FAWM: "The Boghall Brownie"

The Boghall Brownie

6 days ago by @edwinb

The Boghall Brownie

edwinb

00:00

Liner Notes

A bit of Scottish #folklore in which I attempt to play #piano. I'm starting to enjoy the piano more. Apologies in advance. Anyway, as context, here is one telling of the Boghall Brownie tale: https://folklorescotland.com/the-boghall-brownie/

Another telling of it is in this song. Brownies are little creatures with long brown hair that come and stay and help around the house, and all they want in return is some porridge and milk. They consider it an insult - an attempt to bribe them, indeed - if you offer anything more. I don't know about you, but if I'm ever lucky enough to have a brownie come to stay and tidy up around me, I will play by the rules.

Lyrics

All they saw in the shadows was A mop of his long brown hair But for kitchen chores and to sweep the floors The Boghall Brownie would be there

He'd set to work as the sun went down Bringing luck, prosperity and pride A bowl of oats and a glass of milk Kept the Boghall Brownie satisfied

But there's cobwebs forming in the corners And the farm yard falls to disarray Cold winds blowing and the problems growing For the Boghall Brownie ran away

There came harsh frosts in the winter time They feared he'd perish in the storm They laid him blankets for his bed of straw So the Boghall Brownie would be warm

But there's cobwebs forming in the corners And the farm yard falls to disarray Cold winds blowing and the problems growing For the Boghall Brownie ran away

Well to give such blessing to a Brownie is An act of derision and scorn He cried in pain and they'll get no favour From the Boghall Brownie any more

So there's cobwebs forming in the corners And the farm yard falls to disarray Cold winds blowing and the problems growing For the Boghall Brownie ran away

So if you should have the honour, if The Boghall Brownie comes to stay A bowl of oats and a glass of milk Or the Boghall Brownie's on his way

There's cobwebs forming in the corners And the farm yard falls to disarray Cold winds blowing and the problems growing For the Boghall Brownie ran away

The Boghall Brownie ran away

Comments

@philkmills 16h

Good story and good telling of it. We've been hoping for a brownie for decades, so thanks for the warning...just in case!

@moonraccoon 4d

Your piano insecurity is unfounded IMO. A nice story well-told.

Agreed that joy absolutely is an act of resistance! 💛

@trashmilk 5d

I have never heard of such folklore, and I appreciate a good cryptid story. The piano was a good change up from the uke, I think you should keep clacking away at the keys mate! Great job per usual!

@coolparadisoMod 6d

Put me down for a couple. I like the piano it moves the lyric along well! Good storytelling! The chorus is very good and a good sing along - and i reckon ukes love a B7

@tiggy 6d

I really like this one, the melody is just right, although I'm sure M could add a harmony?

@edwinb 6d

I am always up for anyone, Teapot or otherwise, providing harmonies :). Actually a cajon wouldn't do any harm either, come to think of it.... Thanks!

@aeye 6d

At first I thought this was going to be about a brownie that someone left on a bathroom floor, but this is so much better after reading the liner notes. The problem now is I have this image of a sentient brownie living in the house. Great use of the piano to accentuate the chorus.

@edwinb 6d

Heh, in a sense it is about a sentient brownie, but possibly not the kind you had in mind :).

@mhol 6d

I’m a lover of the concept! Finding broad inspiration isn’t the easiest part of songwriting beyond themes of love , drugs or politics so to have a song about a folk creature I just adored

@daveescoffery 6d

Musically and melodically, this song is perfect for the story you are telling. Great job setting a folk tale to such a catchy tune. The piano playing needs no apology, as it sounds great. Lovely job!

@skylermf 6d

I think the piano sounds great here! I hadn’t heard of Brownies before, I could use one!

@billwhite51 6d

that chorus is so sad..with the brownie leaving and the household falling a[art. the song is a lesson in the dangers over over-compensation. i love the piano and your singing. the writing is excellent storytelling that kept me engaged from start to finish. but I want that brownie to come back.