the bonfire
Burn the pines
Spice the cider
Hang the boughs
Cloves and apples
In baskets hung
Let us gather to feast
Under the mid-winter sun.

Chorus:

Come drink the wine
'Cause the ale is strong
Ready in time 
For the famine months
Thankful for all my glad tidings
And the rebirth about to come

credits

released December 17, 2023
Music and Lyrics by Bill Needham

Bill Needham - lead vocals, acoustic guitar
Paul Aitken - mandolin
Michael Bonnell - Wuritzer piano
Breck Campbell - background vocals

Engineered by Simon Larochette at The Sugar Shack
Produced by Simon Larochette and Broomsticks and Hammers

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all rights reserved

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Broomsticks & Hammers London, Ontario

Experience has taught the members of Broomsticks & Hammers a thing or two: that family is forever, and a great song will last for generations.

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