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  1. Sweet Ellen Joyce

From the recording Six Strings and Coffee Beans

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© Jed Marum

Mark Clavey – lead vocals, guitar
Mary Hanover – vocals, tinwhistle
Rachel Gaither – vocals, fiddle

Here is a song from the canon of original pieces by Jed Marum. Jed is a folksinger, songwriter, and touring artist originally from Fall River MA, and now living in Dallas TX. The band first met Jed at the Texas Scottish Festival in 2007, where they shared the stage at the Glenuig Tent with him (and his son Jamie, and friend Don Gabbert). It was one of those utterly-fortuitous, random encounters out of which grew a great friendship, and both the band and Jed (sometimes accompanied by Hugh Morrison) continue, to this date, to cross paths at festivals throughout the Midwest and North Texas. Jed’s repertoire is a delightful and diverse one that draws from the genres of Celtic, traditional American, and Civil War music as well as his original material. An accomplished songwriter, his writing evinces a keen interest in his personal history - from his Kilkenny Ireland ancestry to his family's Civil War accounts. Jed is most inspired by life's stories - like that of his great-great-grandparents, Michael and Ellen Joyce Marum. The background of their life became the backdrop of this charming song, which recounts the theme of a Union soldier marching off to war - heady with a bravado that gives way, in turn, to reflection and measured hope.

Lyrics

There is hope once again, carried on the wind, that our land will be free from despair. For there’s brave men and true marching off in blue into battle, their songs fill the air.

And I’m leaving in the morning light with those Massachusett boys. Fare thee well my own Acushnet River home, fare thee well my sweet Ellen Joyce.

I had tears from my Ma, blessings from my Pa, and I know I must bid you adieu. Though it grieves me to part, the burning in my heart is the love that I’ll carry for you.

And I’m leaving in the morning light, &c

When the battle is done and victory is won, and my soldiering days are all through… if the good Lord declared that I should be spared, I’ll return to New Bedford and you.

And I’m leaving in the morning light, &c