We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Follow the Heron

by The Lasses & Kathryn Claire

/
  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      €1 EUR  or more

     

  • Full Digital Discography

    Get all 7 The Lasses releases available on Bandcamp and save 40%.

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads of Spring is Here, Rise Up Shepherd, Follow the Heron, Undone, Live at De Parel van Zuilen, Daughters, and The Lasses. , and , .

    Purchasable with gift card

      €23.40 EUR or more (40% OFF)

     

about

If there was ever a song that celebrates the end of a tough winter, it’s this folk classic: Follow the Heron. Written by Scottish songstress Karine Polwart, the song acknowledges the darkness while saluting the light, looking forward to the days we can spend together after being alone for much too long.

Amsterdam-based duo The Lasses had been singing this song for years when they met Portland musician Kathryn Claire on a late autumn evening. Despite the 5000 miles between their homes, the musical connection between the three women was formed instantly and they decided to go on tour together in the US the next spring. It was a lonely winter for Kathryn and she was keenly awaiting the arrival of her two new music friends. From all the songs on The Lasses’ repertoire, Follow the Heron soon became the dearest to her heart: the lyrics and melody are a promise of better days ahead. When The Lasses arrived in Portland, Kathryn had added a third harmony and a violin solo to the song.

Recorded at the end of their last tour in the USA in Portland’s The Rye Room, The Lasses and Kathryn Claire think that this is the perfect time to release their version of this folk classic. The clean and modern production stands in contrast with the three women’s timeless folk sound and unadorned arrangement with acoustic guitar and violin. Less is more in this crystal-clear three-part harmony version of Follow the Heron.

lyrics

Oh the back of the winter is broken
And light lingers long by the door
And the seeds of the summer have spoken
In gowans that bloom on the shore

By night and day we'll sport and we'll play
And delight as the dawn dances over the bay
Sleep draws the breath of the morning away
And we follow the heron home

In darkness we cradle our sorrow
And we stoke all our fires with fear
Now these bones that lie empty and hollow
Are ready for gladness and cheer

By night and day we'll sport and we'll play
And delight as the dawn dances over the bay
Sleep draws the breath of the morning away
And we follow the heron home

So long may you sing of the salmon
And the snow-scented sounds of your home
While the north wind delivers its sermon
Of ice and salt water and stone

By night and day we'll sport and we'll play
And delight as the dawn dances over the bay
Sleep draws the breath of the morning away
And we follow the heron home

credits

released May 28, 2021
vocals / Sophie Janna, Margot Merah & Kathryn Claire
guitar / Sophie Janna
violin / Kathryn Claire
recording / Steven Lee Tracy at the Rye Room, Portland OR
mixing & mastering / Janos Koolen at Studio Doornenburg,
artwork / Anneke ter Schure

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

The Lasses Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam duo singing trad folk & original songs with intricate harmonies.

Join Team Lasses on Patreon! see link below :)

shows

contact / help

Contact The Lasses

Streaming and
Download help

Shipping and returns

Redeem code

Report this track or account

The Lasses recommends:

If you like Follow the Heron, you may also like: