I think that in his lifetime Graeme Miles was so in touch with the essence of nature and the countryside. So many of his songs truly capture the passing of the seasons and the effect they have on life. As I have often said, it is such a pleasure to sing Graeme’s songs and along with all the other ones, this one in particular. Martyn
The Green Man Walks the Forest by Graeme Miles
January’s almost over February comes soon
The pale sun late rises as cold as the moon
And the finches and the thrushes make scarcely a tune
Ah when will this winter be over when will this winter be done
When the Green Man walks the forest then we’ll know Spring’s begun
When the Green Man comes a walking then we’ll know then we’ll know.
The ditches and the gullies lie deep under snow
On the hedges and the bushes not one leaf on show
And the bull rushes rattle at the streams swollen flow
Ah when will this winter be over when will this winter be done
When the Green Man walks the forest then we’ll know Spring’s begun
When the Green Man comes a walking then we’ll know then we’ll know.
High on the fellside crouched by the dry stone wall
The shepherd is a sheltering away from the squall
And he curses the weather and so loudly does call
Ah when will this winter be over when will this winter be done
When the Green Man walks the forest then we’ll know Spring’s begun
When the Green Man comes a walking then we’ll know then we’ll know.
The foxes and the kestrels all through the short grey day
Scan the white barren landscape in search of their prey
And if foxes and kestrels could speak they would say
Ah when will this winter be over when will this winter be done
When the Green Man walks the forest then we’ll know Spring’s begun
When the Green Man comes a walking then we’ll know then we’ll know.