Voice Squad: Annan Waters

from the Voice Squad recording "Good People All" -1993, Shanachie records

[@catherineweitbrecht4107]

One of my favourite songs ... it carries me to a beautiful place , bless you all and thank you

[@olsnart]

much love to ye

[@debcarroll8192]

Thank you for posting this! I adore this song, but I had only ever heard Kate Rusby's version.

[@graemejamacphee]

Dear Phil What a privilege to " learn" this song from you in Dun Lavin..I am so saddened by your passing . Rest in peace and rise in glory! The blessed angel choir welcomes you ❤

[@eileendevenney5310]

Found a Tape Casette recording today called Ceoltóirí Chairbre with these lads singing, no idea which decade it is from, maybe 70s. Not only The Voice Squad but also a wonderful séan nós rendition of Sweet Dooley Gate by Helen Brennan.

[@leemitchellmusic]

These guys...always adored them. The best X

[@k8sl]

Thank you for this

[@ricardomelotorres]

Lyrics Oh Annan Waters wondrous deep, and my love Annie's wondrous bonny, I loath that she should wet her feet because I love her best of any. Go saddle for me the bonny grey mare, go saddle her soon and make her ready, For I must cross that stream tonight, or never more I'll see my lady. And woe betide you Annan Waters, by night you are a gloomy river, And over you I'll build a bridge, that never more true love may sever. And he has ridden o'er field and fen, o'er moor and moss and many's the mire, His spurs of steel were sore to bite, sparks from the mare's hooves flew like fire, The mare flew on o'er moor and moss and when she reached the Annan Waters, She couldn't have ridden a furlong more had a thousand whips been laid upon her. And woe betide you Annan Waters, by night you are a gloomy river, And over you I'll build a bridge, that never more true love may sever. Oh boatman come put off your boat, put off your boat for gold and money, For I must cross that stream tonight or never more I'll see my lady, The sides are steep, the waters deep, from bank to brae the waters pouring, And the bonny grey mare she sweats for fear, she stands to hear the waters roaring. And woe betide you Annan Waters, by night you are a gloomy river, And over you I'll build a bridge, that never more true love may sever. And he has tried to swim that stream and he swam on both strong and steady, But the river was wide and strength did fail and never more he'll see his lady, And woe betide the willow wan and woe betide the bush and briar, For they broke beneath her true love's hand, when strength did fail and limbs did tire. And woe betide you Annan Waters, by night you are a gloomy river, And over you I'll build a bridge, that never more true love may sever.

[@davidhopkins3004]

Ah, the memories of the lads singing this at the sessions in Mrs Carbery's in Drigheda back in the 70s. Fran's soaring voice made the tears then, and I shed them still .....

[@mycroftholmes7003]

oh for a time machine....a pint or 5 at that bar. perhaps a shot of whiskey or 5...oh a kings ransom for a time machine.

[@johnhextall1136]

@@mycroftholmes7003 the bar is still there and they do have music...

[@lrlimits]

I would call him a virtuoso, honestly.

[@tenbear5]

Excellent. 🍻

[@andrewlynch1912]

Deeply moving. Such a rich sound and sensitive singing.

[@LeeMitchellAcoustic]

Always loved these guys. Just beautiful sound.

[@rodwarner]

Powerful, mournful, soulful... thanks for re acquainting me with these guys

[@newmagda1en]

Thank you for posting this.

[@Lisnageeragh]

@RIVERKINGERIC They did make a CD some years ago 1987/1995 called ''Many's the foolish youth''/ Tara Recrd Company...I heard them this morning on RTE (Irish Radio)...and I think they may be going again! There was a similar group around in Ireland in the 19670s called The Press Gang.

[@RIVERKINGERIC]

I wish their albums were more readily available. I can't even find a definate list of the records they ever put out. I know they've been around atleast since the early 70's, though.

[@maragretdowns698]

Beautiful Voices xx

[@FinbarMagee]

frequencies to invigorate dormant souls

[@Folkskammer]

Greatful!!! Greeting from germany

[@melliecrann-gaoth4789]

💜

[@DaveHansonWebDesign]

I don't know about the Scotland/Ireland question but you're right about the spelling. Thanks for pointing that out.

[@buckmiller5320]

It's Scottish traditional. But these songs know borders. That's the beauty of traditional folk.

[@racoonwolfe7747]

Could anyone tell me the what form of singing this is how I can I found more like this.

[@Ann_Expert]

it's acapella style of singing and you can't go wrong if you look into Coope , Boyes and Simpson .enjoy

[@racoonwolfe7747]

george james thanks buddy I'll check them out. Peace!

[@nolicnotrut]

Sorry to be 'picky' but shouldn't this be "AnnaN Waters"? I have always regarded this as an Irish song, but there is an Annan Water in Scotland. Is there one in Ireland? Please educate me. That said, it's a great song. Voice Squad harmonise it with complete charm. Would that we could see and hear more of them, but I understand they all have day jobs! Good wishes.

[@Ptarmi]

I understand that the song came from ~ Scott's Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border, but that Nic Jones put the melody of an old English song called The Brisk Young Lively Lad, to it, for his album Ballads & Songs. Ever since, most singers seem to have adopted Nic's version, assuming it to be traditional. ... The 'Living Tradition' in action. :-)