FAWM: "Tiffany, Witch of the Chalk"

Tiffany, Witch of the Chalk

Liner Notes

FAWM 2026 / Song 16 Instrument: cedar and acacia longneck soprano ukulele tuned high GCEA (with this song I have met my goal of writing with each of my ukuleles at least once this FAWM - all 8 are now represented)

I had this idea last year during FAWM, but never got around to writing it. I read the entire “Tiffany Aching” Discworld series by Terry Pratchett to my son and fell in love with that character and the rich world she inhabits. I took a lot of notes in my songwriting notebook, because I love the way that Pratchett uses language. This song may not make much sense to people who haven’t read the series, but I hope that those who have will spot lots and lots of references.

P. S. I threw in a little #sawtooth melody for that challenge, as a bonus.

#filk #books #terrypratchett #discworld #ukulele #uke #girlwithukulele #person #acoustic #acousticonetake #onetake #fantasy #fuc

Lyrics

Sing a song of witchcraft, Pocket full of bees Shamble made of bone and string An egg, a bit of tree The chalk is calling to the heart From oceans long ago The wider blue her broom will sweep Until she’s earth once more

Tiffany waiting Tiffany breaking Tiffany Aching by dawn and by noon Tiffany telling Tiffany spelling And Tiffany under a dragon-filled moon Tiffany, witch of the chalk

Rimward of the Ramtops Where the sheep do graze Cheese becoming sentient, It’s so well-made Awake as susurrations stir Young Tiff’ny goes to ground Where wee free men and keldas know The wisdom she has found

CHORUS

If you are a witch who’s too big for her britches The third wish should undo the other two wishes

Hiver and the Wintersmith, Cunning Man and elf She danced the season’s changing And nearly lost herself All the chalk becomes her steading Midnight shall she wear A hat of sky, a horse of silver, Green dress, golden hare

CHORUS (x2 if it’s a FILK crowd)

Comments

@mal70 9h

A very interesting lyric, tongue in cheek as suggested by your smile as you set off into the song. Intriguing. Rimward? The Ramtops? Gently spellbinding.

@newukenewyork 7h

Thanks for listening! There’s a lot in this song that is pulled from the world of this fantasy series. “Rimward of the Ramtops” is a geographical location. 🙂

@rogerhammond 19h

That's a lovely intricate melody, especially in the chorus. Catchy too... got me whistling along. You hit the notes perfectly! Intriguing lyrics too... visual and vivid. I've not seen much on elves, witches and dragons this FAWM so far. The two of you (you+uke) make a lovely sound together. (P.S. I read many of the disc world novels when I was young... loved 'em)

@newukenewyork 7h

Thank you very much for the listen and the kind words. You’re right — I think there are some fantasy songs floating around the site but some years I’ve run across more.

@ghob 1d

Lovely little sawtooth chorus. Delivered with your characteristic lightness of touch. Great job.

@newukenewyork 1d

Thanks very much for taking a listen to "Tiffany!"

@jeremykazoo 1d

There really aren't enough songs of witchcraft these days. And I bet that was a really.lucrative genre a few hundred years ago.

This is such a fun song. I'm so glad to hear your ukulele again

@newukenewyork 1d

I've written a couple of witchy lyrics so far. They're quite fun to do. Thank you for listening!!

@benstopfel 2d

Oooh I’m not at the Tiffany Aching part yet, excited to get there! (Im reading in release order) Discworld is the best. Quickly becoming one of my favourite series. I love this tune!! Your voice would fit perfectly in a tavern somewhere.

@newukenewyork 1d

Thank you so much for the comment -- I have far to go in the series but her books are definitely my favorite so far.

@janeg 2d

One of my very favourite literary characters. A wonderful book series and you fitted in so many references! If I am ever back in England (in good weather) I need to go out on the chalk and feel her presence.

@newukenewyork 1d

She's wonderful! I'm glad you're familiar with her. :) I'd love to visit the chalk one day.

@nwhosings 2d

Oh, I love Terry Pratchett! The quick sawtooth melody is so cheeky, it fits perfectly. I'm not familiar with this character specifically, though the witches series is on my list to read! Even more so now!

@newukenewyork 2d

Thank you! The Tiffany Aching series has some overlap with the Witches books but is a separate series. Some people call it “young adult” and it does have crossover appeal but I think it’s great for all ages, not less appealing to adults than any of his other books.

@nwhosings 2d

Great to know, thanks!

@alyxanderjames 2d

I cannot tell you how excited I was when I saw this title! And the song did not disappoint. What a lovely tribute to some of my favorite books. (When I was in seminary I frequently quoted Pratchett and still refer to him as one of my favorite theologians; his writing was brilliant!)

@newukenewyork 2d

Ah, thanks so much ! I was really hoping a Pratchett fan would see this and approve. My son and I are reading from the Witches and Death storylines now.

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Tiffany, Witch of the Chalk

Liner Notes

Lyrics

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