Released October 1970 | Format 7" 45 rpm | |
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B-side "Sir B. McKenzie's Daughter's Lament for the 77th Mounted Lancers Retreat from the Straits of Loch Knombe, in the Year of Our Lord 1727, on the Occasion of the Announcement of Her Marriage to the Laird of Kinleakie" Recorded 22 July 1970 at Sound Techniques, London Label Island Records WIP 6089 Writer(s) Dave Swarbrick / Richard Thompson | ||
"Now Be Thankful" is a 1970 single by Fairport Convention released by Island Records (WIP 6089, September 1970). The lyrics are by Dave Swarbrick and Richard Thompson
When the stone is grown too cold to kneel In crystal waters I'll be bound Cold as stone, weary to the sounds upon the wheelCh:
Now be thankful for good things below Now be thankful to your maker For the rose, the red rose blooms for all to know When the fire is grown too fierce to breathe In burning irons I'll be bound Fierce as fire, weary to the sound upon the wheelThough apparently cheerful on the surface, the lyrics can also be taken as referring to the barbarity of life in Medieval times.
B-side
The B-side "Sir B. McKenzie's Daughter's Lament For The 77th Mounted Lancers Retreat From The Straits Of Loch Knombe, In The Year Of Our Lord 1727, On The Occasion Of The Announcement Of Her Marriage To The Laird Of Kinleakie" is actually a medley of three songs: "Biff, Bang, Crash" (Trad.), "The Kilfenora" (Trad.) and "Boston Tea Party" (by Dave Swarbrick).
The title referred to the strip cartoon Barry McKenzie, written by Barry Humphries, which Fairport Convention enjoyed in the satirical magazine Private Eye. The song's title was an attempt to get into the Guinness Book of World Records. Frequently cited to be the longest song title ever, it was later beaten by Test Dept's "Long Live British Democracy Which Flourishes and Is Constantly Perfected Under the Immaculate Guidance of the Great, Honourable, Generous and Correct Margaret Hilda Thatcher. She Is the Blue Sky in the Hearts of All Nations. Our People Pay Homage and Bow in Deep Respect and Gratitude to Her. The Milk of Human Kindness".