FAWM: "Mystery of Night"

Mystery of Night

Liner Notes

This is another song that was started many years ago and never finished. I'd say it was about 25% complete back then but now I'll say 99% (because we are never really finished with them, right?) All I had was a verse and a chorus so now I've added another verse and a bridge, changed the key, changed the instrumentation, and, well I'm pretty proud of it now! (But I spent waaaay too much time mixing it today!)

#finishedit #medieval #folk #celtic #monsters #mythology #fantasy

Lyrics

Mystery of Night February 03, 2026 https://johnstaplesmusic.com/FAWM2026/JohnStaples-MysteryOfNight.mp3

I'll tell you a story of medieval glory a time when dragons still flew where innocent maidens were mainly temptations for dangerous beasts to pursue

when a knight earned his glory and never said sorry and everyone knew he was true he'd rescue the maiden wherever she'as taken and leave her young heart broke in two

when deadly dark woods harbored monsters werewolves and witches ran free mothers held tight to their babies and the night held its own mystery

in the wood there lived fairies some bald and some hairy with beautiful gossamer wings they'd float on the breeze dusting flowers and trees in search of their big fairy rings

the unicorns frolicked with big horns and bollocks in dense forests darker than black griffins and manticores both viscious carnivores would eat a small child for a snack

when deadly dark woods harbored monsters werewolves and witches ran free mothers held tight to their babies and the night held its own mystery

sirens and mermaids would drown you centaurs used arrows to kill chimeras would roast you and dragons would toast you you'd make them a mighty fine meal

when deadly dark woods harbored monsters werewolves and witches ran free mothers held tight to their babies and the night held its own mystery

Comments

@ladyred 2h

Very clever and imaginative! Love it! ❤️🤘🏻

@johnstaples 49m

Thank you!!

@janeg 2d

The bluegrass/country stying brings all the monsters and little people to North America. Lots of deep dark woods when the Europeans arrived!

@odilongreen 1w

These words are so witty, and paint such a lush, detailed picture; I'm drawn into its world and just luxuriate in it! I really like the old-timey feel, the relaxed charm of the playing and vocals, it's all just so inviting!

@alissimon 1w

Your production is amazing!! are you playing it all? either way what a wonderful blend you’ve got going on- paired with a lovely vocal for storytelling! really great tune :)

@stacyswinford 1w

As a huge fan of both bluegrass and fantasy stories this is the prefect mix! I'm always amazed by your ability to craft lyrics. This seems like it would have been such a fun one to write as each line came in to existence.

@mikeb 1w

An unusual topic for bluegrass-type music, but it works! So many mythological creatures mentioned! As always, fantastic combination of instruments!

@oldlostjohn 1w

Vivid, imaginative and outright hilarious. Excellent arrangement too. Glad you got it finished (well, to 99%). I'm seriously impressed.

@grayland 1w

Aye Matey!! I feel as tho I'm sailin towards the edge of the world just tradin scary stories!! These lyrics are fabulous!! All that folklore told so well in prose!! And of course the music is frikkin perfect for the tales. Sweet vocal delivery. The melody is so catchy in the verse, and that chorus melody is brilliant!! Then there's the bridge, which is so sweet!! This was such a fun listen, I'm on my third go...so far!!

@johnstaples 1w

Thanks Gary! Them was some tough times! If the plague didn't get you a werewolf would!

@suziek 1w

Love me a story song - and this does not disappoint. I love the musical lift in the chorus - great vocals. For me, this is a great mashup of indie folk and fantasy! Well done.

@bethdesombre 1w

Love the genre clash of medieval everything with a country-western flair. The language is so tight here with excellent monstrous details (and I laughed at the unicorn bollocks). This is fun (if ultimately a bit dark . . .)

@esc4p3 1w

Such a wonderful juxtaposition between the style of music and the lyrics you've written, and although both are cleverly done, the lyrics stand out for me. Massive pat on the back for going and reviewing an old song and not leaving it lingering there in the dark. Very enjoyable listen.

@kpollock 1w

Man you are a production MACHINE! Must have your system and workflow really nailed. And fantastic songs and performance. Waltzing along here ....

@cmharwood89 1w

I don't know which impresses me more - your ability to jump between genres or your ability to sound this good in all of them.

I particularly like the tongue-in-cheek lyrics so earnestly delivered. It's hard to pick a favorite line, but I chuckled aloud at "the unicorns frolicked / with big horns and bollocks." Hehe

@sbs 1w

Great storytelling vocal style - does Kentucky proud!

@sheamiejay 1w

She’as for she was. Makes sense. First time I’ve come across that contraction. Nice. Nostalgia for the OG OG.

@andrea 1w

I love all the folklore throughout. You have managed to include so much, and it is wonderful. The music is fitting and the melodies catchy. Cool song!