We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Baleerie Baloo

from SCRIBBLED IN CHALK by Karine Polwart

/
  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      £0.80 GBP  or more

     

about

For Jane Haining. Originally from Dunscore in South West Scotland, Jane worked in a Paisley thread mill before finding her “life’s work”, as she described it, as a missionary to a Budapest orphanage during the 1930s. During the Nazi occupation, she chose to remain in Hungary and was later arrested on charge of espionage for crimes that included weeping whilst she sewed the mandatory Star of David onto the children’s clothes. She was transported to Auschwitz, where she died in 1944 at the age of 47. In 1997, Jane was recognised as one of the “Righteous Among The Nations” for her services to the Jewish people. With thanks to Billy Kay for telling me to find out more.

lyrics

Baleerie Baloo

I know the warp of a thread
Of fibres and filaments silver and red
But these golden stars
Are blood on my hands
Baleerie, baleerie baloo

I cradled you all in the sun
I cradle you still though the day is done
And these golden stars
Swallow the light
Baleerie, baleerie baloo

Tomorrow is sealed with a sigh
And I am betrayed by the tear in my eye
And these golden stars
Have fallen to earth
Baleerie, baleerie baloo

So hush ma wee lammie don’t weep
A far gentler hand will soon lull you to sleep
And those golden stars will shine for you and I
Baleerie, baleerie baloo

credits

from SCRIBBLED IN CHALK, released February 18, 2009
Words and Music: Karine Polwart (Bay Songs Ltd)

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Karine Polwart UK

One of the finest singer-songwriters in Britain" The Guardian

shows

contact / help

Contact Karine Polwart

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this track or account

If you like Karine Polwart, you may also like: