The community hall in Waiheke Island's southern settlement Omiha/Rocky Bay is the band's spiritual home. It has charm, warmth and, thanks to its wooden roof, a wonderful acoustic. Hanging high on one wall is a framed banner, painted in the style of an old needlework sampler. A local artist painted it for a variety show many years ago and it bears the words 'Laugh While You May'. (It has a spooky story attached to it but we'll save that for another time.) It seemed like a perfect name for a collection of folk songs and was always going to be the album title.
However, during the lockdown of 2020, we all had plenty of time on our hands and Alan used some of his to put an actual song to the title. It rambles through a few different subjects, Basic Optimism, New Zealand's History & Landscape, Remembrance of Lost Friends,Progressive Politics and The Pandemic itself.
lyrics
Some great philosophers once told us
Always look on the bright side of life.
Don't give in to the hardship the sorrow and pain
As you stagger through days full of strife.
'Cos there's just one thing to remember
As you rise up to greet dawn each day
That the cloud's silver lining is there if you look
So remember to laugh while you may.
Those who first came to this strange land
In the wakas and tall ships of old.
Knew hunger and hardship and terror and loss
As across the wide ocean they rolled.
But the promise of new life it drove them
To a fresh start they all made their way
And they knew that the one thing the ocean will teach you
Is always to laugh while you may.
If you search in the hills or the valleys
For kauri, pounamou or gold,
Let you footsteps be bold as you stride across mountains
Or wade through rivers so cold.
And sing round the campfire each evening
In the huts and the tents where you stay
And take heed of the song on the icy cold wind
That reminds you to laugh while you may.
On those days when the clouds hide the sunlight.
And the sky it turns icy and grey
And you grieve for a friend or companion
Whom death called too swiftly away
Make sure that you never forget them
Those comrades who fell by the way
And honour their memories
The best way you can
By remembering to laugh while you may.
Does your wage cover only the basics
Has life cast you off to one side
Does the cursed gig economy hold you in thrall
While the bosses richly do thrive
Remember there's power in a union
And that each dog must sure have its day
And laughter will carry us through these hard times
If we make sure to march while we may
Are you shut once again in seclusion
From tempest and sickness outside
Are your doors shut and bolted against cruel fate
From oppression and war do you hide?
Let the hope in your heart never falter
Know the bad times must soon fade away
And may the song that we sing be the one that reminds us
To love and to laugh while we may.
credits
from Laugh While You May,
released June 19, 2021
Alan Knight - Vocals, Guitar
Helen Cobbett - Backing Vocals, Bodrahn
Ben Cobbett - Fiddle
Sammy Leary - Backing Vocals, Mandolin, Musical Saw
Traditional folk music and field recordings meld into fascinating long-form sound collages on the new LP from Shovel Dance Collective. Bandcamp New & Notable Dec 6, 2022
Scottish harpist and singer Rachel Newton brings an innovative, intensely emotional touch to traditional music on this dreamy LP. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 17, 2020
The Alabama duo's fifth album exults in dusty Americana, showcasing rich vocal harmonies alongside blissful folk instrumentation. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 31, 2024
More contemplative folk from the Minnesota singer-songwriter, sustained by raw full-band arrangements and philosophical lyrics. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 28, 2024
Irish singer-songwriter Oisin Leech's acoustic folk music is characterized by its muted beauty and intimate, solitary quality. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 16, 2024
