Baloo

by James Howard

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about

This is an old traditional that I believe comes from Scotland and is also known as “Lady Anne Bothwell’s Lament.” It’s sung from a mother’s perspective to her infant child, and relays how the father has gone off to war and done the inconsiderate thing and died. He returns to the family home in a dream, blood running down upon the head of his sleeping son. I first heard the song in Ben Wheatley’s brilliant and disturbing film, A Field in England. This song has nothing to do with The Jungle Book. I hate Disney and Rudyard Kipling.

lyrics

baloo my boy lie still and sleep
it grieves me sore to hear thee weep
if thou’t be silent I’ll be glad
thy moaning makes my heart full sad

o’er thee I keep this lonesome watch
intent thy lightest breath to catch
and when thou wake’st to hear thee smile
and thus my sorrow to beguile
baloo my boy lie still and sleep
it grieves me sore to hear thee weep
if thou’t be silent I’ll be glad
thy moaning makes my heart full sad

twelve weary months have crept away
since he upon thy natal day
left thou and me to seek afar
a bloody fate in doubtful war
baloo my boy lie still and sleep
it grieves me sore to hear thee weep
if thou’t be silent I’ll be glad
thy moaning makes my heart full sad

I dreamed a dream just yesternight
thy father slain in foreign fight
he wounded stood beside my bed
his blood ran down upon thy head
he spoke no word but looked on thee
bent low and gave a kiss to thee
baloo baloo my darling boy
thou’rt now alone thy mother’s joy

credits

released May 10, 2022
James Howard, acoustic guitar and vocal.
Dana Gavanski: bass.
Charlie Stock: violin.
Ursula Russell: drums.
John Johanna: electric guitar.

Produced by James Howard
Recorded and mixed by Kristian Craig Robinson at Total refreshment Centre London.
Mastered by Heather Kirby at Dreamlands Mastering.

Art by Chris Bianchi

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about

James Howard London, UK

Peek-a-Boo is the debut LP from London-based multi-instrumentalist James Howard, who plays with the likes of Dana Gavanski, Rozi Plain, Alabaster DePlume, Nuha Ruby Ra. It’s important to mention these creative hook-ups because, in one way or another, they all helped to give form and shape to the lilting lunar lullabies that would ultimately comprise his ravishing solo debut Peek-a-Boo. ... more

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