Henry's Songbook

My love has gone to Avalon, the winter here's too cold
As vanquished kings from Field of Fog did in their days of old
As she moves through chilling climes and views the ancient stones
I stand here on my hill alone

I did as much as I could do to bind my love to stay
From Lothian to Tintagel's a long and weary way
No warlock Celt am I to bind her fancy to my own
I stand here on my hill alone

My city stands full in the gaze, a proud and empty shell
A ruined chapel mocks the view above her barren well
An icy breeze from Greenland's coast denies the futile sun but
I stand here on my hill alone

Perhaps I'll go to Westmoreland where hills are not so high
Or make my way to Anglia where lowland pastures lie
A darkened town's no place of rest for one who saw it shine
I stand here on my hill alone

My love is gone to Avalon, the winter here's too cold
As vanquished kings from fields of fog did in their days of old
As she moves through chilling climes and views the ancient stones
I stand here on my hill alone

(as sung by The McCalmans)

[1983:] Tintagel Castle on the Cornish coast and the hill of Arthur's Seat in Lothian are easily found today, but Avalon remains mysterious. King Arthur was spirited away to this enchanted island after the battle of the Field of Fog, as its air was thought to have healing properties for both body and spirit. The song hints at this legend and that of King Loth's daughter who travelled south from Lothian to join Arthur's court and left her love to wander the chilly Northern kingdom alone. (Notes McCalmans, 'Ancestral Manoeuvres')