The Bells of St Cuthbert

from Northwestern Soul (EP) by Will Riding

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about

“Outside, a half mile away was the Church of St Cuthbert, built overlooking the sea, which had long since receded leaving the sandstone man in a boat which sat outside literally high and dry. It rang out its friendly grand song every quarter hour, its four notes ringing its merry little pronouncement, eight notes on the half hour, twelve notes on the three quarters, and sixteen on the hour.
Every third hour it paused then played this lovely and somewhat odd little melancholy melody, which I still remember to this day. I reckon it was for the benefit of the farm labourers because this was a large agricultural area, but it was also good for wayward children who didn't want to be late in for tea. Last time I was there, many years later, it no longer did this, it made me quite sad.
I remember it all. Clear as a bell.”

lyrics

Six o clock is calling it's eleven note refrain
And rouses all to wakefulness come hail wind or rain
It carries over pastures, serenades the trees
Ringing over fields where it once rang out to sea
Early morning strollers on the Cheshire Lines stop to lend an ear
To the promise of another day and whatever it may bring

And the bells of St Cuthbert ring from a sandstone tower
And the bells of St Cuthbert ring at the top of the hour

Leather's hitting willow, it echoes through the park
The children who are watching will be out 'til after dark
Summer days are endless, freedom fillls their lungs
Their joyful cries will linger til the setting of the sun
Meanwhile behind unlocked doors, harsh words are waiting
But when tomorrow comes they'll do it all again

And the bells of St Cuthbert ring from a sandstone tower
And the bells of St Cuthbert ring at the top of the hour

A gentle wind is carrying the buzzing of the bees
Old Bill's knees are creaking like the branches in the trees
But he is in his heaven, it's where he wants to stay
Pricking out the seedlings in the fragrance of the day
His every wrinkle tells a story, all his deeds laid bare
To be shared time and time again from his favourite chair

While the Bells of St Cuthbert ring from a sandstone tower
While the Bells of St Cuthbert ring at the top of hour

credits

from Northwestern Soul (EP), released December 1, 2020

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Will Riding Chester

A Lancashire born, Chester based singer-songwriter with a deft and playful turn of phrase and acoustic - folk sensibilities inspired by, amongst other things, 70’s Children’s TV.

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